History Heartwarming / DoctorWho

* Vicki and Steven recollecting their adventure of 'The Time Meddler' with the 1st Doctor... only to eventually recollect the Doctor himself. With how fondly they talk about how much they miss him and how often they think of him, it's hard not to imagine them speaking about William Hartnell himself.
** It ends with the pair of them clasping hands and wishing with all their hearts to see the Doctor one more time... and we hear that famous high-pitched chuckle as Vicki positively ''lights up'' with the biggest smile.

** Doubling as a tearjerker, the Doctor urging Tegan to tell the story of Adric's death... all so that they can spend their time remembering him together.

*** In a meta-sense, it's a reassuring message to the audience as well: that no matter what you're doing in life, it's always going to be something worthwhile, even if you yourself don't think so.

Not only does the Doctor have countless companions that have proven to be heartwarming to varying degrees, but fourteen different faces that have all told a different story of how kind they are at heart(s), too.

* In ''ComicBook/DoctorWhoFourDoctors'', the Tenth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Doctors are shown alternative timelines created by the Voord and the Evil!Twelfth Doctor based on different decisions they made in their lives, which lead them to [[BecameTheirOwnAntithesis become their own antithesis]]. However, when they observe the Ninth Doctor and Rose having a drink in issue 5, they realize that the Voord couldn't find an alternative timeline for the Ninth Doctor because he can only ever be ''[[{{Catchphrase}} fantastic]]''.

After over fifty years of adventures too numerous to list, it's indisputable that ''Doctor Who'' has been warming the hearts of its audiences so much that they keep coming back for more.

** The start establishes that Jo's husband, Cliff, has passed on. At the end, Jo finds the Metebelis crystal the Doctor gave her as a wedding present so long ago, as she tearfully remembers how the Doctor is what brought her and Cliff together in the first place... and we then see a man's shadow fall the back wall, as a voice (Cliff's) calls out her name, and Jo is brought to a tearful smile.

* In the epilogue sequence of 'Curse Of Fenric', the 7th Doctor and Ace talk about what Ace went through in the episode, and why it was what eventually pushed her to leave the Doctor behind for good, which she admits was mostly her just storming off in a huff than any actual ''hatred''. The heartwarming comes when, after the two acknowledge thier rocky moments, Ace confesses that she loves the Doctor and saw him as the father she never really had, prompting the Doctor to reply that he loves her too, kissing his fingertips and tapping them on her nose.

[[folder:Audio]]
''See Heartwarming/BigFinishDoctorWho.''
[[/folder]]

** Also from a Brigadier-Doctor scene... in the Literature/DoctorWhoNewAdventures novel ''The Dying Days'', the Doctor hugs the Brigadier after surviving the exploding Martian ship, and for once the Brigadier doesn't push him away.

