Doctor Who has long been known for its ability to send shivers down the spines of even the most seasoned viewers. While it may seem surprising given the show’s iconic characters, such as the racist salt and pepper pots, the series has undeniably carved out a reputation for being one of the most frightening in British television history. In fact, in the UK, the show is often associated with children hiding behind sofas, trying to avoid the monstrous threats that the Doctor and his companions face.
This has sparked numerous debates over the years about which episode is the scariest. Is it The Caves of Androzani? Or perhaps Midnight? Some might argue that Blink is the clear choice. However, when it comes to the era of David Tennant, there’s one episode that stands out as a must-consideration: The Impossible Planet.
Premiering exactly 20 years ago on June 3, 2006, The Impossible Planet is widely regarded as one of the most chilling episodes of the Tenth Doctor’s run. Set in the distant future, the story follows the Doctor (David Tennant) and Rose (Billie Piper) as they land on an asteroid orbiting a black hole. What begins as a scientific mystery quickly spirals into a nightmare as the inhabitants are menaced by a supernatural presence that claims to predate time itself.
Asyia Iftikhar, a senior TV reporter and Doctor Who expert, shares her thoughts on the episode:
The Impossible Planet / The Satan Pit two-parter is some of the best Doctor Who ever produced, especially within Series Two. The body horror was enough to make my skin crawl as a child, but I couldn’t look away due to my morbid fascination. The image of a woman’s body flying beneath a black hole, another character smiling from outside the spaceship without an air helmet, the red eyes, and the writing on the skin—these moments still give me chills. I also appreciate how the episode delves into spiritual and religious themes. What is God, the universe, or the devil? It’s fascinating to explore these questions with young viewers, even if it can be slightly traumatic.
Essentially a haunted-house story set in space, The Impossible Planet is both a beautifully atmospheric tale and a gripping mystery. One moment that still lingers in my memory is when the unseen monster whispers to the tortured Toby Zed, saying, “It’s right behind you,” before possessing him.
Another highlight of the episode is the introduction of the fan-favourite aliens, the Ood. These creatures are among the most visually striking from the revived series.
Not only do fans remember the episode as one of Tennant’s scariest stories, but critics have also praised it. On IMDb, Theo Robertson wrote: “Nearly as terrifying as something like Alien. This truly has to be the first Dr Who episode that is not suitable for children.”
On Reddit, user A_Kind_Of_CineMagic commented: “It is a creepy, unnerving episode with some great scares but also great characterisation, great script, great acting and great production values.” Another user shared: “Honestly, it might be my favourite Doctor Who episode(s) of all-time. It’s bleak, high concept and pretty nostalgic. It’s between this and Midnight for me, there’s just something about the dread in the episode that not many episodes can achieve.”
Of course, not everyone shares the same opinion. On IMDb, Wetmars gave the episode a low rating of 3/10, stating: “I am sorry, I just don’t like this episode. It’s all boring and uninteresting.”
Ultimately, horror is subjective, and what terrifies one viewer might not affect another. However, The Impossible Planet remains a standout episode in the Doctor Who canon, remembered for its eerie atmosphere, philosophical depth, and unforgettable moments.
Doctor Who is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.
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