I think the fourth and sixth doctor audios tend to be the easiest to listen too but the seventh and eighth Doctor ones are the most interesting.

@chris_stokes

10 ай бұрын

That's interesting - I think the McGann ones are the most 'involving' because it's where his era in performed media pretty much exclusively lies.

@julieeverett7442

7 ай бұрын

not massively fond of 7th but yeah, 8th is fun. But then he is THE big finish doctor, existing almost exclusively in this area.

I love big finish but it does get expensive FAST! I try to take as much advantage of the sales as much as possible.

@chris_stokes

10 ай бұрын

Sometimes I can't quite believe how cheap certain things are in those sales, and they are pretty regular. I definitely browse every sale just in case

@HOTD108_

4 ай бұрын

​@@chris_stokesDo you typically buy the physical CD box sets or do you opt for just the digital downloads?

another thing to point out is that many of the big finish story’s are available free on spotify, apple music etc (first 50 of the main range, first series of the eighth doctor adventures as well as a few other bits like companion chronicles and the stage plays.)

Definitely agree with Spare Parts - even if you are not a Davison fan this is a must. And for me these days Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without The Chimes of Midnight.

@eichelbergergary

9 ай бұрын

great examples of how sometimes the BF scripts vastly outshine the BBC television stuff.

for those who's started with 11th doctor's era......just start with "Diary of River Song" she meets ALL of them at some point :P

@julieeverett7442

7 ай бұрын

not quite, River has not met 2nd war 9 and 13

The answer is go with.your favourite Doctor

@eichelbergergary

9 ай бұрын

or at least "Start" with your favorite doctor. ...listeners are often surprised to find that eras they were indifferent to on TV really come alive thanks to BF -- just test it out with the cheap stories to start anything new.

@HOTD108_

4 ай бұрын

That's a mighty cruel thing to say to us Peter Cushing fans. #YesWeExist

@nlrproductions8106

Ай бұрын

Or if you’re not a fan of Six. Pick up some of his story, The Sixth Doctor is written so much in Big Finish and fixes most of the problems that Sixth Doctor haters might have or had.

but beyond the nostalgia factor, BF has allowed significant world-building for individual Doctors and other characters who didn't get a full or fair shake on TV series. Colin Baker's Sixth Doctor now has excellent scripts and opportunities to shine and has become a top favorite for many listeners thanks to BF. HIs work is excellent - a well-deserved rehabilitation of his image in the role. The buildout of Paul McGann's characterization of 8 into full realization is one of BF's greatest gifts as both McGann and the 8th are magnificent. The first episode of Dark Eyes is terrific storytelling through audio, and Doom Coalition is just all-around terrific. For many long term BF listeners, McGann s often cited as their favorite doctor. Fingers crossed we get a TV spinoff version of 8, preferably in the Time War runup similar to the audios. This character's evolution into a darker, disillusioned doctor is incrediblly interesting and at times, heartbreaking. Likewise with the fuller telling of the War Doctor -- btoh Hurt's late stage War Doctor and Jonathan Carley's newly regenerated War Doctor. It really makes the character and the story of the Time War so much richer and interesting. Have to likewise throw in Derek Jacobi's War Master: he is a delight to listen to and the scripts have been top notch, even if the Time War itself is largely incidental to the specific stories.

For me it’s all about Paul McGann and the 8th Doctor! I’ve been listening to his stories for 10 years now, and he’s firmly in my Top 3 Doctor’s now. His acting and story arc are both captivating, he encompasses everything great about the Doctor. Noble, good, loyal to his friends, and with that edge of darkness that occasionally creeps in. Also lucky to have met the man at comic con a few years back and have a good chat with him.

Obviously you start with Zagreus! That's what I did and they still won't let me out in public.

@eichelbergergary

9 ай бұрын

that is funny...some people love it. For others, Zagreus and the plunge into divergent universe are a journey killer. Most listeners might appreciate the more mainstream approach which is closer to the TV show. I m working myself back up to re-trying Zagreus :) For those wo stumble at Divergent Universe, they might never make it to the platinum stuff that comes later.

@HOTD108_

4 ай бұрын

I'm pretty sure you're joking, but jokes aside, out of curiosity would Zagreus EVEN make sense if you aren't familiar with at least some of the stories before it first? That's like jumping into the Atlantic ocean when you've never swam before.

