Ncuti Gatwa stepped into the TARDIS with enormous expectations. Fortunately, his run as the Fifteenth Doctor produced several memorable adventures, ranging from eerie mysteries to emotional character studies. His chemistry with his companions helped give the series a renewed sense of excitement. As a result, many longtime fans quickly embraced his fresh approach to the Doctor.
However, across two seasons, Ncuti Gatwa was part of episodes that sparked debates, inspired fan theories, and earned praise from critics. While some stories stood out because of their emotional impact, others impressed with their creativity and spectacle. A few even joined the ranks of the most acclaimed episodes in recent memory. As his turn as the Fifteenth Doctor ends, here’s a look at his most highly rated episodes, according to their Rotten Tomatoes scores.
10. “The Legend of Ruby Sunday” — Season 1, Episode 7
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
The penultimate episode of the first season finally began to answer questions about Ruby Sunday’s (Millie Gibson) mysterious origins. Ncuti Gatwa shared the spotlight with UNIT and several returning characters as the story built toward a major confrontation. The episode balanced nostalgia with new mysteries and ended on a cliffhanger, leaving audiences eager for the finale. Critics praised the way it raised the stakes while expanding the mythology.
9. “The Story and the Engine” — Season 2, Episode 5
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
Set largely in Lagos, Nigeria, this unusual adventure blended science fiction with folklore and storytelling traditions. Ncuti Gatwa delivered one of his most personal performances as the Doctor confronted an enemy who literally fed on stories. The episode’s creativity and cultural richness made it stand out from more conventional installments. Many critics viewed it as one of the boldest episodes of the modern era.
8. “The Interstellar Song Contest” — Season 2, Episode 6
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
What started as a lighthearted visit to a futuristic music competition quickly turned into a fight for survival. Inspired partly by Eurovision, the episode embraced spectacle while also delivering several important revelations. Ncuti Gatwa showed a darker side of the Doctor, giving the story extra emotional weight. Its blend of fun and tension earned strong reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.
7. “The Devil’s Chord” — Season 1, Episode 2
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
Featuring a memorable performance from Jinkx Monsoon as Maestro, this episode leaned heavily into music and fantasy. The Doctor and Ruby found themselves battling a force capable of stealing music from humanity. Ncuti Gatwa’s chemistry with Millie Gibson was also especially evident throughout the adventure. Critics appreciated the episode’s willingness to take creative risks.
6. “Dot and Bubble” — Season 1, Episode 5
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
As one of the darkest stories in Ncuti Gatwa’s first season as the Doctor, “Dot and Bubble” explored social media obsession and prejudice. Although much of the episode focused on Lindy Pepper-Bean (Callie Cooke), Gatwa delivered a powerful emotional climax that became one of his finest moments as the Doctor. The ending left a lasting impression because of its uncomfortable truths. Critics widely praised the story’s themes and performances.
5. “73 Yards” — Season 1, Episode 4
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
Although Ncuti Gatwa appeared only briefly, Millie Gibson carried this haunting and mysterious story throughout its 47-minute runtime. Ruby spent decades trying to understand the strange woman who followed her from a distance. The episode embraced psychological horror and ambiguity in ways rarely seen in Doctor Who. Its originality earned universal praise from critics.
4. “The Robot Revolution” — Season 2, Episode 1
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
Season two opened with an energetic adventure involving robots and a new companion, Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu). The episode showcased Ncuti Gatwa’s charisma and highlighted the growing bond between the Doctor and Belinda. Packed with humor and action, it set the tone for the rest of the season. Critics praised the episode’s sense of fun and optimism.
3. “Lux” — Season 2, Episode 2
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
“Lux” embraced the unusual by turning animation and cinema into key elements of the story. Ncuti Gatwa and Varada Sethu yet again brought warmth and humor to the adventure while facing a unique threat in Lux (voiced by Alan Cumming). The episode’s visual style and inventive storytelling helped make it an instant fan favorite. Critics singled out its imagination and ambitious presentation.
2. “Rogue” — Season 1, Episode 6
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
A Regency-era adventure mixed with alien bounty hunters gave Gatwa the chance to showcase both his charm and emotional depth. His chemistry with Jonathan Groff‘s Rogue quickly became one of the highlights of the season. Beneath the romance and humor, the episode also delivered a heartbreaking ending. Critics praised its performances and entertaining tone.
1. “The Church on Ruby Road” — Christmas Special
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
Ncuti Gatwa’s first full adventure as the Doctor remains one of the strongest introductions the character has ever received. The Christmas special introduced Ruby Sunday while combining goblins, music, and mystery. Gatwa immediately made the role his own with a performance that was playful, compassionate, and energetic. Critics agreed that the special launched a promising new era for Doctor Who.
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