{{short description|2013 special episode of Doctor Who}} {{Use British English|date=January 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2026}} {{Infobox Doctor Who episode | number = 240 | serial_name = The Day of the Doctor | show = DW | type = episode | image = Doctor Who The Day of the Doctor.jpg | caption = Promotional poster | doctors = * Matt Smith – Eleventh Doctor * David Tennant – Tenth Doctor * John Hurt – War Doctor | companion = Jenna Coleman – Clara Oswald | guests = * Billie Piper – Rose Tyler{{refn|group=N|Although credited as playing Rose, Piper portrays the sentient conscience of "The Moment", a character using Rose's appearance in the form of the "Bad Wolf" persona.<ref name="Anglophenia"/>{{sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=30}}}} * Tristan Beint – Tom * Jemma Redgrave – Kate Stewart * Ingrid Oliver – Osgood * Chris Finch – Time Lord Soldier * Peter de Jersey – Androgar * Ken Bones – The General * Philip Buck – Arcadia Father * Sophie Morgan-Price – Time Lord * Joanna Page – Queen Elizabeth I * Orlando James – Lord Bentham * Jonjo O'Neill – McGillop * Tom Keller – Atkins * Aidan Cook, Paul Kasey – Zygons * Nicholas Briggs – Voice of the Daleks & Zygons * Barnaby Edwards, Nicholas Pegg – Daleks * John Guilor – Voice Over Artist * Peter Capaldi – Twelfth Doctor (uncredited) * Tom Baker – The Curator (uncredited) | director = Nick Hurran | writer = Steven Moffat | producer = Marcus Wilson | executive_producer = {{Unbulleted list|Steven Moffat|Faith Penhale}} | composer = Murray Gold | series = 2013 specials | length = 77 minutes<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01l1z04|title=The Day of the Doctor, Doctor Who – BBC One|website=BBC|access-date=25 December 2019|archive-date=20 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420105552/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01l1z04|url-status=live}}</ref> | date = {{Start date|2013|11|23|df=y}} | preceding = "The Name of the Doctor"{{refn<!-- Do not remove footnote -->|group=N|Also preceded by mini-episodes "The Night of the Doctor" and "The Last Day"}} | following = "The Time of the Doctor" }} "'''The Day of the Doctor'''" is a special episode of the BBC science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', broadcast on 23 November 2013 to commemorate the series's 50th anniversary. It was written by Steven Moffat, directed by Nick Hurran and produced by Marcus Wilson. Moffat and Faith Penhale served as executive producers. It stars series regulars Matt Smith and Jenna Coleman, with David Tennant and Billie Piper returning alongside John Hurt as a previously unseen incarnation of the Doctor.
In the episode, the War Doctor (Hurt) prepares to use a sentient superweapon called the Moment (Piper) to bring an end to the Time War between the Daleks and his own people, the Time Lords. The Moment introduces him to his future incarnations, the Tenth Doctor (Tennant) and Eleventh Doctor (Smith). With help from Clara Oswald (Coleman), the three Doctors uncover a Zygon plot in Elizabethan England whilst seeking a solution to the War Doctor's ethical dilemma. The guest cast include Joanna Page as Elizabeth I, Jemma Redgrave as Kate Stewart and Ingrid Oliver as Osgood.
"The Day of the Doctor" continued ''Doctor Who''{{'}}s tradition of "multi-Doctor" anniversary stories. The War Doctor was created for the special after Christopher Eccleston declined to return as the Ninth Doctor. It saw the first return of the shapeshifting Zygons who were introduced in the 1975 serial ''Terror of the Zygons''. The special was shot in 3D from March to May 2013. It contains various easter eggs and references to ''Doctor Who''{{'}}s 50 year history while introducing new incarnations of the Doctor and the return of his home planet Gallifrey, as part of Moffat's effort to "change the narrative" of the series.
The special was simultaneously broadcast in 94 countries, and was screened in cinemas both domestically and abroad. It achieved the ''Guinness World Record'' for the largest ever simulcast of a TV drama and won the Audience Award at the 2014 British Academy Television Awards. It was also nominated for the Ray Bradbury Award and the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form. The episode was watched by 12.8 million viewers in the UK and received positive reviews from critics.
==Plot== <!--Plot summaries should have no more than 400 words per MOS:TVPLOT--> In 2013,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Doctor Who – Day Of The Doctor (50th Anniversary Special) |url=https://www.bbc.com/writers/scripts/whoniverse/doctor-who/day-of-the-doctor |access-date=26 April 2026 |website=BBC |language=en-GB |quote=The Doctors embark on their greatest adventure in this 50th anniversary special. In 2013, something terrible is awakening in London's National Gallery; in 1562, a murderous plot is afoot in Elizabethan England; and somewhere in space an ancient battle reaches its devastating conclusion. All of reality is at stake as the Doctor's own dangerous past comes back to haunt him.}}</ref> the Eleventh Doctor and Clara Oswald are brought by military organisation UNIT head Kate Stewart to the National Gallery to investigate figures missing from three-dimensional paintings—a technology developed by the Doctor's people, the Time Lords. In 1562, an earlier incarnation of the Doctor, the Tenth Doctor, discovers that shapeshifting Zygons have infiltrated the court of Elizabeth I.
In the midst of the destructive Time War between the Time Lords and the Daleks, the War Doctor—an even earlier incarnation of the Doctor—plans to trigger a sentient superweapon called the Moment to destroy both sides. The Moment's humanoid interface, resembling Rose Tyler, opens a fissure bringing all three Doctors together to 1562 England. The Doctors discover that the Zygons are entering the three-dimensional paintings to freeze themselves in suspended animation. The Zygons break out of the paintings in 2013 and take the forms of UNIT staff, including Stewart, per their plan to colonise Earth with UNIT's advanced technology kept in the Tower of London.
The real Stewart confronts her Zygon double and starts a countdown for a nuclear warhead beneath the Tower that will destroy UNIT's technology along with London. The three Doctors, unable to land their TARDIS in the Tower, use the stasis technology to enter a painting which was relocated to the Tower. The Doctors use UNIT's mind-wiping equipment to make Stewart and her Zygon double temporarily unaware of their true identities. They stop the countdown and both sides negotiate a peace treaty.
The War Doctor, convinced that detonating the Moment will save more lives in the long term, returns to the Time War. The other Doctors follow him and reluctantly agree to shoulder the responsibility of destroying the Time Lords' planet Gallifrey, but Clara insists that there must be a peaceful solution. Aided by ten of their other incarnations, the Doctors use the stasis technology to attempt to suspend Gallifrey in a pocket universe. Gallifrey vanishes and the surrounding Dalek warships obliterate themselves in the crossfire.
The three Doctors and Clara return to the National Gallery, unsure whether their plan worked. After the War Doctor and Tenth Doctor leave, the Eleventh Doctor meets the National Gallery's elderly curator, who resembles the Doctor's fourth incarnation. He implies that Gallifrey was indeed saved but is now "lost". Reflecting on his dreams, the Eleventh Doctor vows to find Gallifrey and return home.
{{Blockquote|text="I have a new destination. My journey is the same as yours, the same as anyone's. It's taken me so many years, so many lifetimes, but at last I know where I'm going. Where I've always been going. Home, the long way round."|author=The Eleventh Doctor}}
==Cast== <!--PLEASE LEAVE CAST IN ORDER OF WHICH THEY WERE CREDITED. PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE -->
===The Doctor=== {{Multiple image | image1 = Matt Smith by Gage Skidmore 3.jpg | image2 = David Tennant (52816970481).jpg | image3 = John Hurt Cannes 2013.JPG | footer = Matt Smith, David Tennant and John Hurt portrayed three different incarnations of the Doctor.<ref name=":4"/> | total_width = 150 | direction = vertical }} * Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor, the incumbent incarnation of the Doctor when the special aired.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=McEwan |first=Cameron K. |date=9 May 2024 |title='Doctor Who' Doctors: Every Actor Who Has Played the Part |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/feature/doctor-who-doctors-every-actor-1235561944/ |access-date=8 April 2026 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US|archive-date=24 April 2026|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260424091835/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/feature/doctor-who-doctors-every-actor-1235561944/|orig-date=19 August 2023}}</ref> * David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor. Tennant headlined the series from 2005 to 2010.<ref name=":4" /> * John Hurt as the War Doctor,{{refn|group=N|Hurt's character is referred to as the "Other Doctor" in the script,{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=39}} though subsequent BBC media calls him the "War Doctor".{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|pp=20–21, 37, 93, 101}}}} a "forgotten" incarnation who fought in the Time War. Within the series's narrative, he is placed between the Eighth Doctor and Ninth Doctor. * Archive footage is used of Christopher Eccleston, Paul McGann, Sylvester McCoy, Colin Baker, Peter Davison, Tom Baker, Jon Pertwee, Patrick Troughton and William Hartnell as the Ninth, Eighth, Seventh, Sixth, Fifth, Fourth, Third, Second and First Doctor respectively; they are collectively credited as "The Doctor" alongside Smith, Tennant and Hurt.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=|pp=66–67, 94}} * John Guilor provided voice-over work for the First Doctor during the climactic Gallifrey sequence.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/underwire/2013/11/doctor-who-50th-anniversary/ |title=What Just Happened in Doctor Who? The Anniversary Special Explained |last=Kistler |first=Alan |magazine=Wired |date=26 November 2013 |access-date=28 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140409235744/http://www.wired.com/2013/11/doctor-who-50th-anniversary/|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 April 2014}}</ref>{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=66}} * Peter Capaldi is briefly seen in an uncredited appearance as the Twelfth Doctor; he took over the lead role from Smith in the following episode, "The Time of the Doctor" (2013).<ref name="who">{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-25070847 | title=Doctor Who fans watch 50th anniversary special | publisher=BBC News | work= | date=23 November 2013 | access-date=23 November 2013 | archive-date=9 September 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190909064232/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-25070847 | url-status=live }}</ref>{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|pp=9, 18, 65, 107, 149, 184}} * Tom Baker makes an uncredited appearance as the Curator, implied to be a future incarnation of the Doctor who has "revisited" the Fourth Doctor's form.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Britt |first=Ryan |date=11 December 2023 |title=10 Years Later, 'Doctor Who' Might Have Just Solved One Of Its Weirdest Mysteries |url=https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/doctor-who-day-of-the-doctor-the-giggle-curator-bi-generation |access-date=30 March 2026 |website=Inverse |language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260420214431/https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/doctor-who-day-of-the-doctor-the-giggle-curator-bi-generation|archive-date=20 April 2026|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Others=== * Jenna Coleman as Clara Oswald, the Eleventh Doctor's companion{{refn|group=N|The special was the first time Coleman was credited on the series as Jenna Coleman, rather than Jenna-Louise Coleman as in previous episodes.<ref name="Coleman">{{cite magazine |last=Jones |first=Paul |date=20 June 2013 |title=Doctor Who, Jenna Coleman and the mystery of the missing Louise |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-06-20/doctor-who-jenna-coleman-and-the-mystery-of-the-missing-louise |url-status=dead |magazine=Radio Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622022847/http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-06-20/doctor-who-jenna-coleman-and-the-mystery-of-the-missing-louise |archive-date=22 June 2013 |access-date=20 June 2013}}</ref>}} * Billie Piper as the likeness of Rose Tyler,<ref name="Anglophenia">{{cite web|first=Kevin|last=Wicks|url=http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2013/11/doctor-steven-moffat-explains-billie-pipers-role-50th/|title='Doctor Who': Steven Moffat Explains Billie Piper's Role in the 50th|publisher=BBC America|date=24 November 2013|access-date=25 November 2013|archive-date=3 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203004324/http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2013/11/doctor-steven-moffat-explains-billie-pipers-role-50th/|url-status=dead}}</ref> which is used by the Moment, a sentient Gallifreyan weapon of mass destruction. * Tristan Beint as Tom, a schoolteacher * Jemma Redgrave as Kate Stewart and her Zygon duplicate * Ingrid Oliver as Osgood, a UNIT scientist, and her Zygon duplicate * Chris Finch as a Time Lord soldier * Peter de Jersey as Androgar, a Time Lord * Ken Bones as The General, a Time Lord * Philip Buck as Arcadia father * Sophie Morgan-Price as a Time Lord * Joanna Page as Queen Elizabeth I and her Zygon duplicate * Orlando James as Lord Bentham * Jonjo O'Neill as McGillop and his Zygon duplicate * Tom Keller as Atkins * Aidan Cook and Paul Kasey as Zygons * Nicholas Briggs as the voice of the Daleks and the Zygons * Barnaby Edwards and Nicholas Pegg as Daleks
==Production== ===Development=== [[File:Steven Moffat - Lucca Comics and Games 2015.JPG|thumb|upright|Steven Moffat stated "The Day of the Doctor" was the episode he was most proud of as ''Doctor Who'' showrunner.<ref name="Radio Times Proud"/>]]
