How to watch Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor online and on BBC iPlayer today

Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor and Sacha Dhawan as The Master in the show art for the Doctor Who Centenary Special: Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor
(Image credit: BBC via BBC America)

So, we've just seen that when you watch Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor, you will get more surprises than you'll expect. So as we say goodbye to Jodie Whittaker, in a special that will be "a massive roller coaster" by her own words, expect another doctor you didn't see coming.

Doctor Who Centenary Special start time, channel

Date: Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor will debut today (Sunday, Oct. 23).
U.K. time and channel: 7:30 p.m. BST on BBC One and BBC iPlayer (6 a.m. AEDT on Monday)
U.S. time and channel: 8 p.m. ET on BBC America via Sling TV (11 a.m. AEDT on Monday)
Watch from anywhere with ExpressVPN

Yes, now that Series 13 is long since over, the third and final special of the year is about to air. And while some surprises are in story, we've just learned that this special does not offer the first look at the new Doctor Who, Ncuti Gatwa. The Sex Education star is the first Black man and person of color to play the role (he succeeds Jodie Whittaker, the first woman to be The Doctor).

But since the Fourteenth Doctor's appearance is far from confirmed, let's talk about what we should expect. Sacha Dhawan, the new Master introduced in Series 12, is slated to appear, and will be the antagonist — as confirmed by the below trailer.

The Master, with the Daleks and the Cybermen, will look to wipe The Doctor's existence from the world in this special. And the event will include the defacing of iconic paintings (too soon?), a bullet train under attack and something involving Rasputin and Tsar Nicholas in 1916 Russia. 

Special appearances from previous companions Ace (Sophie Aldred) and Tegan Jovanka (Janet Fielding) are already announced. Here's everything you need to watch Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor, including the trailer:

Oh, and in a bit of big Doctor news, the next Doctor Who seasons will be exclusive to Disney Plus.

How to watch Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor online from anywhere on Earth

Just because BBC and BBC America aren't available everywhere doesn't mean you can't watch Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor if you're away from home. Watching along with the rest of the internet can be easy these days. With the right VPN (virtual private network), you can stream the show from wherever you go.

Not sure which VPN is the right one for you? We've tested many different services and our pick for the best VPN overall is ExpressVPN, which offers superb speeds and excellent customer service.

ExpressVPN

Speed, security and simplicity make ExpressVPN our favorite VPN right now. We were impressed by its ability to access more than 3,000 services across 94 countries and there's a 30-day money-back guarantee if you're not 100% happy with it.

How to watch Doctor Who Centenary Special in the US

A slice of the US flag

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

BBC America, thankfully, is airing Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor on the same day as it hits TVs in the U.K., just slightly later because of prime time and all. That means you can watch it on two of the best streaming services, Sling TV and fuboTV.

Of course, those visiting the U.S. who want to watch it live with our friends in the U.K. will need a VPN service such as ExpressVPN to log in back home to use BBC iPlayer.

Sling TV

The Sling TV Blue and Orange packages, which costs $35 per month both have BBC America. Sling Blue also has USA, TBS and IFC, while Sling Orange packs Lifetime, ESPN and more.

FuboTV

Fubo.TV: One of the best streaming services with BBC America, fubo also has a ton of international sports and U.S. broadcast network channels. Who needs cable? Not Fubo subscribers. It's got a 7-day free trial so you don't need to pay up front.

How to watch Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor online in the UK

A slice of the British flag

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

You can watch the Doctor Who Centenary Special in the UK on BBC iPlayer. It's totally free to view; you'll need to register, but there's no cost.

It arrives on Sunday (Oct. 23) at 7.30 p.m. BST on BBC1 and BBC iPlayer.

Can you watch Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor in Canada or Australia?

Crave has been the home for Doctor Who in Canada, but it's unclear if you'll be able to watch The Power of the Doctor on that service. No release date seems to be announced. 

Of course, those on vacation in Canada who stream live with their friends in the U.S. or U.K. will need a VPN service such as ExpressVPN to log in back home to use Sling, fubo or BBC iPlayer.

Can you watch Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor in Australia?

iView has been the home for Doctor Who down under, but it's unclear if you'll be able to watch The Power of the Doctor on that service. No release date seems to be announced. 

Of course, those on vacation in Australia who stream live with their friends in the U.S. or U.K. will need a VPN service such as ExpressVPN to log in back home to use Sling, fubo or BBC iPlayer.

Next: Want something completely different? Angrier? The UFC 280 live stream is almost here, and Charles Oliveira vs Islam Makhachev will be at a much earlier time.

Henry T. Casey
Managing Editor (Entertainment, Streaming)

Henry is a managing editor at Tom’s Guide covering streaming media, laptops and all things Apple, reviewing devices and services for the past seven years. Prior to joining Tom's Guide, he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Magazine. He's also covered the wild world of professional wrestling for Cageside Seats, interviewing athletes and other industry veterans.

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