Even though I'm a long time Big Finish listener... This was useful to me. For example, I didn't know David Tennent made a cameo appearence in 'Jenny'. It's been a long time since I could afford the money or the time to get every BF Who release and I have for the last few years limited myself to TV Doctor's only. That's still quite a lot of money and quite a lot of listening time with just those! My personal advice to whovians wanting to dip their toes into BF is - pick your favourite TARDIS team and start with them. However, I would recommend the current on-going boxsets with the Sixth Doctor and Mel starting with Water Worlds - They are building a really nice story arc.

I love the nostalgia involved with the Third DOctor series and Jon Culshaw bringing the Brigadier to full realization is amazing. Some f the episodes have included Benson and Yates as well so they are akin to missing episodes for those who love the UNIT era. The abundance of Fourth Doctor is amazing and likewise capture their era remarkably. Tom Baker seems to reverse-aged the longer he plays the role in audio! Fifth doctor likewise very evocative of that era and Davison's acting skills are put on vivid display. Return of original companions also bolsters the era.

Have to agree with the War Doctor stuff being strong. Their recast for Hurt does such a good job that sometimes you could forget it's a voice double.

I'm no expert, but Holy Terror is a must

Big finish is amazing because from what I’ve listened too, about 150 out of the 2000ish audios from a bit of every range old and new it seems like the stories, performances and technical sides are never phoned it, everyone’s always giving there a game and while I’m not a big fan of some of it I’m always impressed with how much everyone cares

I’m currently listening to Paul McGann’s 8th Doctor stories as I would like to know what he’s been up to

@dogstaraycliffe

8 ай бұрын

Paul McGann's are my favorite Doctor Stories alongside The Dalek Empire series which would be my favourite overall favourite.

Good recommendations. Big Finish has recently confirmed that the first Fugitive Doctor box set will be released in January 2025, and Sacha Sacha Dhawan’s first “Call Me Master” box set will be released in February of the same year. While the Thirteenth Doctor has yet to debut on audio at Big Finish, Jodie Whittaker did return after filming "The Power of Doctor" to voice the character in episode 10 of the BBC Sounds spin-off “Doctor Who: Redacted.” So that's an option for her Doctor; Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker, Colin Baker, and Sylvester Mccoy have also done BBC audio Drams for anyone who is interested.

Another outstanding and comprehensive outing! Your thoroughness and attention to detail are much appreciated!

@chris_stokes

10 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! I do plan on splitting up the marathon with some longer videos like this, if I find a topic I want to talk for so long about!

I haven't watched the tv series since discovering big finish

On Apple Music, a good amount of Big Finish stories are available and while working I put on my headphones and listen to some. I started with a story I’ve heard all good things about, Jubilee. I loved it and choose to jump to the Eighth Doctor. I started with Storm Warning and I’m current on Neverland. Love big finish so far.

I’ve always wanted to get into the Big Finish Audios, so thanks for making this video!

I have recently decided it was at least time to look into Big Finish now that I (finally) was able to catch up to modern content and wanted something to listen to in my evenings. This greatly helps!

@chris_stokes

9 ай бұрын

Glad to be of assistance in some small way! Let me know how you get on!

These have also allowed for extensive character development of companions. Louise jameson is impressive in her many appearances and a much more enjoyable character, plus she is an excellent director of numerous episodes as well. Her interveiws are among the best in the recordings. The interviews in general that come with most episodes are terrific with their behind the scene look and discussions with all cast including the Doctors about doing the roles. The various series dealing with the Time War far outstrip anything done so far with that conflict on television. LIkewise with understanding Gallifrey. The imaginative potential of audio-only is exploited to maximum benefit by the excellence of production and high quality of acting.

I listen to a lot of big finish but this is still very useful... The only things I'll add is that a lot of their expenses universe stuff is great! Narvin, in particular, is my favourite character ever and the Gallifrey audios are absolutely incredible (if VERY continuity heavy). The same goes for the various Bernice Summerfield ranges. Also, Peri and the Piscon Paradox is one of the best DW stories ever. It's a companion chronicle featuring Peri with both the 5th and 6th doctors and saying anything more would spoil it.