Head writer Steven Moffat was developing a commemorative 50th anniversary episode of ''Doctor Who'' as early as late 2011, when he stated the production team were "revving up for it".<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4tt1ZMK4KM |title=TINTIN writers Steven Moffat, Edgar Wright, Joe Cornish talk TINTIN & DOCTOR WHO 50th anniversary |date=2 November 2011 |last=Movies Ireland |access-date=29 March 2026 |via=YouTube}}</ref> He scripted the final episode of series 7, "The Name of the Doctor" (2013), to end with the Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith) entering his timestream to rescue Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman). Moffat had "no idea what [the Doctor would] find there. I just knew that whatever he found there would launch the 50th."<ref name="Coleman2">{{cite web|last=Mulkern|first=Patrick|title=Steven Moffat finally reveals why John Hurt replaced Christopher Eccleston in the Doctor Who 50th anniversary special|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2015-11-23/steven-moffat-finally-reveals-why-john-hurt-replaced-christopher-eccleston-in-the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-special|website=Radio Times|access-date=5 December 2015|date=23 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260320000728/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/steven-moffat-finally-reveals-why-john-hurt-replaced-christopher-eccleston-in-the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-special/|archive-date=20 March 2026|url-status=live}}</ref>
''Doctor Who'' traditionally celebrates its anniversaries with "multi-Doctor" stories.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Fullerton|first=Huw|date=27 September 2021|title=Doctor Who's 60th anniversary: What could Russell T Davies do in 2023?|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-60-2023-russell-t-davies/|access-date=9 November 2025|website=Radio Times|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260214012336/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-60-2023-russell-t-davies/|archive-date=14 February 2026|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=24}} All surviving actors who played the Doctor were invited to reprise their roles in ''The Three Doctors'' (1972–1973), "The Five Doctors" (1983){{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=18}} and ''Dimensions in Time'' (1993).<ref name=":62">{{Cite magazine |last=Lujan|first=Adam|date=14 December 2023|orig-date=18 July 2016|title=''Doctor Who'': Every Former Doctor Return Appearance, Ranked|url=https://ew.com/gallery/doctor-who-returning-doctors/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926201121/https://ew.com/gallery/doctor-who-returning-doctors/|archive-date=26 September 2024|access-date=|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|page=}}</ref> However, Moffat personally felt this was something of a false tradition as ''The Three Doctors'' aired a year ahead of the tenth anniversary.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=24}}<ref name="setchfield"/> He noted the impossibility of balancing eleven characters in a single storyline,<ref name="Anglophenia" /><ref name=":2" /> and also quipped in 2013 that a story with eleven Doctors is impossible as the three of the actors (William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton and Jon Pertwee) had died.<ref>{{Cite web|title='Doctor Who' Steven Moffat on 50th anniversary: "We can't do 11 Doctors"|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a498735/doctor-who-steven-moffat-on-50th-anniversary-we-cant-do-11-doctors/|website=Digital Spy|date=16 July 2013|access-date=30 January 2026|language=en-GB|last=Rigby|first=Sam}}</ref><ref name="setchfield">{{Cite magazine |last=Setchfield |first=Nick |date=December 2013 |editor-last= |editor-first= |title=Going for Gold |url= |magazine=SFX |pages=48–52 |issue=241}}</ref> Moffat wanted to focus on a key turning point in the Doctor's life which would "change the narrative" of the series and propel it into the next 50 years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeffery |first=Morgan |date=31 October 2013 |title=Steven Moffat on Doctor Who 50th twist: "We can change the narrative" |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a527856/steven-moffat-on-doctor-who-50th-twist-we-can-change-the-narrative/ |access-date=29 March 2026 |website=Digital Spy |language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260418163331/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a527856/steven-moffat-on-doctor-who-50th-twist-we-can-change-the-narrative/|archive-date=18 April 2026|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=25}} He decided this key moment would be the Doctor's destruction of his home planet Gallifrey in the Time War, an off-screen event cryptically referenced in previous series.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=25}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 November 2013 |title=Steven Moffat on Doctor Who's 50th: Gallifrey, Zygons and Billie Piper |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a533698/steven-moffat-on-doctor-whos-50th-gallifrey-zygons-and-billie-piper/ |access-date=29 March 2026 |website=Digital Spy |language=en-GB|last=Jeffery|first=Morgan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250814230823/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a533698/steven-moffat-on-doctor-whos-50th-gallifrey-zygons-and-billie-piper/|archive-date=14 August 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> His "first version" of the script primarily involved the Doctor's three most recent incarnations, as played by Smith, David Tennant and Christopher Eccleston.<ref name="Coleman2" />{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=25}} An incomplete draft, titled "Time War", was completed on 14 January 2013.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|pp=26–27}} Moffat did not produce any physical copies as a security precaution.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-03-18/steven-moffat-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-script-is-kept-under-lock-and-key |title=Steven Moffat: Doctor Who 50th anniversary script is kept under lock and key |last=Brown |first=David |date=18 March 2013 |work=Radio Times |access-date=19 October 2013 |archive-date=28 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028213818/http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-03-18/steven-moffat-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-script-is-kept-under-lock-and-key |url-status=dead}}</ref>{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=36}} On 17 February, Nick Hurran revealed that he would be directing the special.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=31}}
=== Casting === Due to the stress and anticipation surrounding the 50th anniversary, Moffat described the special's development as "a tough, tough time".<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Cook |first=Benjamin |author-link=Benjamin Cook (journalist) |date=July 2016 |title=The DWM Interview: Steven Moffat |url= |magazine=Doctor Who Magazine |location=Panini UK Ltd. |pages=56–64 |issue=500 |issn=0957-9818 }}</ref> As Coleman was initially the only performer contracted for the special, Moffat developed a substitute plotline where after the Doctor is wiped from existence, Clara encounters various alternative incarnations of the Doctor portrayed by famous guest stars. Smith and Tennant ultimately came on board,<ref name="thefanshow">{{Cite episode |title=Steven Moffat On Matt Smith's Era, Writing The 50th Anniversary & MORE! |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOfIIqb8Uhg |series=Doctor Who: The Fan Show |date=17 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260307181630/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOfIIqb8Uhg|archive-date=7 March 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=McEwan |first=Cameron K |date=26 July 2016 |title=Steven Moffat had a version of the 50th Anniversary with NO Doctors at all |url=https://www.doctorwho.tv/news/?article=steven-moffat-had-a-version-of-the-50th-anniversary-with-no-doctors-at-all |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018084442/https://www.doctorwho.tv/news/?article=steven-moffat-had-a-version-of-the-50th-anniversary-with-no-doctors-at-all |archive-date=18 October 2019 |access-date=2 April 2026 |work=Doctor Who |language=en-gb|url-status=live}}</ref> but Eccleston declined to reprise his role of the Ninth Doctor following meetings with Moffat.<ref name="Coleman2" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Jeffery|first=Morgan|date=5 April 2013|title='Doctor Who' 50th: BBC denies Christopher Eccleston 'quitting' rumors|url=http://www.digitalspy.com.au/british-tv/s7/doctor-who/news/a470766/doctor-who-50th-bbc-denies-christopher-eccleston-quitting-rumors.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509055548/http://www.digitalspy.com.au/british-tv/s7/doctor-who/news/a470766/doctor-who-50th-bbc-denies-christopher-eccleston-quitting-rumors.html|archive-date=9 May 2013|access-date=5 April 2013|website=Digital Spy|publisher=}}</ref> Eccleston explained in 2019 that the script did not do justice to the character; additionally he was still hurt by the BBC's actions during his tenure.<ref name=":46">{{Cite web|title=Christopher Eccleston turned down Doctor Who's 50th anniversary because it 'didn't do justice' to the Ninth Doctor|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/why-christopher-eccleston-turned-down-doctor-who-50th/|website=Radio Times|access-date=2 February 2026|language=en-GB|first=Huw|last=Fullerton|date=18 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260116192359/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/why-christopher-eccleston-turned-down-doctor-who-50th/|archive-date=16 January 2026|url-status=live}}</ref> Moffat pitched a solution to BBC higher-ups to excuse Eccleston's absence: "What if there was an incarnation of the Doctor none of us knew about? And, coincidentally, he was played by the most famous actor in the world?" John Hurt, Moffat's first choice to portray this incarnation,<ref name="Coleman2" /> accepted "with remarkable speed".<ref name="SFX Moffat 71113">{{cite web|first=Nick|last=Setchfield|url=http://www.sfx.co.uk/2013/11/07/exclusive-steven-moffat-talks-john-hurt-and-the-day-of-the-doctor/|title=Exclusive – Steven Moffat Talks John Hurt and The Day of the Doctor|work=SFX|date=7 November 2013|access-date=10 November 2013|archive-date=8 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131108171355/http://www.sfx.co.uk/2013/11/07/exclusive-steven-moffat-talks-john-hurt-and-the-day-of-the-doctor/|url-status=dead}}</ref> His incarnation, the War Doctor, is retroactively placed between Paul McGann's Eighth Doctor and Eccleston's Ninth Doctor.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Fullerton|first=Huw|date=22 March 2018|title=Steven Moffat publishes Christopher Eccleston version of the Doctor Who 50th anniversary script|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2018-03-22/steven-moffat-publishes-christopher-eccleston-version-of-the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-script/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926033848/https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2018-03-22/steven-moffat-publishes-christopher-eccleston-version-of-the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-script/|archive-date=26 September 2019|access-date=11 February 2026|work=Radio Times|language=en|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Radio Times">{{cite web |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-11-15/doctor-who-steven-moffat-clears-up-confusion-around-the-number-of-john-hurts-doctor|title=Doctor Who: Steven Moffat clears up confusion around the number of John Hurt's Doctor|work=Radio Times|date=15 November 2013|access-date=17 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714153459/https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-11-15/doctor-who-steven-moffat-clears-up-confusion-around-the-number-of-john-hurts-doctor/|archive-date=14 July 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> The War Doctor's battered costume signified that he was "a rougher, tougher Doctor" and Hurt's request to keep his beard added to this effect.<ref name="SFX Moffat 71113"/> Hurt's surprise cameo in the final scene of "The Name of the Doctor" was recorded by Hurran on 5 April 2013.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2018|p=107}}
{{Quote box | quote = "... it's very rare in ''Doctor Who'' that the story happens to the Doctor... In this, he is the story of the week. This is the day of the Doctor. This is his most important day. His most important moment. This is the one he'll remember, whereas I often think the Doctor wanders back to his TARDIS and forgets all about it." | author = Moffat in a 2013 interview with ''SFX''<ref name="setchfield"/> | align = left | width = 26% | salign = }}
