What's Missing?
* Between 97 and 109 episodes are missing, spanning across various Doctors and stories. These missing episodes are the result of the BBC's archival practices in the 1960s and 70s. They considered many older shows, including Doctor Who, expendable and wiped the original video tapes to save storage space.
* The missing episodes represent about 25% of the entire classic Doctor Who run.
Why Are They Missing?
* The BBC's policy of re-using videotapes. This was a common practice in the television industry at the time.
* The lack of awareness of the show's potential longevity. Nobody expected Doctor Who to become the cultural phenomenon it is today.
* Fire and other accidents. Some episodes were destroyed in fires or other accidents.
What Exists?
* Some episodes survive in various forms:
* Film recordings: A few episodes were filmed on 16mm film, and these copies have survived.
* Audio recordings: Many episodes have survived as audio-only recordings, thanks to fans who recorded them onto audio tape.
* Overseas copies: A few episodes survived in various foreign countries where the BBC sold the program.
* Animation reconstructions: Some episodes have been recreated using animation, using the surviving audio and scripts.
* "Lost" episodes are constantly being rediscovered. Over the years, episodes have been found in various places, including attics, flea markets, and even in the BBC's own archives.
Notable Missing Episodes:
* The Tenth Planet (1966): The final story of the First Doctor features the introduction of the Cybermen.
* The Power of the Daleks (1966): The first story of the Second Doctor features the iconic Daleks.
* The Enemy of the World (1967): This story features a complex political intrigue involving the Second Doctor and a lookalike.
* The Moonbase (1967): This story features a dangerous mission to the Moon and the introduction of the Yeti.
* The Space Pirates (1969): The final story of the Second Doctor features the villainous Space Pirates.
Finding Missing Episodes:
* The BBC's Doctor Who website: The BBC has a dedicated section on the missing episodes and updates on any new discoveries.
* Doctor Who fan websites and forums: Many fan websites and forums discuss the missing episodes and provide updates on any new discoveries.
* The Doctor Who Appreciation Society: This society works to preserve and promote Doctor Who, including the missing episodes.
The Future of Missing Episodes:
* The search for missing episodes continues. New discoveries are made regularly.
* The BBC has committed to restoring and releasing as many of the missing episodes as possible. They have used the surviving audio and scripts to create new animated versions.
* The hope is that one day all of the missing episodes will be found and restored. This would be a major achievement for Doctor Who fans and a testament to the show's enduring legacy.