[[folder:Real World]]
* Creator/WilliamHartnell left the series under very unhappy circumstances. Yet he personally vouched for his successor:
-->"There's only one man in England who can replace me and that's Creator/PatrickTroughton".
* After becoming the first companion to depart the show, Creator/CaroleAnnFord visited the set of [[Recap/DoctorWhoS2E3TheRescue The Rescue]] to wish her successor Creator/MaureenOBrien the best of luck.
* Ford later recalled that Hartnell would chastise her for going out partying and she responded by saying that he wasn't really her granddad. He later sent her flowers as an apology.
** When Ford announced that she was leaving, Hartnell begged her to reconsider.
* William Russell recalled that the catering in Lime Grove studios was so bad that the cast would instead have picnics.
* Even though they played mortal enemies onscreen, Creator/JonPertwee and Creator/RogerDelgado were dear friends in real life, with Creator/KatyManning even describing them as her two dads. In fact, it was Delgado's tragic death that led to Pertwee leaving the role. There's a reason the cast of this era was dubbed "the UNIT Family".
* Shortly after the premiere of "[[Recap/DoctorWhoS31E1TheEleventhHour The Eleventh Hour]]", a man came up to Creator/MattSmith on the street to congratulate him on his performance. This man was none other than Creator/PeterCapaldi, Smith's eventual successor as the Twelfth Doctor.
* Creator/AnnekeWills [[http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2012-03-22/doctor-who-companion-anneke-wills-on-achieving-cultural-immortality describes]] meeting Creator/DavidTennant on the set of "Daleks in Manhattan":
-->He's a shining light. When he focuses on you, there’s nobody else in the room. I love that. He's coming from his heart. He’s genuine. I stood in the TARDIS after all these years and said "Doctor, lovely to meet you", and David said, "Aaah, Polly!" My heart was fluttering away.
* During a ''Doctor Who'' panel at Comic-Con 2012, a 6 year old girl asks Matt Smith if he is afraid of the Weeping Angels. Smith then asks the little girl if she is and nods. Smith responds that he will fight them off, much to the delight of every fan there. You can view it [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSFoVTmVJlI here]].
* Creator/ColinBaker's unending love for the show, even after enduring a fairly miserable tenure as Six. And it gets even better, thanks to AudioPlay/BigFinishDoctorWho [[RescuedFromTheScrappyHeap rescuing him from the scrappy heap]] in triumphant fashion!
* The Website/{{Cracked}} article [[http://www.cracked.com/blog/how-dr.-who-became-my-religion/ How Doctor Who Became My Religion]], which so beautifully articulates why the show is so appealing.
* The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Em8lmmTNkA interview with Matt Smith and David Tennant]]
-->'''Matt Smith:''' You gave me good advice.
-->'''David Tennant:''' Did I?
-->'''Matt:''' Advice that I will pass on. Not advice that I can repeat.
-->'''David:''' Good (laughs)
-->'''Matt:''' But what you did say, was that I'd have the most fun ever. And you know what? You were right.
** Additionally, their guest appearance on Graham Norton, where they come out together holding hands. Then, after sitting down, Graham makes fun of David for the... unorthodox hair that David had at the time (for a play), to which Matt counters by defensively shouting out "I like it!". Seen [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rcxm-EStpd4 here]].
* Outside the show: The "Fear Forecasters" (children who, with their parents, were shown advance screenings of episodes by the BBC so they could warn other children of how scary they were) watched "School Reunion". These comments occurred when Sarah Jane appeared on-screen:
-->'''One of the kids:''' She looks a bit ''old.''\\
'''His father:''' She looks ''fantastic.''
* The fact that after Creator/NicholasCourtney and Creator/ElisabethSladen died there were so many tribute videos. Of particular note is [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UCYxso6SHc this one]], uploaded just 3 days later.
** Creator/TomBaker's tributes to both [[https://www.tombakerofficial.com/nick-courtney/ Courtney]] and [[https://www.tombakerofficial.com/lis-sladen/ Sladen]].
*** Creator/TomBaker rarely cries. ''Even to this day'', he still cries when mentioning Creator/ElisabethSladen.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh82XUhjNbM This video]] made by Creator/MattSmith after he announced he was leaving the role.
* When the Twelfth Doctor, Creator/PeterCapaldi, was announced, many fans went out of their way to make him feel welcome.
** From Capaldi's announcement, Matt Smith gives [[PassingTheTorch this message to his successor,]] while clearly overwhelmed with emotion:
-->'''Matt Smith:''' I just wanna wish my successor all the best, and just say good luck. And good on you for getting it, 'cause I know he's both a huge fan of the show and a really nice guy. And I think, the casting of it made me really excited, genuinely. And as a fan, I think it's a really canny choice, I think it'll be a hit. So good luck, man, it's going to be a thrill!
* [[http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-08-24/doctor-who-at-50-the-ninth-doctor-speaks--a-message-from-christopher-eccleston This]] message from Creator/ChristopherEccleston about the show's 50th anniversary.
* [[http://marina-and-the-dragons.tumblr.com/post/69420015372 This]] story about Creator/TomBaker meeting a fan.