Moffat included appearances from the Daleks, the series's most iconic villains, as well as the Zygons, fan-favourite monsters who had appeared only once before in the 1975 serial ''Terror of the Zygons''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Paul |date=22 October 2013 |title=Steven Moffat on the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special: Let Zygons be Zygons |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-10-22/steven-moffat-on-the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-special-let-zygons-be-zygons |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026074130/http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-10-22/steven-moffat-on-the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-special-let-zygons-be-zygons |archive-date=26 October 2013 |access-date=29 March 2026 |website=Radio Times |language=en}}</ref>{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=27}} The Zygons were played by Aidan Cook and Paul Kasey, who had both portrayed monsters in the series. Cook researched the movement of similar-looking bottom feeders at an aquarium for his Zygon performance.{{Sfn|Pixley|2014|p=22}} The Moment, a sentient superweapon, was not initially intended to be played by Billie Piper.<ref name=":1" /> Moffat wanted to include Piper as a nod to the series's 2005 revival, but was reluctant to bring back her character Rose Tyler since her storyline had already concluded.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=|pp=27, 30}}<ref name="Anglophenia"/> Piper and Tennant's involvement in the special leaked a few days before the official announcement as some subscribers to ''Doctor Who Magazine'' accidentally received their issue early.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dugan |first=Emily |date=31 March 2013 |title=Two Doctors get to meet in space and time |url=https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/tv/news/two-doctors-get-to-meet-in-space-and-time-8555345.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260202230731/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/two-doctors-get-to-meet-in-space-and-time-8555345.html |archive-date=2 February 2026 |access-date=25 May 2026 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Connelly |first=Brendan |date=30 March 2013 |title=David Tennant, Billie Piper And John Hurt Confirmed For Doctor Who 50th – UPDATED |url=https://www.bleedingcool.com/2013/03/30/report-david-tennant-billie-piper-and-john-hurt-to-be-confirmed-for-doctor-who-50th/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402050419/https://www.bleedingcool.com/2013/03/30/report-david-tennant-billie-piper-and-john-hurt-to-be-confirmed-for-doctor-who-50th/ |archive-date=2013-04-02 |access-date=2026-05-25 |work=Bleeding Cool |language=en-US}}</ref> Knowing that Smith would soon be leaving the series, Moffat also included a cameo from the as-yet-uncast Twelfth Doctor.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s7/doctor-who/news/a533647/doctor-who-moffat-on-capaldi-cameo-it-was-the-plan-from-the-start.html |title='Doctor Who' Moffat on Capaldi cameo: "It was the plan from the start" |last=Jeffrey |first=Morgan |date=25 November 2013 |website=Digital Spy |access-date=25 November 2013 |archive-date=25 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925004549/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s7/doctor-who/news/a533647/doctor-who-moffat-on-capaldi-cameo-it-was-the-plan-from-the-start.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Anglophenia" /> The first complete draft script, titled "Doctor Who: 50th Anniversary Special", was completed on 28 February 2013. The special was later retitled "The Day of the Doctor".{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|pp=18, 31}}
Jemma Redgrave portrayed UNIT head Kate Stewart and her Zygon duplicate. This was Redgrave's second appearance in the role after "The Power of Three" (2012).{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=39}}{{refn|group=N|The role was previously played by Beverley Cressman in the direct-to-video spin-off films ''Downtime'' (1995) and ''Dæmos Rising'' (2004).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Martin |first=Dan |date=22 September 2012 |title=Doctor Who: The Power of Three – series 33, episode four |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2012/sep/22/doctor-who-power-of-three |access-date=30 March 2026 |work=The Guardian |language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260217120957/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2012/sep/22/doctor-who-power-of-three|archive-date=17 February 2026|url-status=live}}</ref>}} Sophie Morgan-Price, who portrayed a Time Lord in the episode, was Redgrave's uncredited double for scenes when Stewart interacts with her Zygon duplicate.{{Sfn|Pixley|2014|p=29}}{{sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=|pp=62–63}} Joanna Page was cast as Queen Elizabeth I.{{Sfn|Pixley|2014|p=21}} Page is the third actress to portray Elizabeth I on ''Doctor Who'', following Vivienne Bennet in ''The Chase'' (1965) and Angela Pleasence in "The Shakespeare Code" (2007).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Queen Elizabeth {{!}} Explore the Whoniverse |url=https://www.doctorwho.tv/characters/queen-elizabeth |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260217150639/https://www.doctorwho.tv/characters/queen-elizabeth |archive-date=17 February 2026 |access-date=30 March 2026 |website=Doctor Who |language=en}}</ref> Ingrid Oliver was cast as the newly-introduced UNIT scientist Osgood—Moffat supposed that the character was related to UNIT officer Sergeant Osgood, played by Alec Linstead, from the 1971 serial ''The Dæmons''.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=|pp=29, 39}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Braxton |first=Mark |date=6 November 2009 |title=The Daemons ★★★★★ |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-guide/the-daemons/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520074938/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-guide/the-daemons/ |archive-date=20 May 2022 |access-date=17 May 2026 |website=Radio Times |language=en-GB}}</ref>
Tom Baker, who played the Fourth Doctor from 1974 to 1981, was cast as the mysterious "Curator" of the National Gallery, implied to be a future incarnation of the Doctor.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Jeffery |first=Morgan |date=25 November 2013 |title=Moffat on Tom Baker 'Doctor Who' cameo |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a533678/tom-baker-doctor-who-50th-cameo-was-irresistible-says-steven-moffat/ |access-date=29 March 2026 |website=Digital Spy |language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260415194350/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a533678/tom-baker-doctor-who-50th-cameo-was-irresistible-says-steven-moffat/|archive-date=15 April 2026|url-status=live}}</ref> Baker considered turning down the role, but was convinced by then-producer Caroline Skinner with the promise he could "tamper with the script".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Farrar |first=Leah |date=16 April 2014 |title=Tom Baker is happy Doctor Who cameo upset former stars |url=https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/tom-baker-is-happy-his-doctor-who-cameo-upset-former-stars |access-date=29 March 2026 |website=Glamour UK |language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120101540/https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/tom-baker-is-happy-his-doctor-who-cameo-upset-former-stars|archive-date=20 January 2025}}</ref> Moffat stated it was "irresistible" for the anniversary special to feature Baker, as the longest-serving and oldest actor to play the Doctor.<ref name=":2" /> In 2017, Moffat stated that "The Day of the Doctor" was the episode he was most proud of from his time as showrunner.<ref name="Radio Times Proud">{{Cite web |last=Mulkern |first=Patrick |date=10 December 2017 |title=Doctor Who: Steven Moffat interview part 3 – the highs and lows |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-steven-moffat-interview-matt-smith/ |access-date=26 March 2026 |website=Radio Times |language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250822140714/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-steven-moffat-interview-matt-smith/|archive-date=22 August 2025|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Multiple image | image1 = Jenna Coleman by Gage Skidmore.jpg | image2 = Billie_Piper_2016_(cropped).jpg | footer = Jenna Coleman and Billie Piper, who portrayed the Doctor's companions, appeared in the episode, though Piper portrayed the Moment rather than reprising her role as Rose Tyler.{{sfn|Ainsworth|2016|pp=30, 94}} | total_width = 340 | direction = horizontal }}
===Principal photography=== The BBC had trialled 3D broadcasting since summer 2011, and it was decided that "The Day of the Doctor" would be recorded and broadcast in 3D.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=|pp=26, 28}} ''Doctor Who''{{'}}s 30th anniversary special, ''Dimensions in Time'', had similarly been filmed in 3D.<ref name=":62" /> Moffat incorporated three-dimensional elements into the script, such as the Gallifreyan paintings and Clara's motorbiking into the TARDIS, to highlight the medium.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=26}}
On 13 March 2013, Caroline Skinner stepped down as ''Doctor Who''{{'}}s executive producer, with Faith Penhale taking over the position.<ref name="EP13">{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2013/caroline-skinner.html | title=Caroline Skinner steps down as Executive Producer of Doctor Who | publisher=BBC | work=Media Centre | date=18 March 2013 | access-date=14 March 2013 | archive-date=25 March 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325215549/https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2013/caroline-skinner.html | url-status=dead |orig-date=13 March 2013}}</ref> Filming was set to begin on 18 March but pushed back to 27 March,<ref name=":12">{{cite magazine |title=David Tennant & Billie Piper return! |page=7 |editor-last=Spilsbury |editor-first=Tom |editor-link=Tom Spilsbury |magazine=Doctor Who Magazine |publisher=Panini UK Ltd |issue=459 |date=May 2013 |issn=0957-9818 }}</ref> which was dedicated to 3D camera tests and additional content.{{sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=38}} Principal photography began on 28 March at ''Doctor Who''{{'}}s production base at Roath Lock Studios in Cardiff. The first three days of recording included scenes set in the National Gallery and the Eleventh Doctor's TARDIS. Exterior filming began on 2 April at the Ivy Tower in Tonna, Neath, with the Tenth Doctor and Elizabeth I's horse riding sequence. Tennant found it difficult to recapture his Doctor's performance until he re-watched "The Stolen Earth"/"Journey's End" (2008).{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|pp=44–49, 65}} The three actors playing the Doctor first assembled on 3 April to shoot TARDIS scenes and the ending dream sequence.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|pp=49–50}} The dream sequence with twelve Doctors was achieved with stand-ins wearing original costumes.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Cavanagh |first=Gareth |date=6 December 2013 |title=Doctor Who: Day of the Doctors – A VFX Interview with Milk |url=https://www.skwigly.co.uk/doctor-who-day-of-the-doctors-visual-effects-interview/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251209105448/https://www.skwigly.co.uk/doctor-who-day-of-the-doctors-visual-effects-interview/ |archive-date=9 December 2025 |access-date=16 May 2026 |website=Skwigly Animation Magazine}}</ref> Hurt's character was named "Omega" on call sheets to prevent plot leaks.{{sfn|Pixley|2014|p=23}}
{{Multiple image | image1 = Roath Lock BBC studios - Geograph-2901332.jpg | image2 = Trafalgar Square, London 2 - Jun 2009.jpg | image3 = Chepstow Castle (4197).jpg | footer = Filming took place at Roath Lock Studios, Trafalgar Square and Chepstow Castle.{{sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=65}} | direction = vertical | align = right }}
The TARDIS was filmed on Gelligaer Common Road in Bedlinog on 4 April. Part of the opening action sequence was shot on 6 April at MOD St Athan.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|pp=50–51, 65}} Production subsequently moved to London. Coleman, Redgrave and Oliver shot scenes at the Tower of London on 8 April.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|pp=51–52}}<ref name="DS-09Apr13">{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s7/doctor-who/news/a471638/doctor-who-50th-video-jenna-louise-coleman-jemma-redgrave-on-set.html |first=Morgan |last=Jeffery |title='Doctor Who' 50th video: Jenna-Louise Coleman, Jemma Redgrave on set |website=Digital Spy |date=9 April 2013 |access-date=9 April 2013 |archive-date=26 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926030654/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s7/doctor-who/news/a471638/doctor-who-50th-video-jenna-louise-coleman-jemma-redgrave-on-set.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On the morning of 9 April, Smith hanged from the crane-hoisted TARDIS above Trafalgar Square as part of the special's opening action sequence. The public shoot attracted massive crowds and was reported on prominently in the media.<ref>{{cite news |first=Robert |last=Dex |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/matt-smith-lands-the-tardis-lands-in-trafalgar-square-for-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-episode-8566273.html |title=Matt Smith lands the Tardis lands in Trafalgar Square for Doctor Who 50th anniversary episode |newspaper=The Independent|date=9 April 2013 |access-date=22 April 2013 |archive-date=21 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921182927/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/matt-smith-lands-the-tardis-lands-in-trafalgar-square-for-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-episode-8566273.html |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|pp=51–52}} From 10 to 12 April, production filmed the 1562 forest scenes in Caerwent Training Area in Monmouthshire.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|pp=53, 65}} Production returned to Cardiff; interior scenes set at the National Gallery were shot at the National Museum of Wales on 15 April.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=54}} Filming took place at the ''Doctor Who'' Experience the next day, where the Tenth Doctor's TARDIS set was located.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=56}} The production undertook a location shoot at Chepstow Castle in Monmouthshire on 17 April. The castle remained open to the public and various journalists attended filming.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|pp=56–57}}
Billie Piper joined the production at Cardiff on the following day.{{sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=|pp=57, 65}} From 18 April to 1 May, production took place solely at Roath Lock. The dungeon, barn, Black Archive and War Room scenes were shot during this period.{{sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=|pp=57–63, 65}} Tom Baker's scene was shot on 26 April. The production implemented various measures to prevent his presence from leaking: the set was closed, his character was not listed on the day's call sheet, and he was collected from his East Sussex home at 1.30am so he would not have to stay at a Cardiff hotel overnight.{{sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=|pp=61–62}} Despite these measures, Baker revealed his casting to ''The Huffington Post'' only a few days before the episode's broadcast: "I am in the special. I'm not supposed to tell you that, but I tell you that very willingly and specifically; the BBC told me not to tell anybody but I'm telling you straight away."<ref>{{cite news |first=Aaron |last=Sagers |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/aaron-sagers/exclusive-tom-baker-to-ap_b_4295773.html |title=Exclusive: Tom Baker to Appear in 'Doctor Who' 50th Anniversary Special |work=The Huffington Post |date=20 November 2013 |access-date=9 January 2023 |archive-date=18 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190318151305/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/aaron-sagers/exclusive-tom-baker-to-ap_b_4295773.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