To be strictly accurate - anywhere That's the thing Much like the television series - the audio plays reboot themselves with new storylines - companions - enemies and characters *constantly* Without the television series' central concept, mind you They *can't* regenerate any of the Doctors (outside of the odd AU setting) so they have to get *really* creative and Boy Howdy Do they get creative xD

@HOTD108_

4 ай бұрын

Supposedly the bi-generation in the 60th "went backwards up the timeline, splitting all the Doctors" according to a statement by RTD, which means Big Finish doesn't have to get creative like that anymore. Don't you just love all the drama inherent to regeneration being completely undone in one vicious slash? Of course, that information isn't actually stated in the show and is just something RTD said irl, which means it isn't technically canon (if we started taking irl writer comments as canon then the Cartmell master plan would suddenly become canon, among many other insane things, so let's not), however since RTD is still firmly in charge of the show going forward for a few more years at least, there's a non-zero chance that the bi-generation splitting all the Doctors backwards through time will be established explicitly on-screen. Brace yourselves.

Great video!!

Wow this was really helpful I loved it. But I want to know if I wanted some about certain villains like the master or the Daleks is there any that you'd recommend?

Just throwing another voice in for the Eleventh Doctor Chronicles starting with Geronimo; it’s like a full new 11th doctor series, and it’s brilliant! Dudman’s 11 is fantastic, Valarie Lockwood is an amazing companion, and there’s a lot of stories in those sets that rank for me up there with the best episodes of Smith’s run on TV!

I've been listening to the Legacy of Time box set and I gotta say that I need more 3rd Doctor audios in my life. Also, I might have to pick up the Once and Future range

As much as knowing where to start is something keeping me back from big finish, the cost of them is really the main thing. I just can't justify spending that much!

@Pokemaniac_101

Ай бұрын

A good chunk of them are free on Doctor Who's spotify page. The first 50 monthly stories, companion chronicles, and a handful of others. I've listened to the original run of 8 and Charley completely free through that as well as Spare Parts and Jubilee (from 5 and 6's runs)

I definitely just started with everything River Song was involved in and went from there. Now I'm hooked 😂 In general, pick your favorite character and see what they have to offer.

Somethings going on between the BBC and Big Finish. There was a time on the BF site where you could skip 5 years ahead and see nearly every release due out. I think I’m right in saying, there’re only about 12 listed for the next two years. My theory is RTD is a lot more hands on with approval than say Moffat or Chibnall

If you haven't already, do yourself a favor and listen to some of the short trips for doctors 1-3. Rise and Fall for 1, The last day at work for 2 and Walls of Confinement for 3 are some amazing ones to check out from the range

I actually listen to Big Finish more than watching any Doctor Who, I even prefer audio to TV. Sadly there are only a few quality youtubers who talk about these plays. Maybe you can review some once you're done with the TV series in 2034 in time for the 70th anniversary?

@chris_stokes

10 ай бұрын

I really want to. When the marathon has gained a bit more ground, I am planning to step out of it a bit more frequently to do other types of stuff. I don't see why some of that can't be Big Finish reviews.

@eichelbergergary

9 ай бұрын

as much as I detest gimmicky efforts to force us onto multi-platform, I think the TV series is now incomplete without the BF integration. The world-buildling done by BF provides fertile ground for TV scripts to build on (and which it badly needs). The Whoniverse is all one. (And far better than the Star Wars Universe buildout attempts which dumbs down the original and child-ifies it...whereas BF elevates Doctor Who's story toward full maturity. Doctor Who is no longer "just a kid's show" by a long shot- if it ever really was.)@@chris_stokes

Excellent guide! I've dipped in and out of BF over the years; really just cherry picking. I was initially drawn in by the attraction of 8th doctor stories (after Paul McGann's all too brief tenure on TV), beginning with An Earthly Child. Have since gone onto to some of the brilliant classic Doctor stories such as the brilliant Spare Parts. But BF is just so vast and overwhelming so its great to have a 50 minute synopsis of what to look out for. Thank you! :)

Great video

The trilogy of stories with Oliver Harper are superb and in my opinion are the best place to start.

Excellent video! I finally jumped in last year with the War Doctor box sets starring John Hurt and was not disappointed, definitely recommend. I then checked the first few volumes of the modern UNIT after seeing many positive opinions and found it fantastic, I really hope the rumored spin-off show takes some cues. Diary of River Song made me jump off a little though, I wasn't really enjoying volume 1, and Tenth Doctor Adventures volume 1 (Doctor-Donna hype) was surprisingly underwhelming for such a great duo. That said, if Big Finish ever manage to cram Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill in a room together, that's a day one purchase from me!

The war master was a good starting point imo

Can you do a video on stories most pertinent to modern/new Who please?

Good day. Where can one find the audio books? Is a platform we can pay to listen to them or must we purchase them? I've noticed some on Amazon are expensive. Thank you.

