A trailer forDoctor Who’s 2024 Christmas special gives a new look at the story’s time-travel-infused hotel, first glimpses at guest stars, and Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor meeting himself. The upcoming special takes place afterthe events ofDoctor Whoseason 14, as the Time Lord travels alone and makes his way to a hotel offering rooms from across the span of human history.Doctor Who’s 2024 seasonal special “Joy to the World” is penned by former showrunner Steven Moffat and sees Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan step into the world of one-time guest companion Joy.
The officialDoctor WhoYouTube channelhas unveiled the firstfull trailer for “Joy to the World”. Stepping into the time-traveling hotel and meeting Trev Simpkins (Joel Fry), one of its employees, the Doctor is thrown into a mission across time and space, leading him to Joy as she encounters Melnak (Jonathan Aris) the Silurian. As she is brought on board the TARDIS as the Doctor races across history, the pair are brought into contact with afuture version of the Fifteenth Doctor, leading to the Time Lord having a harsh and honest discussion about his current status with himself.
What “Joy To The World’s” Multi-Doctor Moment Means For Doctor Who
The Doctor Is Questioning His Purpose In The Universe
While “Joy to the World’s” time-traveling mission revolves around a mysterious and potentially cataclysmic energy source known as the “Star Seed”, it is clear that another focus of the story will be the Doctor’s mental state following season 14. While he helped Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) find her birth mother and build a new family, the Doctor was left alone to grapple with his role in the universeand the effect he has on people, especially having played a role in the universe’s near-destruction.
Why Ruby Sunday Left The TARDIS In Doctor Who Season 14’s Ending
The reason Doctor Who’s Ruby Sunday stayed on Earth at the end of season 14 instead of continuing to go on new adventures with the Doctor.
As such, while a second, future version of the Fifteenth Doctor inDoctor Who’s seasonal special isn’t unprecedented, especially in stories penned by Moffat, seeing the Time Lord direct his frustrations towards himself can act as an epilogue to his debut season arc. Furthermore, with Joy herself being a lonesome traveler during the holidays, she could perhaps help the Doctor grapple with his bleak view of his current self, allowing him to be reunited with Ruby inDoctor Whoseason 15.
Our Thoughts On Doctor Who’s 2024 Christmas Special’s Trailers
There Are Still Many Unanswered Questions
WhileDoctor Who’s 2024 seasonal special revealed that the episode will be an unconventional multi-Doctor story, there are still several mysteries that have yet to be revealed about the episode. While season 14 antagonists Villengard are behind the mysterious Star Seed, an official synopsis has teased that an unseen past foe of the Doctor has their hand in the events of the story. As such, there may be plenty more surprises to unwrap once the episode airs.
All 18 Doctor Who Christmas & New Year Specials Ranked (Including 2024)
Doctor Who’s Christmas and New Year specials combine to create one of the show’s most exciting traditions, but they aren’t all of the same quality.
However, with all that has currently been revealed so far, it is clear thatDoctor Who’s 2024 seasonal adventure will strike a balance between joyful journeys and heartfelt character development. Despite meeting while they are in a difficult place in their lives, the Doctor and Joy could bring a little light to each other’s worlds during the holidays.
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Doctor Who: Released on June 18, 2025, this series follows the Doctor and their companion as they journey across time and space, encountering a range of extraordinary friends and adversaries, expanding the universe of the long-running British science fiction series.