The opening shot of the special, set outside Coal Hill School in London, was shot in Cardiff on 2 May.<ref>{{cite web |first=Stephen |last=Kelly |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-05-03/spoilers-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-filming-pictures-suggest-nod-to-first-ever-episode |title=Spoilers! Doctor Who 50th anniversary filming pictures suggest nod to first ever episode |publisher= |date=3 May 2013 |access-date=6 May 2013 |archive-date=21 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055643/http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-05-03/spoilers-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-filming-pictures-suggest-nod-to-first-ever-episode |url-status=dead |website=Radio Times}}</ref>{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=|pp=63, 65}} The final two days of principal photography took place across 3 and 4 May at the Mamhilad Park Estate in Pontypool, a derelict factory which was used to depict the ruins of Arcadia.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=|pp=64–65}} Hurran's main reference for the Arcadia battle sequence was ''The Terminator'' (1984).<ref name=":8" /> On 3 October, Peter Capaldi shot his cameo as the Twelfth Doctor during production for "The Time of the Doctor".{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=65}}
=== Special and visual effects === Producer Marcus Wilson involved special effects artist Mike Tucker and his company The Model Unit early on, off the back of their model work on previous episodes such as "The Christmas Invasion" (2005) and more recently "Cold War" (2013). The team produced miniature effects for the Time War sequences, including shots of the Time Lord staser cannon and the War Doctor's TARDIS bursting through a wall to destroy Daleks.<ref name=":9">{{cite web|first=Neil|last=Oseman|url=https://neiloseman.com/the-miniature-effects-of-the-day-of-the-doctor/|title=The Miniature Effects of 'Day of the Doctor'|publisher=|date=4 December 2013|access-date=6 May 2026|archive-date=15 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215162507/http://neiloseman.com/?p=4698|url-status=live|website=Neil Oseman}}</ref>{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=54}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 June 2022 |title=Credits |url=https://themodelunitlegacy.wordpress.com/credits/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211220638/https://themodelunitlegacy.wordpress.com/credits/ |archive-date=11 December 2024 |access-date=17 May 2026 |website=The Model Unit |language=en}}</ref> The Model Unit conducted model tests using the Dalek Emperor model at the ''Doctor Who'' Experience.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=|pp=53–54}} Off-the-shelf 18-inch interactive Dalek toys produced by Character Options were adapted to more closely match the screen-used props. Using Dalek toys as filming models had also been a common technique during ''Doctor Who'''s classic era. Model filming took place at Roath Lock across 13 and 14 April 2013, with the miniatures shot in high-speed 3D—a first for British television drama.<ref name=":9" />{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=|pp=53–54, 65}}
Milk VFX produced 129 visual effects shots for the special. These included the Fall of Arcadia, the 3D paintings and the space-time portals.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=66}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 October 2023 |title=Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Episode: The Day of the Doctor – Milk Visual Effects |url=https://www.milk-vfx.com/our-work/doctor-who-day-of-the-doctor/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203070534/https://www.milk-vfx.com/our-work/doctor-who-day-of-the-doctor/ |archive-date=3 December 2023 |access-date=17 May 2026 |website=Milk Visual Effects |language=en-US}}</ref> The episode took longer than usual to post-produce, since every visual effect shot had to be created in 3D and thus rendered twice.<ref>{{cite web|first=Morgan|last=Jeffery|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/british-tv/s7/doctor-who/news/a460534/doctor-who-steven-moffat-on-50th-theres-more-than-one-60-minute-film.html|title='Doctor Who' Steven Moffat on 50th: 'There's more than one 60-minute film'|website=Digital Spy|date=21 February 2013|access-date=19 October 2013|archive-date=20 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020133712/http://www.digitalspy.com/british-tv/s7/doctor-who/news/a460534/doctor-who-steven-moffat-on-50th-theres-more-than-one-60-minute-film.html|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Sfn|Pixley|2014|p=18}}<ref name=":8" /> VFX supervisor Murray Barber noted that "little things that in 2D would take you a day, in stereo they take two and half."<ref name=":8" /> The team updated pre-existing CG models of the Daleks, Dalek saucers and Gallifrey Citadel, though the Dalek Pods were newly created for the episode in a design collaboration with the BBC Art Department.{{Sfn|Pixley|2014|p=18}}<ref name=":8" /> The team found creating the 3D paintings conceptually challenging, as the effect needed to work for viewers watching in both 3D and 2D mediums.<ref name=":8" />
Millennium FX developed a Zygon transformation prosthetic, while Jellyfish Pictures created the transformation sequence. BlueBolt provided an alien planet exterior shot.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=|pp=61, 66}} The VFX team at BBC Wales created the hologram effects in the Gallifreyan War Room.<ref name=":8" />
== Continuity references == As ''Doctor Who''{{'}}s 50th anniversary special, "The Day of the Doctor" contains several references to previous stories. The opening scene heavily references the series's first episode "An Unearthly Child" (1963), with the original title sequence leading into a shot of a policeman walking past an "I.M. Foreman" sign. Clara works at Coal Hill School, a key location in that episode, and the school's sign also references past figures: Ian Chesterton, a companion of the Doctor introduced in "An Unearthly Child", and W. Coburn, a nod to writer Anthony Coburn. Clara departs the school at 5:16pm, the time that "An Unearthly Child" was broadcast.<ref name="callbacks">{{cite web |url=http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2013/11/doctor-13-best-callbacks-references-day-doctor/ |title='Doctor Who': The 13 Best Callbacks and References in 'The Day of the Doctor' |last=Patrick |first=Seb |work=Anglophenia |publisher=BBC America |date=25 November 2013 |access-date=30 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923004242/https://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2013/11/doctor-13-best-callbacks-references-day-doctor/ |archive-date=23 September 2020 |url-status=dead}}</ref>{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=|pp=61, 63–64}}
The Time War was referenced in previous episodes, albeit never outright shown on screen.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=25}} The Doctor mentioned his presence at the Fall of Arcadia in "Doomsday" (2006).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blair |first=Andrew |date=26 April 2024 |title='I Was There at the Fall of Arcadia' and Other Throwaway Lines that Transformed Doctor Who |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/throwaway-lines-that-transformed-doctor-who/ |access-date=31 March 2026 |website=Den of Geek |language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518023853/https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/throwaway-lines-that-transformed-doctor-who/|archive-date=18 May 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> The Moment, originally mentioned in ''The End of Time'' (2009–2010),{{Sfn|Wright|2017|p=12}} takes the form of "Bad Wolf", an omnipotent being which manifested in Rose Tyler during "The Parting of the Ways" (2005).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mulkern |first=Patrick |date=17 June 2013 |title=Bad Wolf/The Parting of the Ways ★★★★★ |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-guide/bad-wolfthe-parting-of-the-ways/ |access-date=31 March 2026 |website=Radio Times |language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222061519/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-guide/bad-wolfthe-parting-of-the-ways/|archive-date=22 February 2026|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Anglophenia" />
[[File:Elizabeth I (Armada Portrait).jpg|thumb|"The Day of the Doctor" concludes a running gag about Elizabeth I's marriage which was first established in "The Shakespeare Code" (2007).<ref name="callbacks" />]]
An older Queen Elizabeth I ordered the Tenth Doctor's execution in "The Shakespeare Code" (2007), and both ''The End of Time''{{Sfn|Wright|2017|p=21}}<ref name="callbacks" /> and "The Beast Below" (2010) alluded to a marriage between the characters. "The Day of the Doctor" retroactively explains these earlier references when the Tenth Doctor accidentally courts, marries and then abandons the Queen.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=27}}<ref name="callbacks" />{{Sfn|Pixley|2014|p=|pp=15, 18}}
Fan controversy over when UNIT stories took place is alluded to in Kate Stewart's dialogue when she mentions that the events of ''The Three Doctors'' (1972–1973) occurred either in "the '70s or '80s depending on the dating protocol".{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=36}}<ref name="callbacks" /> Stewart asks for a report code-named "Cromer", referencing the events of ''The Three Doctors'', in which the Brigadier mistakes an alternative universe for the coastal Norfolk town.{{Sfn|Pixley|2014|p=24}}{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=36}}
UNIT's Black Archive, which was introduced in ''The Sarah Jane Adventures'' story ''Enemy of the Bane'' (2008),<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Fourth Dimension – The Day of the Doctor |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4cDhBdvjxfMXJvgHrbr1rnK/the-fourth-dimension |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908214422/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4cDhBdvjxfMXJvgHrbr1rnK/the-fourth-dimension |archive-date=8 September 2015 |access-date=1 April 2026 |website=BBC |language=en-GB}}</ref> contains props from previous episodes, such as River Song's high heels from "The Time of Angels"/"Flesh and Stone" (2010), the Magna-Clamps from "Doomsday", a Supreme Dalek head from "The Stolen Earth"/"Journey's End", a Cyberman head, a Dalek tommy gun from "Daleks in Manhattan"/"Evolution of the Daleks" (2007), Amy Pond's sonic probe from "The Girl Who Waited" (2011), a clockwork robot face mask from "The Girl in the Fireplace" (2006){{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=59}} and Jack Harkness's vortex manipulator. A pinboard with photos of several of the Doctor's companions is seen.<ref name="callbacks" /> {| class="wikitable" |+ !Dialogue in "The Day of the Doctor" !Callback !{{Refh}} |- |"Reverse the polarity" |Third Doctor's catchphrase |<ref name="callbacks" /> |- |"I'm the Doctor. I'm a Time Lord..." |Tenth Doctor in "Voyage of the Damned" (2007) |{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=35}} |- |"Timey-wimey" |Tenth Doctor in "Blink" (2007) |{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=40}}{{Sfn|Pixley|2014|p=24}} |- |"Oh you've redecorated! I don't like it." |Second Doctor in ''The Three Doctors'' (1972–1973); repeated in "The Five Doctors" (1983) and "Closing Time" (2011) |<ref name="callbacks" />{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=50}} |- |"...wheezing, groaning sound" |Description of TARDIS noise in various novelisations |{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=43}} |- |"Never cruel nor cowardly. Never give up. Never give in." |Terrance Dicks in ''The Making of Doctor Who'' (1976): "He never gives in and he never gives up, however overwhelming the odds against him... He is never cruel or cowardly." |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cult Television – Top Scientist Vote – The Doctor |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/scientists/doctorwho.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126041955/http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/scientists/doctorwho.shtml |archive-date=26 January 2021 |access-date=31 March 2026 |website=BBC}}</ref>{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=43}} |- |"I didn't know when I was well-off. All twelve of them." |Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart in ''The Three Doctors'' |<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bleedingcool.com/2013/11/23/fifty-thoughts-about-doctor-who-the-day-of-the-doctor/ |title=Fifty Thoughts About Doctor Who: The Day Of The Doctor (Update) |last=Johnston |first=Rich |author-link=Rich Johnston |publisher=Bleeding Cool |date=23 November 2013 |access-date=7 December 2013 |archive-date=25 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131125201920/http://www.bleedingcool.com/2013/11/23/fifty-thoughts-about-doctor-who-the-day-of-the-doctor/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |"Wearing a bit thin." |First Doctor in ''The Tenth Planet'' (1966) |<ref name="callbacks" /> |- |"It's good to know my future is in safe hands." |First Doctor in "The Five Doctors" | rowspan="2" |{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=54}} |- |"I don't want to go." |Tenth Doctor in ''The End of Time'' (2009–2010) |}
==Marketing== ===Minisodes=== {{external media |float=right |video1=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U3jrS-uhuo "The Night of the Doctor"] |video2=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eem2Ehq_xBI "The Last Day"] |video3=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loGm3vT8EAQ '50 Years' Trailer] |video4=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mkq8pnvsnQg "The Day of the Doctor": The TV Trailer] |video5=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7z6FMCqYrBo "The Day of the Doctor": The Second TV Trailer] }} Shortly after principal photography ended, two prequel mini-episodes written by Moffat, both focusing on the Time War, were recorded at Roath Lock Studios.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=|pp=64–65, 84–85, 97}}{{Sfn|Pixley|2014|pp=7–9, 37}} "The Night of the Doctor", released online on 14 November, saw Paul McGann reprise the role of the Eighth Doctor on screen for the first time since his debut in ''Doctor Who'' (1996). In the minisode, the Eighth Doctor is temporarily resurrected by the Sisterhood of Karn in the aftermath of a spaceship crash, and persuaded to regenerate into a warrior-like incarnation (the War Doctor) to take action to end the Time War.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=|pp=4, 84}}{{Sfn|Pixley|2014|p=|pp=7–9}} "The Last Day", released on 20 November, depicts found footage of a Gallifreyan soldier killed by a Dalek in the Fall of Arcadia. Chris Finch reprised his role from "The Day of the Doctor" as a Time Lord soldier.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=|pp=30, 57–58, 64–65, 73, 85, 97}}{{Sfn|Pixley|2014|p=37}}
