Yes, it’s 43 years ago tonight that the an An Unearthly Child was broadcast. The 30th and 40th anniversaries of Doctor Who passed whilst the show was off air, but right now, the franchise is looking incredible strong.

It would appear that over Christmas, we will have Torchwoods on Christmas and New Year’s eves, Doctor Who on Christmas Day, and Sarah Jane Adventures AND new 8th Doctor radio adventures on New Year’s day. With two current TV spin-offs, that will put Doctor Who on a par with the Law & Order and CSI series in the states (L&O has twice tried to add a fourth spin-off but twice failed). If you count the radio series, it’s ahead!

So a very happy birthday, Doctor.