Just to let everyone know bbc sounds are releasing audio books adventures of the doctor starting with technophobia in November 6 and each day will have a portion of audio of the adventures with the total of 6 audio adventures of the doctor. This is for everyone including outside of the UK with no need of vpn. The content will be available for up to a year so enjoy it at your own pace and it’s free 😊😉

Where do you get your Doctor figures at?

43:00 Peter Capaldi dislikes doing audio dramas, he said it explicitly in 2021.

@1asset

3 ай бұрын

meh not only did i hate his doctor, i hated his husband in the fires of pompei. he is insect looking enough to come across as an alien type but i find his coldness as the doctor offputting

I've been trying to undertake a Doctor Who marathon, incorporating both Big Finish and TV series chronology. I've gotten as far as series two and needed a breather.

@VengaboysRbackINtown

10 ай бұрын

I don’t blame you, that sounds far too exhausting. Just jump around like I do. The gaps will fill themselves in eventually.

@eichelbergergary

9 ай бұрын

yup. just like the saying about eating the elephant: "one bite at a time." You run a marathon over time - a real commitment - not as a weekend Netflix binge.@@VengaboysRbackINtown

@eichelbergergary

9 ай бұрын

there is actually an episode guide out there online that attempts to integrate all media into a coherent timeline. But then gain, this is a story about the relativity of time...

@julieeverett7442

7 ай бұрын

I did a dr who marathon a year or 2 back ALL the doctors, Sarah Jane, and torchwwod. 8 hours a day, 7 days a week it took 34 days, trying to add AT LEAST 100 stories from the 4th doctor onwards, youd be looking for MONTHS!!!!!!!! If you can actually do it, good for you. SERIES 2? the 10th doctors? SEASON 2 is william Hartnell.

Big finish says the vashta Nevada was was released in 2017, but I can't find it on the site?

@chris_stokes

8 ай бұрын

It's part of the Classic Doctors New Monsters Vol. 2 set. If you search 'Classic Doctors New Monsters' you'll find it

@julieeverett7442

7 ай бұрын

day of the vashta nerada

I desperately want Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi in audios. I can understand why Peter Capaldi might not want to do it, but come on. You know you want to. They're two of my favorite Doctors of all time. I know Briggs would be willing to work with Capaldi to get whatever stories he wanted.

@Jepze158

3 ай бұрын

-You know you want to No he doesn't. He outright admitted he finds audio drama pain in the ass to make.

@1asset

3 ай бұрын

me. i'm so glad his doctor is gone

I love all of the multi-Doctor adventures. I doubt there will be a market for the Joe Martin Doctor.

In America how do we listen to them

What I was wondering: Has anyone ever considered a solo series about Romana?

@julieeverett7442

7 ай бұрын

theres a big one, Gallefry theres at least 34 stories so far

@valgardener7656

7 ай бұрын

@@julieeverett7442 Wow, that's . . . a lot!

@julieeverett7442

7 ай бұрын

@@valgardener7656 yes, good stories too

@valgardener7656

7 ай бұрын

@@julieeverett7442 Any suggestions on where to start?

@julieeverett7442

7 ай бұрын

Romana actually was first introduced in the 40th anniversary story, Zegraus, which I would NOT recommend as a first story, but the very first story is volume one, called Gallifrey, then just work from there. Romana is Lady president and has Leela as her bodyguard and advisor@@valgardener7656

I am very disappointed that you haven't mentioned for the 7th doctor colditz, or live 34 or 45 or the forge arc or a death in the family (the best doctor who story to ever be written in my opinion)or anything about the elder gods arc, or we are the daleks or you are the doctor , but still a great video

@chris_stokes

10 ай бұрын

I did mention Colditz. Death in the Family is great but so bogged down in continuity that it's hardly a good place to 'start'. This isn't a favourites list remember, it's which ones are good to get started with.

@Mohammedamine9.

10 ай бұрын

@@chris_stokes yah, i guess you're right

No interest in any replacement actors. There's just way too much and none of it is really canon. I have a handful but even if cheap, not going to get much more.

I wouldn't touch the fugitive "doctor" with a six foot pole

@Yickerd

10 ай бұрын

Wasn’t 6 widely disliked until Big Finish? Even if her place in the story wasn’t great if we get some standard Doctor Who adventures with her they could be great!

Nobody wants to see "the fugitive" doctor. Nor Jodie or the new guy. Nobody. William Hartnell is the first doctor