===Trailers=== [[File:Matt Smith, Jenna Coleman & Steven Moffat (9362647023).jpg|thumb|Matt Smith, Jenna Coleman and Steven Moffat at the 2013 San Diego Comic-Con, where the first trailer was publicly screened{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=74}}]]
The first trailer for the special was shown to attendees of San Diego Comic-Con in July 2013.<ref>{{cite web |first=Charlie Jane |last=Anders |url=http://io9.com/the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-trailer-is-an-amazing-t-860043589 |title=The Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Trailer is an Amazing Thrill Ride |publisher=io9 |date=21 July 2013 |access-date=26 July 2013}}</ref>{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=74}} The BBC's decision not to immediately release the trailer online for viewing by UK audiences was met with controversy.<ref>{{cite web |first=Stephen |last=Kelly |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-07-22/doctor-whos-50th-anniversary-trailer-should-uk-fans-have-seen-it-first |title=Doctor Who's 50th anniversary trailer: should UK fans have seen it first? |publisher= |date=22 July 2013 |access-date=26 July 2013 |archive-date=13 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113112818/http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-07-22/doctor-whos-50th-anniversary-trailer-should-uk-fans-have-seen-it-first/ |url-status=dead |website=Radio Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Mark |last=Jefferies |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-07-23/what-harm-would-putting-the-doctor-who-50th-trailer-up-on-a-bbc-website-do-now |title=What harm would putting the Doctor Who 50th trailer up on a BBC website do now? |publisher= |date=23 July 2013 |access-date=26 July 2013 |archive-date=25 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725184833/http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-07-23/what-harm-would-putting-the-doctor-who-50th-trailer-up-on-a-bbc-website-do-now |url-status=live |website=Radio Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Alex |last=Fletcher |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s7/doctor-who/news/a500281/doctor-who-fans-angry-at-comic-con-exclusive-50th-anniversary-video.html |title='Doctor Who' fans angry at Comic-Con exclusive 50th anniversary video |publisher= |date=22 July 2013 |access-date=26 July 2013|website=Digital Spy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725052829/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s7/doctor-who/news/a500281/doctor-who-fans-angry-at-comic-con-exclusive-50th-anniversary-video.html|archive-date=25 July 2013}}</ref> On 26 July, the BBC responded to criticisms by stating the trailer was intended to be exclusive to Comic-Con attendees and that UK-exclusive content would be forthcoming.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=26 July: Press statement issued – trail for Doctor Who 50th anniversary episode |date=26 July 2013 |publisher=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/helpandfeedback/corrections_clarifications/260713_bbcccstatements_doctorwho.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730083225/https://www.bbc.co.uk/helpandfeedback/corrections_clarifications/260713_bbcccstatements_doctorwho.html |archive-date=30 July 2013}}</ref> The special's title was revealed on 10 September.<ref name="Title">{{cite web |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-09-10/doctor-who-50th-anniversary-special-title-revealed |title=Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special title revealed |author= |publisher= |date=10 September 2013 |access-date=10 September 2013 |archive-date=15 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715181300/https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-09-10/doctor-who-50th-anniversary-special-title-revealed/ |url-status=dead |website=Radio Times}}</ref>
Red Bee Media produced a promotional "50 Years" trailer, directed by Matt Losasso and produced by Carrie Hart, which emphasised the episode's 3D nature. The trailer features no footage from "The Day of the Doctor", instead moving through a series of frozen scenes showcasing characters and props from ''Doctor Who''{{'}}s 50-year history. Principal photography took place at Stage 1 of Black Island Studios, London, from 15 to 16 August 2013, with stand-ins portraying key characters, over whom the original actors' features were placed. Footage of Smith and Coleman was captured on 2 September in London, while Smith's narration was recorded on 5 October during recording of "The Time of the Doctor". The appearance of William Hartnell, based on a black-and-white still from ''The Web Planet'' (1965), marks the first time an image of the actor has been presented in high-resolution colour.{{sfn|Pixley|2014|p=12}}{{sfn|Ainsworth|2016|pp=75–77, 119}} Framestore visual effects supervisor Oliver Bersey used the software Flame to recreate the camera's movement and add various frozen props.<ref name="Framestore" />
[[File:Doctor Who 50 years trailer William Hartnell.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The "50 Years" trailer features the first image of William Hartnell presented in high-resolution colour.{{sfn|Pixley|2014|p=12}}|left]]
The BBC teased the "50 Years" trailer on 28 September<ref name="BBC Stings" /> before formally announcing it on 19 October alongside a promotional image of all eleven Doctors.<ref name="BBC" /><ref name="Bleeding Cool" /> The trailer aired on BBC One later that day<ref name="BBC" /> and was subsequently released on YouTube,<ref name="io9" /> where it received almost one million views within two days.<ref name="Campaign" /> ''The Verge''{{'}}s Ellis Hamburger called it "essential viewing for any ''Doctor Who'' fan",<ref name="Verge Easter Eggs" /> and ''Radio Times'' felt it "was the sort of thing that could only have been made for a fanbase as fervent as ''Doctor Who''{{'}}s".<ref name="Radio Times Teaser" /> The trailer ended with the promotional hashtag #SaveTheDay, which subsequently trended on Twitter.<ref name="Radio Times React" />{{sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=77}}<ref>{{cite web |first=Simon|last=Brew |url=http://www.denofgeek.com/tv/doctor-who/27488/bbc-releases-picture-teaser-sting-for-the-day-of-the-doctor|title=BBC releases picture, teaser sting for The Day of the Doctor |publisher=Dennis Publishing Limited |date=28 September 2013 |access-date=29 September 2013|website=Den of Geek|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001234512/https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/doctor-who/27488/bbc-releases-picture-teaser-sting-for-the-day-of-the-doctor|archive-date=1 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> A one-minute "Original British Drama trailer" aired on BBC One on 19 October.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=78}} On 7 November, a video starring Smith in character as the Eleventh Doctor was released promoting the hashtag and promising exclusive content.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X80Xq-sHwIw |title=Hashtag. What's a hashtag? {{!}} #SaveTheDay -- Doctor Who -- BBC |date=7 November 2013 |last=Doctor Who |access-date=17 May 2026 |via=YouTube}}</ref>{{sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=80}} A website, ''doctorwhosavetheday.com'', was also launched.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.doctorwhosavetheday.com/ | title=Show Your Support for the Doctor and Unlock Sneak Previews of the 50th Anniversary Special | publisher=BBC | date=7 November 2013 | access-date=8 November 2013 | archive-date=3 December 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203053804/http://www.doctorwhosavetheday.com/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>
On Friday 8 November, a Facebook page for BBC Latin America leaked a Spanish-dubbed clip from the episode.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brandom |first=Russell |date=8 November 2013 |title=BBC announces 'Doctor Who: Day of the Doctor' worldwide air dates as new trailer leaks |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/11/8/5082496/a-new-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-trailer-has-leaked |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250815093213/https://www.theverge.com/2013/11/8/5082496/a-new-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-trailer-has-leaked |archive-date=15 August 2025 |access-date=17 May 2026 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Peck |first=Matthew Wace |date=10 November 2013 |title=Day of the Doctor: Second trailer released early |url=http://digitaljournal.com/article/361862 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110220258/http://digitaljournal.com/article/361862 |archive-date=10 November 2013 |access-date=28 November 2013 |website=Digital Journal}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Drewett |first=Meg |date=11 November 2013 |title='Who' anniversary clip to air on BBC CiN |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/cult/a530144/doctor-who-anniversary-episode-clip-to-air-on-bbc-children-in-need/ |access-date=17 April 2026 |website=Digital Spy |language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824052122/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/cult/a530144/doctor-who-anniversary-episode-clip-to-air-on-bbc-children-in-need/|archive-date=24 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> A 40-second trailer was released on 9 November.<ref name=":6" /> An 80-second trailer was released on 10 November.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=81}} On 10 and 11 November, certain BBC One idents were "interrupted" by short clips of Smith in character as the Eleventh Doctor.{{Sfn|Pixley|2014|p=32}} A clip from the episode was shown during the BBC's ''Children in Need'' telethon on Friday 15 November.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zn9Ss9rZMcU |title=The Day of the Doctor: A Preview – BBC Children in Need: 2013 |date=15 November 2013 |last=BBC |access-date=17 April 2026 |via=YouTube}}</ref> On 20 November, an exclusive clip of the War Doctor meeting the Moment was shown on The One Show. On 22 November, ''The Graham Norton Show'' aired an exclusive clip of the Tenth and Eleventh Doctors arguing in the dungeon. A further 30 seconds' worth of clips were also released by the BBC on the same date.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=|pp=84–87}}
"The Day of the Doctor" was not screened for the press prior to transmission. Moffat stated "If you're going to do a simulcast, everyone should see it at once, rather than the press getting to see it a few days in advance... This one is for the fans. They see it first."{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=82}}
=== Convention === To celebrate the 50th anniversary of ''Doctor Who'', the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Celebration Weekend was held at ExCeL London from 22–24 November. Various ''Doctor Who'' cast and crew, both past and contemporary, were in attendance to promote "The Day of the Doctor".{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=|pp=85, 88}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 March 2013 |title=Doctor Who 50th Celebration Weekend announced for November |url=https://www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-features/doctor-who-50th-celebration-weekend-announced-for-november |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260116095051/https://www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-features/doctor-who-50th-celebration-weekend-announced-for-november |archive-date=16 January 2026 |access-date=19 May 2026 |website=Doctor Who}}</ref>
==Broadcast and reception== thumb|400px|Countries that screened "The Day of the Doctor" simultaneously. {{legend|#2A7FFF|Countries that screened on TV.}} {{legend|#00F|Countries that screened in cinemas.}} {{legend|#000080|Countries that screened both on TV and in cinemas.}} ===Television=== In order to avoid plot leaks,<ref name="DigiSpy">{{cite news | url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a501432/doctor-who-50th-anniversary-to-be-simulcast-worldwide-to-avoid-leaks/ |title='Doctor Who' 50th anniversary to be simulcast worldwide to avoid leaks | work=Digital Spy| date=26 July 2013 | access-date=|last=Harris|first=Jamie|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116221243/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a501432/doctor-who-50th-anniversary-to-be-simulcast-worldwide-to-avoid-leaks/|archive-date=16 November 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=75}} "The Day of the Doctor" was simultaneously broadcast in 94 countries<ref name="BBCN_24th">{{cite news|title=Millions tune in for Doctor Who 50th anniversary show|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-25076912|access-date=24 November 2013|work=BBC News|date=24 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251228135423/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-25076912|archive-date=28 December 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> at 7:50pm GMT on 23 November 2013;<ref>{{cite tweet|user=bbcdoctorwho|author=Doctor Who Official|number=398821472006713344|date=8 November 2013|title=Breaking News: #DoctorWho: The Day of the Doctor is on @BBCOne at 7:50pm on Saturday, 23 November. #SaveTheDay}}</ref>{{sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=88}} 50 years to the day since the broadcast of "An Unearthly Child".<ref>{{cite web |last=Bahn |first=Christopher |date=5 June 2011 |title=Doctor Who (Classic): "An Unearthly Child" |url=https://www.avclub.com/doctor-who-classic-an-unearthly-child-1798168500 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216204545/https://tv.avclub.com/doctor-who-classic-an-unearthly-child-1798168500 |archive-date=16 February 2018 |access-date=16 February 2018 |work=The A.V. Club |publisher=Onion, Inc.}}</ref><ref name=":12" /> In the UK, the special was broadcast on BBC One,<ref name="BBCN_24th" /> with a 3D simulcast available via the BBC HD Red Button service.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Monkey |date=22 November 2013 |title=Doctor Who takes on new dimension with 3D 50th anniversary episode |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/nov/22/doctor-who-3d-50th-anniversary-episode |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131123095600/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/nov/22/doctor-who-3d-50th-anniversary-episode |archive-date=23 November 2013 |access-date=17 May 2026 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pryde |first=Alix |date=22 November 2013 |title=Taking the Doctor to the next dimension |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/aboutthebbc/posts/Taking-the-Doctor-to-the-next-dimension |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205040625/http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/aboutthebbc/posts/Taking-the-Doctor-to-the-next-dimension |archive-date=5 December 2013 |access-date=17 May 2026 |website=BBC |language=en-GB}}</ref>
