Everyone fasten your seatbelts! The TARDIS is whirring through another exhilarating chapter in Doctor Who Series 15. Premiering on April 12, 2025, the series throws us into galaxies unknown with a zingy energy that feels both fresh and true to its roots. Ncuti Gatwa is back for round two as the Fifteenth Doctor, this time with a bold new companion by his side.
Meet Belinda Chandra: The Nurse Who Redefines “Companion”
Drop everything you knew about sidekicks. Varada Sethu storms in as Belinda Chandra, and wow, she doesn’t just keep up—she steals the show. Belinda pops onto our screens as a level-headed, selfless nurse with plenty of backbone. Aliens may have plucked her from modern-day Earth and crowned her queen (yikes!), but she’s no damsel in distress.
Sethu, who fans probably remember from last year’s episode “Boom,” brings a candor and spark that lights up every scene. She’s “super-independent and super-selfless,” in her own words. You won’t catch her just agreeing with everything the Doctor says. She calls him out, challenges him, and somehow makes that super endearing.
So, will Belinda and Doctor Who’s earlier character Mundy Flynn turn out to be connected? Sethu, for now, keeps mum. But something tells us there’s more in store for this tenacious nurse.
Season Premiere: Robots, Toxic Masculinity, and a Dash of AI
Right out of the gate, “The Robot Revolution” sets a snappy tone. Our heroes land on a planet overrun by robots who kidnap Belinda and try to make her their queen. It sounds bonkers, and it is, but the story cleverly tosses in sharp jabs at AI and toxic masculinity.
Yes, those themes could have gone deeper, but you’ll stay entertained from start to finish. The Doctor and Belinda’s tag-team energy propels the story. And sure, the robots are the bad guys, but the real fun comes from watching our dynamic duo outwit them together.
Episode Two: Hollywood Glamour Meets Animated Chaos in “Lux”
Hold on to your popcorn! “Lux” brings us to 1952 Miami and flips the narrative on its head. The Doctor and Belinda stroll into a flickering cinema where locals keep disappearing. Before you know it, the duo faces off with an animated deity called Lux—yes, voiced by the always-flamboyant Alan Cumming.
Here’s where things get wild: the Doctor and Belinda tumble into the world of animated film reels. Live-action meets cartoon chaos. It’s ambitious, vibrant, and, let’s be real, utterly bonkers in the best way. “Lux” doesn’t just stand out; it struts.
What’s Cooking Between The Doctor and Belinda?
Let’s talk about chemistry. Gatwa and Sethu have it in spades. The Doctor meets Belinda as an equal, not just a wide-eyed travel buddy. These two trade banter, back each other in fights, and push buttons in all the ways you want from a new pairing.
This season skips the old “Doctor explains everything” format. Instead, Belinda holds her ground, sometimes sending the Doctor spinning. Their relationship promises growth and maybe a few curveballs as the season keeps rolling.
Where Is the Series Heading?
Before you think the adventure ends on screen, good news—more is coming. Two brand-new novels hit shelves on May 29, 2025:
- “Fear Death By Water” by Emily Cook
- “Spectral Scream” by Hannah Fergesen
Both books follow the Fifteenth Doctor and Belinda on fresh escapades. So if the TV run leaves you hungry, grab these titles for an extra sci-fi fix.
Why Series 15 Is the Fresh Start We Needed
Doctor Who isn’t just ticking along. It’s leaping, dancing, and running headlong into a future bursting with ideas. Gatwa’s Doctor bursts with emotion—sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes hilariously over the top. Sethu’s Belinda brings grit, wit, and warmth.
Here’s what’s working:
- Bravely weird episodes that zig where others would zag.
- Dynamic new hero-sidekick relationship.
- Topical stories that blend humor with heart.
So, toss your expectations out the TARDIS window. Doctor Who Series 15 wants to surprise you—and nine times out of ten, it probably will. If you’re craving a sci-fi ride powered by fresh faces, clever writing, and the occasional robot uprising, don’t miss the season. The future’s wide open, and it looks fantastic.
