Doctor Who (Matt Smith)

[Sundae]

I think you've just seen Rose Tyler
And her Doctor is Christopher Ecclestone. Intense man in a leather jacket?
He's the Ninth Doctor. Ideally I wouldn't tell you that he's not the current Doctor, but this thread and the David Tennant thread immediately give it away.

Dana liked him, I was wary.

The episodes are great fun though, and you will be introduced to characters who continue into the next series. In hindsight I loved Ecclestone's series - he brought the Doctor back with a real bang. The series is the longest running science fiction show in the world - going back to 1963. Dana and Wolf might tell you otherwise, but I think you'd be crazy to go back any further than you have already (obviously the very earliest are no longer accessible anyway).

And do NOT watch the Peter Cushing films - they are ridiculous. And worse than that, not even considered canon.

Even if you start with Rose (the episode I think you saw) it's a commitment - that was 2005! Personally, I think it's worth it, because there were long breaks between the series, and the majority are well worth watching. Chill out and enjoy weekly.

ETA. The spoilers here are only really spoilers for people about to watch the new series. Weeks or maybe months behind the UK. You'll not read anything that makes sense to you now. Me, personally, in my own personal opinion... I'd start exactly where you're starting and don't worry about how many you have to go. There are story arcs and stand alone episodes and you can join at any point. So start at the start of a season.

And you have some real treats ahead of you if you start with the Ninth Doctor. Personally speaking.