Foreign broadcasters included Yle (Finland), Fox (Germany), Carousel (Russia), NKS (Russia), ABC (Australia), Space (Canada), BBC America (United States) and BBC Entertainment (Poland). The latter broadcaster also aired the episode in Latin America, Africa and Asia.{{sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=77}} "The Day of the Doctor" achieved the ''Guinness World Record'' for "the world's largest ever simulcast of a TV drama".<ref name="BBCN_24th" />{{refn|group=N|This record was broken by the simulcast of "Kitty" (2014), an episode of the American television series ''CSI: Crime Scene Investigation'', to 171 countries on 4 March 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wagmeister |first=Elizabeth |date=10 March 2015 |title='CSI' Breaks Guinness World Record for Largest TV Drama Simulcast of All Time |url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/csi-guinness-world-record-largest-tv-drama-simulcast-1201449911/ |access-date=17 April 2026 |website=Variety |language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007001251/https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/csi-guinness-world-record-largest-tv-drama-simulcast-1201449911/|archive-date=7 October 2024}}</ref>}}
The broadcast was followed by the live programme ''Doctor Who Live: The Afterparty'' on BBC3, which was criticised in the media for ignoring former ''Doctor Who'' cast members brought onto the programme,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mulkern |first=Patrick |date=24 November 2013 |title=A Day in the Life of Doctor Who: a 50th anniversary review |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-guide/a-day-in-the-life-of-doctor-who-a-50th-anniversary-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260308012125/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-guide/a-day-in-the-life-of-doctor-who-a-50th-anniversary-review/ |archive-date=8 March 2026 |access-date=2026-05-20 |website=Radio Times |language=en-GB}}</ref> as well as for incongruously including a live cross with members of One Direction.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Monkey |date=26 November 2013 |title=One Direction add another dimension to Doctor Who debacle |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/nov/25/one-dimension-doctor-who-matt-smith |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250716023907/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/nov/25/one-dimension-doctor-who-matt-smith |archive-date=16 July 2025 |access-date=20 May 2026 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McCallum |first=Nicholas |date=24 November 2013 |title=One Direction in disastrous live link to Dr Who special |url=https://www.9news.com.au/entertainment/one-direction-and-dr-who-fans-shocking-live-link/8caad289-fa11-4ef6-b3c0-6a51c5a70834 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021001301/https://www.9news.com.au/entertainment/one-direction-and-dr-who-fans-shocking-live-link/8caad289-fa11-4ef6-b3c0-6a51c5a70834 |archive-date=21 October 2021 |access-date=20 May 2026 |website=Nine News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bryan |first=Scott |date=24 November 2013 |title=One Direction Were Interviewed During The "Doctor Who" Afterparty And It Was A Hilarious Disaster |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/scottybryan/this-one-direction-interview-during-the-doctor-who-afterpart |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525092119/https://www.buzzfeed.com/scottybryan/this-one-direction-interview-during-the-doctor-who-afterpart?utm_term=.hkoRoXX7X#.qyKVGNNEN |archive-date=25 May 2016 |access-date=20 May 2026 |website=BuzzFeed}}</ref> The comedy short film ''The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot'' (2013) was also released on the BBC Red Button service.<ref name="telegraph">{{Cite news |first=Ben|last=Lawrence|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/tv-and-radio-reviews/10470797/The-Fiveish-Doctors-Reboot-BBC-Red-Button.html|title=The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=24 November 2013|access-date=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130220958/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/tv-and-radio-reviews/10470797/The-Fiveish-Doctors-Reboot-BBC-Red-Button.html|archive-date=30 November 2024|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Why is November 23rd Doctor Who Day?|url=https://www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-features/why-is-november-23rd-doctor-who-day|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251109005436/https://www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-features/why-is-november-23rd-doctor-who-day|archive-date=9 November 2025|access-date=31 January 2026|website=Doctor Who|language=en|url-status=live}}</ref> The film follows fictionalised versions of Peter Davison, Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy as they attempt to sneak onto the set of "The Day of the Doctor".<ref name=":82">{{cite web |last=Jeffery|first=Morgan|date=26 November 2013|title='Doctor Who': The inside story on 'The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot'|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s7/doctor-who/tubetalk/a533941/doctor-who-the-inside-story-on-the-fiveish-doctors-reboot.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126185402/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a533941/doctor-who-the-inside-story-on-the-fiveish-doctors-reboot/|archive-date=26 January 2025|access-date=26 November 2013|website=Digital Spy|publisher=}}</ref>
=== Cinemas === "The Day of the Doctor" screened in 1,559 cinemas internationally.<ref name="BBCN_24th" />{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=90}} 834 cinemas screened the episode in 3D.{{sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=88}} In the UK and Ireland, the episode was released in Cineworld, Vue, Odeon and Picturehouse cinemas.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=20 October 2013 |title=The Day of the Doctor to be shown in 3D in cinemas worldwide |url=https://www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-features/the-day-of-the-doctor-to-be-shown-in-3d-in-cinemas-worldwide |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260213221412/https://www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-features/the-day-of-the-doctor-to-be-shown-in-3d-in-cinemas-worldwide |archive-date=13 February 2026 |access-date=16 May 2026 |website=Doctor Who |language=en}}</ref>{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=78}} It screened in 106 cinemas across Australia and New Zealand. 30 German cinemas and up to 50 Russian theatres debuted the episode.<ref name=":7" /> It was screened in Cinemark 3D theatres in Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama and Peru.<ref name="Mexico">{{cite web | url=http://www.cinepremiere.com.mx/32652-doctor-who-tendra-estreno-en-cines-en-mexico-latinoamerica.html | title=¡Doctor Who tendrá estreno en cines 3D en México! | work=cinepremiere.com.mx | language=es | date=24 October 2013 | access-date=20 April 2014 | author=Itzel Hernández Valladares, Clara|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030100608/http://www.cinepremiere.com.mx/32652-doctor-who-tendra-estreno-en-cines-en-mexico-latinoamerica.html|archive-date=30 October 2013}}</ref> It also screened in Denmark via the CinemaxX chain.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=80}} It aired in Cineplex cinemas in Canada.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |date=22 October 2013 |title=North American cinemas join The Day of the Doctor |url=https://www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-features/north-american-cinemas-join-the-day-of-the-doctor |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260107083454/https://www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-features/north-american-cinemas-join-the-day-of-the-doctor |archive-date=7 January 2026 |access-date=17 May 2026 |website=Doctor Who}}</ref> It screened on 600 screens in the United States<ref name=":10">{{cite web|first=Nick|last=Setchfield|url=http://www.sfx.co.uk/2013/11/27/the-day-of-the-doctor-triumphs-at-us-box-office/|title=The Day Of The Doctor Triumphs At US Box Office|work=SFX|date=27 November 2013|access-date=30 November 2013|archive-date=30 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131130094325/http://www.sfx.co.uk/2013/11/27/the-day-of-the-doctor-triumphs-at-us-box-office|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=91}} via AMC, Cinemark and Regal.<ref name=":11" />
Cinema screenings included an introductory sketch featuring Dan Starkey as Sontaran commander Strax and Hurt, Tennant and Smith as the Doctors.{{sfn|Ainsworth|2016|pp=78–79}}{{sfn|Pixley|2014|p=38}}
===Critical reception=== {{TV ratings <!-- Aggregate scores -->| aggregate1 = Rotten Tomatoes<br>(Tomatometer) | aggregate1score = 100%<ref name="Rotten Tomatoes">{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/doctor_who/s07.3|title=Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor (50th Anniversary Special)|work=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=8 March 2020}}</ref> | aggregate2 = Rotten Tomatoes<br>(Average Score) | aggregate2score = 9.41<ref name="Rotten Tomatoes" /> <!-- Reviewers -->| rev1 = ''IGN'' | rev1Score = 9.3<ref name="ign">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251114004043/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/11/23/doctor-who-the-day-of-the-doctor-review|archive-date=14 November 2025|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/11/23/doctor-who-the-day-of-the-doctor-review|title=Doctor Who: "The Day of the Doctor" Review|first=Matthew|last=Looker|website=IGN|orig-date=23 November 2013|date=17 June 2024|access-date=10 November 2018}}</ref> | rev2 = ''New York Magazine'' | rev2Score = {{rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vulture.com/2013/11/doctor-who-recap-season-7-episode-15.html |title= Doctor Who Recap: All the Doctors |first=Ross |last=Ruediger |website=Vulture |date= 26 December 2014 |access-date= 10 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215023720/https://www.vulture.com/2013/11/doctor-who-recap-season-7-episode-15.html |archive-date=15 December 2013}}</ref> | rev3 = ''PopMatters'' | rev3Score = {{rating|7|10}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.popmatters.com/review/178473-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-special-the-day-of-the-doctor/ |title=Three Doctors, One Special, and a Big (Blue) Box of Surprises! |first=Evan |last=Sawdey |website=PopMatters |date=23 January 2014 |access-date= 10 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251006180546/https://www.popmatters.com/178473-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-special-the-day-of-the-doctor-2495693229.html|archive-date=6 October 2025}}</ref> | rev4 = ''Radio Times'' | rev4Score = {{rating|5|5}}<ref name="rt review"/> | rev5 = ''The A.V. Club'' | rev5Score = A−<ref name="av club"/> | rev6 = ''The Daily Telegraph'' | rev6Score = {{rating|5|5}}<ref name="thetelegraph"/> | rev7 = ''TV Fanatic'' | rev7Score = {{rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127084504/http://www.tvfanatic.com/2013/11/doctor-who-review-day-of-the-doctor/|archive-date=27 November 2013|url=http://www.tvfanatic.com/2013/11/doctor-who-review-day-of-the-doctor/|title=Doctor Who Review: The Warrior, The Hero and The Doctor|first=Carissa|last=Pavlica|website=TV Fanatic|date=23 November 2013|access-date=10 November 2018}}</ref> | rev1score = }} "The Day of the Doctor" received critical acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, the special has 100% approval rating based on 18 reviews, and an average rating of 9.41/10. The website's critical consensus reads, "''Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor'' is a joyous marker in the series, uniting two of the most beloved Time Lords and setting them together on a rousing adventure full of crowd-pleasing nods and winks."<ref name="Rotten Tomatoes"/> Ben Lawrence of ''The Daily Telegraph'' gave the special five stars, calling it "charming, eccentric and very, very British."<ref name="thetelegraph">{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/tv-and-radio-reviews/10469945/Doctor-Who-The-Day-of-the-Doctor-BBC-One-review.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/tv-and-radio-reviews/10469945/Doctor-Who-The-Day-of-the-Doctor-BBC-One-review.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor, BBC One, review |last=Lawrence |first=Ben |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=23 November 2013 |access-date=24 November 2013 }}{{cbignore}}</ref> Jon Cooper of the ''Daily Mirror'' gave the episode five stars, stating that it "not only gives hardcore fans a beautiful reinvention of their favourite show but also gives casual viewers a stonking story and a reminder why we all love this show so much."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-reviews/day-doctor-review-celebration-remembrance-2845185 |title=The Day of the Doctor review: Celebration and remembrance – we got both |last=Cooper |first=Jon |website=Daily Mirror |date=23 November 2013 |access-date=24 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227055615/https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-reviews/day-doctor-review-celebration-remembrance-2845185|archive-date=27 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
''SFX'' gave the episode five out of five stars, noting that it was not perfect but those were "churlish niggles". Despite the non-linear structure and numerous references to the series's past, ''SFX'' called the story itself "surprisingly simple". It praised the three Doctors and stated the special linked the past, present, and future of the show.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sfx.co.uk/2013/11/25/doctor-who-the-day-of-the-doctor-tv-review/|title=Doctor Who "The Day of the Doctor" TV Review|work=SFX|date=25 November 2013|access-date=30 November 2013|archive-date=6 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006103940/http://www.sfx.co.uk/2013/11/25/doctor-who-the-day-of-the-doctor-tv-review/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Chris Taylor of Mashable noted the episode is "one designed to please fans and newcomers alike," and that it "shows why the Doctor is finding his way into ever more homes and hearts."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mashable.com/2013/11/23/doctor-who-review-the-day-that-changed-everything/ |title='Doctor Who' Review: The Day That Changed Everything |last=Taylor |first=Chris |publisher=Mashable |date=23 November 2013 |access-date=24 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251114225914/https://mashable.com/archive/doctor-who-review-the-day-that-changed-everything|archive-date=14 November 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> Dan Martin of ''The Guardian'' praised the episode, stating that it "couldn't possibly live up to expectations. And it didn't – it exceeded them." He commended Hurt's performance and acknowledged that "a multi-Doctor story was a necessary but dangerous move".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Martin |first=Dan |date=25 November 2013 |title=Doctor Who recap: The Day of the Doctor |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2013/nov/25/the-day-of-the-doctor-doctor-who-recap |access-date=26 April 2026 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127063723/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2013/nov/25/the-day-of-the-doctor-doctor-who-recap|archive-date=27 November 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
Simon Brew of ''Den of Geek'' praised the special, calling it "terrific", and stating that it was "pulsating with comedy, ambition, and top to bottom entertainment." However, he commented negatively on the conclusion of the Zygon subplot, stating it "just fizzled out a little, after a strong build up", and felt that the retcon of the Doctor saving Gallifrey felt "like years of darkness was sort-of sorted out in 20 minutes (albeit with no little gravitas)".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/doctor-who-the-day-of-the-doctor-review/ |title=Doctor Who: The Day Of The Doctor review |last=Brew |first=Simon |publisher= |date=23 November 2013 |access-date=24 November 2013 |archive-date=25 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131125200021/http://www.denofgeek.com/tv/doctor-who/28336/doctor-who-the-day-of-the-doctor-review |url-status=live |website=Den of Geek}}</ref> Alasdair Wilkins of The A.V. Club praised Hurt and noted that the episode is "the story of all the different kinds of person that the Doctor can be, and what they mean to the universe, not to mention to each other." He also questioned whether Gallifrey's resurrection undermined past episodes.<ref name="av club">{{cite news |url=http://www.avclub.com/review/the-day-of-the-doctor-105925 |title=Doctor Who: "The Day Of The Doctor" |last=Wilkins |first=Alasdair |newspaper=The A.V. Club |date=23 November 2013 |access-date=7 December 2013 |archive-date=7 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207163705/http://www.avclub.com/review/the-day-of-the-doctor-105925 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Patrick Mulkern of the ''Radio Times'' stated the episode was "brilliant, if uneven in pace" and lauded Hurt's casting, though admitted that Eccleston's return would have worked better.<ref name="rt review">{{cite web |url= https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-11-23/the-day-of-the-doctor |title= The Day of the Doctor ★★★★★ |first=Patrick |last=Mulkern |website=Radio Times |date=23 November 2013 |access-date=10 November 2018|archive-date=8 March 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260308080128/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-guide/the-day-of-the-doctor/|url-status=live}}</ref> ===Ratings=== [[File:Matt Smith, Jenna Coleman, Steven Moffat (24 November 2013).jpg|thumb|4,000 attendees watched "The Day of the Doctor" live at the official ''Doctor Who'' 50th Anniversary Celebration Weekend, which was held at ExCeL London from 22–24 November.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=|pp=85, 88}}]] Overnight figures revealed that the episode had a total of 10.18 million live viewers in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.sfx.co.uk/2013/11/24/doctor-who-the-day-of-the-doctor-overnight-ratings/ |title=Doctor Who "The Day of the Doctor" Overnight Ratings |last=Golder |first=Dave |magazine=SFX |date=24 November 2013 |access-date=25 November 2013 |archive-date=27 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127074818/http://www.sfx.co.uk/2013/11/24/doctor-who-the-day-of-the-doctor-overnight-ratings |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="BBCN_24th" /> When time-shifted viewers were taken into account, the figure rose to a total of 12.8 million viewers.{{sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=91}} "The Day of the Doctor" was the most requested programme ever on BBC iPlayer in 24 hours, with 1.27 million requests, which rose to 2.9 million by 3 December 2013.<ref name="most watched">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/doctorwho/articles/Doctor-Who-50th-is-the-Most-Watched-Drama-in-2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329235933/http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/doctorwho/entries/ef1574ba-3a01-3d70-ad00-87782c08e2c2|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 March 2016|title=Doctor Who 50th is the Most Watched Drama in 2013|publisher=BBC|date=3 December 2013|access-date=8 December 2013}}</ref> It was named the most-watched drama of 2013 based on consolidated viewing figures.<ref name="most watched" />{{sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=91}} The episode received an Appreciation Index of 88.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.doctorwhonews.net/2013/11/day-of-doctor-appreciation-index.html|title=Day of the Doctor – Appreciation Index|publisher=Doctor Who News|date=25 November 2013|access-date=8 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250228224107/https://www.doctorwhonews.net/2013/11/day-of-doctor-appreciation-index.html|archive-date=28 February 2025|url-status=live}}</ref>
Its live simulcast on BBC America had a total audience of 2.4 million viewers, briefly becoming the largest audience in the channel's history<ref name=":5">{{cite magazine|first=James|last=Hibberd|url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/11/25/doctor-who-ratings-day/|title='Doctor Who' ratings break BBC America record|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=25 November 2013|access-date=30 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214132429/http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/11/25/doctor-who-ratings-day/|archive-date=14 February 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> until the broadcast of "The Time of the Doctor".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Britt |first=Ryan |date=16 March 2023 |title=The 3 Regenerations That Made 'Doctor Who' a Sci-Fi Smash |url=https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/doctor-who-regeneration-history |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260129224800/https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/doctor-who-regeneration-history |archive-date=29 January 2026 |access-date=17 May 2026 |website=Inverse |language=en}}</ref> Despite its 6.50am AEST start time, 424,000 Australian viewers (five city metro audience, all people) watched the live simulcast on ABC1. Another 922,000 watched the repeat at 7:30pm. The episode received an additional 51,000 plays on ABC iview in a single day.<ref name="smh">{{cite web|first=Scott|last=Ellis|url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/doctor-who-sets-world-record-with-the-day-of-the-doctor-20131125-2y51a.html|title= Doctor Who sets world record with The Day of the Doctor |work=Sydney Morning Herald |date=25 November 2013|access-date=27 November 2013|url-access=subscription|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140523014208/https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/doctor-who-sets-world-record-with-the-day-of-the-doctor-20131125-2y51a.html|archive-date=23 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=David|last=Knox|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2013/11/doctor-who-deleted-scene-guinness-world-record.html|title=Doctor Who: iview plays, deleted scene, Guinness World record.|website=TV Tonight|date=25 November 2013|access-date=8 December 2013|archive-date=26 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131126172138/http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2013/11/doctor-who-deleted-scene-guinness-world-record.html|url-status=live}}</ref> 134,400 New Zealand viewers watched the episode on Prime, which was its most-watched show for the day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.throng.co.nz/2013/11/tv-ratings-24-november-2013/|title=TV Ratings: 24 November 2013|work=Throng|access-date=28 October 2014|archive-date=3 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203041228/http://www.throng.co.nz/2013/11/tv-ratings-24-november-2013/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Worldwide, cinema screenings brought in $10.2 million at the box office.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thewrap.com/dr-anniversary-special-averages-hunger-games-catching-fire-box-office/ |title='Doctor Who' Anniversary Theatrical Run Scores $10.2M at Worldwide Box Office |last=Cunningham |first=Todd |publisher=The Wrap |date=27 November 2013 |access-date=28 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260212131047/https://www.thewrap.com/dr-anniversary-special-averages-hunger-games-catching-fire-box-office/ |archive-date=12 February 2026 |url-status=live}}</ref> "The Day of the Doctor" was the third biggest UK box office draw for its weekend, taking in £1.8 million at 440 cinemas.{{sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=91}} It made USD$4.8 million in the United States,<ref name=":10" /> where it was ranked the number two movie of 25 November 2013. The special placed third that weekend at the Australian box office, making AUD$1.5 million, and second at the New Zealand box office, making NZD$187,000.{{sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=91}} 4,000 attendees watched "The Day of the Doctor" live at ExCeL London.{{sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=88}}{{sfn|Pixley|2014|p=37}}
The simulcast generated 442,692 tweets on Twitter, peaking at 12,939 tweets per minute during the episode's opening moments.<ref name="most watched" /><ref>{{cite tweet|user=SecondSync|author=SecondSync|number=404344226655133696|date=23 November 2013|title=Over 200k Tweets so far for #TheDayOfTheDoctor #DrWho|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309070640/https://twitter.com/SecondSync/status/404344226655133696|archive-date=9 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===Awards and nominations=== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" ! scope="col" |Award ! scope="col" |Date of ceremony ! scope="col" |Category ! scope="col" |Result ! scope="col" class="unsortable"|{{Abbr|Ref.|References}} |- ! scope="row" |British Academy Television Craft Awards |27 April 2014 |Special, Visual And Graphic Effects |{{Won}} | align="center" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=TV Craft / Special, Visual And Graphic Effects |url=https://www.bafta.org/awards/tvcraft/special-visual-and-graphic-effects/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260108004210/https://www.bafta.org/awards/tvcraft/special-visual-and-graphic-effects/ |archive-date=8 January 2026 |access-date=17 May 2026 |website=BAFTA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=28 April 2014 |title=Peaky Blinders and Doctor Who win at Bafta TV Craft Awards |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2014/apr/28/peaky-blinders-and-doctor-who-win-at-bafta-tv-craft-awards |url-status=live |access-date=17 May 2026 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429095026/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2014/apr/28/peaky-blinders-and-doctor-who-win-at-bafta-tv-craft-awards|archive-date=29 April 2014}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" |Nebula Awards |17 May 2014 |Ray Bradbury Nebula Award for Outstanding Dramatic Presentation |{{Nom}} | align="center" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Doctor Who: "The Day of the Doctor" |url=https://nebulas.sfwa.org/nominated-work/doctor-who-the-day-of-the-doctor/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260206232120/https://nebulas.sfwa.org/nominated-work/doctor-who-the-day-of-the-doctor/ |archive-date=6 February 2026 |access-date=17 May 2026 |website=The Nebula Awards |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 Nebula Awards® |url=https://nebulas.sfwa.org/award-year/2013/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260308164307/https://nebulas.sfwa.org/award-year/2013/ |archive-date=8 March 2026 |access-date=17 May 2026 |website=The Nebula Awards® |language=en-US}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" |British Academy Television Awards |18 May 2014 |Audience Award |{{Won}} | align="center" |<ref name="bafta">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-27427528|title=Broadchurch wins three TV Bafta awards|date=18 May 2014|access-date=18 May 2014|work=BBC News|archive-date=22 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222060254/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-27427528|url-status=live}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" |Hugo Awards |17 August 2014 |Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form |{{Nom}} | align="center"|<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/2014-hugo-awards/ |title=2014 Hugo Awards |date= |publisher=World Science Fiction Society |access-date=29 April 2014 |archive-date=6 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906071016/http://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/2014-hugo-awards/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |- ! scope="row" |BAFTA Cymru Awards |26 October 2014 |Special, Visual Effects and Graphics |{{Won}} | align="center" |<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-o2GXZOLxKg |title=Special Visual Effects and Graphics BAFTA Cymru Award Winner in 2014 – Doctor Who |date=30 October 2014 |last=BAFTA |access-date=17 May 2026 |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Susannah |date=27 October 2014 |title=Sherlock, Doctor Who win at BAFTA Cymrus |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a606036/sherlock-doctor-who-and-tom-riley-win-at-2014-bafta-cymru-awards/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251016222234/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a606036/sherlock-doctor-who-and-tom-riley-win-at-2014-bafta-cymru-awards/ |archive-date=16 October 2025 |access-date=17 May 2026 |website=Digital Spy |language=en-GB}}</ref> |} In a 2014 poll conducted by ''Doctor Who Magazine'', "The Day of the Doctor" was voted the most popular televised ''Doctor Who'' story of the series's first 50 years.<ref>{{Cite magazine |editor-last=Spilsbury |editor-first=Tom |editor-link=Tom Spilsbury |date=May 2014 |title=The First 50 Years: The Results in Full! |magazine=Doctor Who Magazine |page=62 |issue=474 |issn=0957-9818 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 May 2014 |title=SPOILERS! Which Doctor Who adventure has been crowned Greatest Story of All Time? |url=https://www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-features/spoilers-which-doctor-who-adventure-has-been-crowned-greatest-story-of-all-time |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250328020422/https://www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-features/spoilers-which-doctor-who-adventure-has-been-crowned-greatest-story-of-all-time |archive-date=28 March 2025 |access-date=17 May 2026 |website=Doctor Who}}</ref>
== Home media == "The Day of the Doctor" was released on DVD and Blu-ray on 2 December 2013; the latter edition included the episode in 3D. The special was re-released on DVD and Blu-ray in September 2014 as part of the "50th Anniversary Collector's Edition" alongside "The Name of the Doctor", "The Night of the Doctor", "The Time of the Doctor", ''An Adventure in Space and Time'' and ''The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot''.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=92}} In November 2020, a limited edition Blu-ray steelbook was announced.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 November 2020|title=The 50th anniversary special of Doctor Who is to be released as Blu-ray steelbook|url=https://www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-features/the-50th-anniversary-special-of-doctor-who-is-to-be-released-as-blu-ray-steelbook|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251112054104/https://www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-features/the-50th-anniversary-special-of-doctor-who-is-to-be-released-as-blu-ray-steelbook|archive-date=12 November 2025|access-date=2 February 2026|website=Doctor Who|language=en}}</ref>
===Soundtrack=== Orchestral music recording for "The Day of the Doctor" took place on 20 September with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales at Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff; 54 minutes of music were recorded.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=73}} In November 2014, Silva Screen Records released a two-CD soundtrack album for "The Day of the Doctor" and "The Time of the Doctor".{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2016|p=92}}<ref>{{cite web |author=Silva Screen Music |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-Original-Television-Soundtrack/dp/tracks/B00OYPBT5W |title=Doctor Who – The Day Of The Doctor/ The Time Of The Doctor – Original Television Soundtrack |publisher=Amazon.co.uk |access-date=29 October 2014 |archive-date=29 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029012354/http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-Original-Television-Soundtrack/dp/tracks/B00OYPBT5W |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://us5.campaign-archive2.com/?u=17480ced6aa8df8371c97e134&id=a96a7db27e&e=3d23f4f26a|title=Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor/The Time of the Doctor|publisher=Silva Screen Records|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116095845/https://us5.campaign-archive.com/?u=17480ced6aa8df8371c97e134&id=a96a7db27e&e=3d23f4f26a|archive-date=16 January 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
===In print=== {{Infobox book | name = The Day of the Doctor | image = | caption = | author = Steven Moffat | cover_artist = Anthony Dry | series = ''Doctor Who'' book:<br />Target novelisations | release_number = | release_date = 5 April 2018 | publisher = BBC Books | pages = 232 | isbn = 978-1-785-94329-4 | italic title = no | exclude_cover = yes }}
A novelisation written by Steven Moffat was released in paperback and digital formats in April 2018 as part of the ''Target Collection''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allcock |first=Chris |date=12 April 2018 |title=Doctor Who: The Day Of The Doctor Target novelisation review |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/doctor-who-the-day-of-the-doctor-target-novelisation-review/ |access-date=1 April 2026 |website=Den of Geek |language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250316140000/https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/doctor-who-the-day-of-the-doctor-target-novelisation-review/|archive-date=16 March 2025|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McEwan |first=Cameron |date=21 February 2018 |title=New Doctor Who 'Target' style novelisations on the way |url=https://www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-features/new-doctor-who-target-style-novelisations-on-the-way |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260215015426/https://www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-features/new-doctor-who-target-style-novelisations-on-the-way |archive-date=15 February 2026 |access-date=1 April 2026 |website=Doctor Who |language=en}}</ref>
==Notes== {{reflist|group=N}}
==References==
=== Citations === <references> <ref name="BBC">{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/doctorwho/entries/91eac802-e37c-376f-bc0e-c0ca1e794ace |title=''Doctor Who'' Trailer to Celebrate the Last 50 Years |publisher=BBC |date=19 October 2013 |accessdate=25 November 2024 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022071653/http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/doctorwho/articles/Doctor-Who-Trailer-to-Celebrate-the-Last-50-Years |archivedate=22 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="BBC Stings">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/doctorwho/entries/a5c99c48-7a06-327c-9a25-2bc7ab288fe6 |title=Trailer, Stings and Other Things... |publisher=BBC |date=28 September 2013 |accessdate=25 March 2026 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190318152802/http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/doctorwho/entries/a5c99c48-7a06-327c-9a25-2bc7ab288fe6 |archivedate=18 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="Bleeding Cool">{{cite web |url=http://www.bleedingcool.com/2013/10/19/new-doctor-who-trailer-to-air-on-the-bbc-tonight-first-look-image-arrives |title=New ''Doctor Who'' Trailer To Air On The BBC Tonight, First Look Image Arrives |last=Connelly |first=Brendon |work=Bleeding Cool |publisher=Avatar Press |date=19 October 2013 |accessdate=25 November 2024 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022062834/http://www.bleedingcool.com/2013/10/19/new-doctor-who-trailer-to-air-on-the-bbc-tonight-first-look-image-arrives |archivedate=22 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> <ref name="Campaign">{{cite web |url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/doctor-brings-back-past-doctors-50th-anniversary-episode-trailer/1217211 |title=''Doctor Who'' brings back past Doctors for 50th anniversary episode trailer |last=Chapman |first=Matthew |work=Campaign |publisher=Haymarket Media Group |date=21 October 2013 |accessdate=25 November 2024 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250810224417/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/doctor-brings-back-past-doctors-50th-anniversary-episode-trailer/1217211 |archivedate=10 August 2025 |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="Framestore">{{cite web |url=http://www.framestore.com/work/doctor-who-day-doctor-50-year-trailer |title=''Doctor Who'' 'The Day of the Doctor – 50 year trailer' |publisher=Framestore |date=October 2013 |accessdate=8 November 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614111341/https://www.framestore.com/work/doctor-who-day-doctor-50-year-trailer |archivedate=14 June 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> <ref name="io9">{{cite web |url=http://io9.com/50th-anniversary-teaser-flies-through-the-history-of-do-1448405648 |title=50th Anniversary teaser flies through the history of ''Doctor Who'' |last=Davis |first=Lauren |work=io9 |publisher=Gawker Media |date=19 October 2013 |accessdate=25 November 2024 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022014843/http://io9.com/50th-anniversary-teaser-flies-through-the-history-of-do-1448405648 |archivedate=22 October 2013 }}</ref> <ref name="Radio Times React">{{cite web |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-10-19/doctor-who-fans-react-to-the-dazzling-day-of-the-doctor-trailer |title=''Doctor Who'': Fans react to the dazzling Day of the Doctor trailer |last=Dowell |first=Ben |work=Radio Times |publisher=Immediate Media Company |date=19 October 2013 |accessdate=8 November 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021051618/http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-10-19/doctor-who-fans-react-to-the-dazzling-day-of-the-doctor-trailer |archivedate=21 October 2013 }}</ref> <ref name="Radio Times Teaser">{{cite web |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-50th-anniversary-teaser-trailer-the-best-of-what-you-may-have-missed/ |title=''Doctor Who'' 50th anniversary teaser trailer: the best of what you may have missed |work=Radio Times |publisher=Immediate Media Company |date=21 October 2013 |accessdate=25 November 2024 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301035921/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-50th-anniversary-teaser-trailer-the-best-of-what-you-may-have-missed/ |archivedate=1 March 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name="Verge Easter Eggs">{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/10/20/4859188/bbc-doctor-who-trailer-easter-eggs |title=BBC's ''Doctor Who'' 50th anniversary trailer is filled with hidden Easter eggs |last=Hamburger |first=Ellis |work=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=20 October 2013 |accessdate=8 November 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021011516/https://www.theverge.com/2013/10/20/4859188/bbc-doctor-who-trailer-easter-eggs |archivedate=21 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> </references>
=== Sources === {{refbegin}} * {{cite magazine |editor-last=Ainsworth |editor-first=John |date= |year=2016 |title=The Day of the Doctor and The Time of the Doctor |magazine=Doctor Who: The Complete History |publisher=Panini Comics, Hachette Partworks |location=London |volume=75 |issue=17 |issn=2057-6048}} * {{cite magazine |editor-last=Ainsworth |editor-first=John |year=2018 |title=The Crimson Horror, Nightmare in Silver and The Name of the Doctor |magazine=Doctor Who: The Complete History |publisher=Panini Comics, Hachette Partworks |location=London |volume=74 |issue= |issn=2057-6048}} * {{cite magazine |last=Pixley |first=Andrew |date=August 2014 |title=The Day of the Doctor |magazine=Doctor Who Magazine Special Edition |publisher=Panini Comics |location=Royal Tunbridge Wells |issue=38 |pages=10–39}} * {{cite magazine |date=2017 |year= |editor-last=Wright |editor-first=Mark |title=The End of Time |magazine=Doctor Who: The Complete History |publisher=Panini Comics, Hachette Partworks |location=London |pages= |volume=62 |issue= |issn=2057-6048}} {{refend}}
== Further reading == {{refbegin}} * {{cite web|website=Doctor Who|url=http://www.doctorwho.tv/whats-new/article/11-things-we-loved-in-the-doctor-who-50-year-trailer/|title=11 things we loved in the Doctor Who 50 year trailer|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615201902/http://www.doctorwho.tv/whats-new/article/11-things-we-loved-in-the-doctor-who-50-year-trailer/|date=19 October 2013|last=Allen|first=Christopher}} * {{Cite journal |last=Bliss |first=Courtney C. |date=18 December 2025 |title="The Day of the Doctor": A Case Study |url=https://www.davidpublisher.com/index.php/Home/Article/index?id=53091.html |journal=Journalism and Mass Communication |volume=15 |issue=6 |pages=359 |doi=10.17265/2160-6579/2025.06.005 |issn=2160-6579}} * {{Cite news |last=Harrison |first=Andrew |date=18 November 2013 |title=Steven Moffat: 'I was the original angry Doctor Who fan' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2013/nov/18/steven-moffat-doctor-who-interview |access-date=29 March 2026 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140411141144/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2013/nov/18/steven-moffat-doctor-who-interview|archive-date=11 April 2014}} * {{Cite web |last=Szalai |first=Georg |date=10 November 2013 |title='Doctor Who' 50th Anniversary Set Visit: Matt Smith, David Tennant Preview Special |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/doctor-who-50th-anniversary-set-654917/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225184525/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/doctor-who-50th-anniversary-set-654917/ |archive-date=25 December 2024 |access-date=17 May 2026 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}} {{refend}}
== External links == {{wikiquote|Eleventh Doctor}} *{{BBCDWnew | year=2013 | id=p01l1z04 | title=The Day of the Doctor}} *{{TardisDataCore|The Day of the Doctor (TV story)|The Day of the Doctor}} *{{IMDb episode|2779318|The Day of the Doctor}} *{{Mojo title|drwhoday|The Day of the Doctor}} *{{Rotten Tomatoes|doctor_who_50th_anniversary_special_the_day_of_the_doctor|The Day of the Doctor}}
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