* [[http://my-flourish-and-blotts.tumblr.com/post/71043904728/farewell-eleven-vale-undecim This]] multi-fandom farewell to the Eleventh Doctor, which a multitude of others have since joined, including the Series/{{Supernatural}} fandom, the [[Film/TheAvengers2012 Avengers]] fandom, and even the sometimes-infamous WebComic/{{Homestuck}} fandom. With all the rabid FandomRivalry going about on the 'Net, it's wonderful to see some simple kindness and solidarity for a change - on Christmas, no less.
* In the behind the scenes featurette of "Time of the Doctor", Matt Smith's final episode, during the readthrough of his final lines Matt breaks down into tears, where we then see Steven Moffat and Jenna Coleman comforting him.
* As funny as it is heartwarming, the cast wrapping up David Tennant's run by performing "500 Miles", a song from his favorite band, Music/TheProclaimers. Seeing the cast, the crew and even some of the off-set people (introducing Sue the Caterer and the Drivers) just rocking out and having fun is hilarious and warm at the same time. Especially when this subtitle pops up:
--> '''*While David is dancing with two particular people*''': The Proclaimers and their Biggest Fan
* While filming the TV Movie, Paul [=McGann=] played with his young son while on set in full costume.
* The [[http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/4490/powk9wxj1m5g202zg.jpg farewell hug]] between Matt Smith and Jenna Coleman after they finished their last day of filming is somewhere halfway between "adorable" and "funny".
* A young autistic girl had the 11th Doctor as her imaginary friend who she went on adventures with, and had difficulty coping with his regeneration as she was afraid the 12th Doctor wouldn't like her. When Peter Capaldi was told about it, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BTfRjJJpfI he took a moment between rehearsals to sit down with the girl and her mother and reassure her that the Doctor was still her friend]], it was all very touching.
-->'''Peter Capaldi:''' I will do my very best to be the Doctor. Of course it will be different, 'cause I'm different (...) [Matt and Jenna] say it's okay for me to be the Doctor, so I hope you think it will be okay for me to be the Doctor too.
* After "The Night of the Doctor" aired, Creator/PaulMcGann did an interview with Magazine/DoctorWhoMagazine and had this to say about the fans reaction to it:
-->"I have to say, all those years since ‘96 where perhaps I thought, as I did at one time, that the Eighth Doctor, by dint of the failed TV pilot… that the Eighth Doctor, though liked in some quarters, perhaps wasn’t so liked in others, and was only tolerated in the scheme of things…There’s no doubt now, in my mind, that the Eighth Doctor is part of it, that he’s right there in the heart of it. He has earned his place, and that’s really gratifying."
* When Lindalee Rose, a kid reviewer of recent ''Doctor Who'' episodes, met with Jenna Coleman and Matt Smith to do interviews with them, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SMGhWkp5Mg she gave]] Jenna a leaf very similar to that of Clara's. Reasoning? She wanted to cheer Clara up, since Clara had to sacrifice the leaf she had as a family keepsake in the "Rings of Akhaten". Jenna was surprised and delighted by the unusual gift. And Matt [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiJX9iDnljE joked about]] and he and Lindalee gave each other high fives.
* Peter Capaldi's [[http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-27904400 personal condolences]] to the students of the Glasgow School of Art after a tragic fire consumed many beautiful works.
* During an interview with artist [[http://alicexz.deviantart.com/ Alice Zhang]], she can be heard [[ApologizesALot apologizing for something.]] Peter Capaldi puts his arm around her and says, "Never apologize for being brilliant."
* The big reveal at the end of Series 8, for the way it provides a complete recreation of the era of the show that Peter Capaldi first grew to love as a kid.
* [[http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2014-11-07/peter-capaldi-sends-heartwarming-video-message-to-grieving-9-year-old-boy Capaldi gives another autistic child a heartwarming message after his gran passed away]], this time in character as the Doctor.
* The fact that Sophie Stone, who played Cass in "Under the Lake"/"Before the Flood", is the first deaf actress in the show's history with a major role. Best of all, her character doesn't feature in the story "to tick boxes" or beg for cheap viewer sympathy. Though her disability is noted, Cass is perfectly competent on her own, has completely normal interactions with the rest of the cast, and her skills prove plot-relevant several times. All this without a single hint of demeaning or pitying subtext. One of the behind the scenes [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GslM6kN9Bg featurettes]] for the two-parter makes it even more heartwarming: Though Cass has no speaking lines, Sophie Stone is perfectly understandable in a conversation, not being let down one bit by her deafness. Awesome and encouraging.
* [[http://brettstewart.net/personal-musings/doctorwholetter This]] deeply moving letter written to the Doctor by an unknown fan named Ariel that was found tucked inside a used Beatles book.
--> ''"...But most of all, I live. I don’t waste my time with fear, trapped up in a safety box away from everything. I don’t hesitate to live my dreams just because they may challenge the world or cause risk to myself. I go out and really live - because that’s what it’s all about, right? The meaning of life? You showed me that, though I don’t think you know it. Life is about living, feeling your blood rush and pump and feeling your heart swell with emotion. And that’s what I do. Everyday, without fail, I live."''
* [[http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/01/22/this-is-how-awesome-doctor-whos-matt-smith-is?utm_source=IGN%20hub%20page&utm_medium=TV&utm_content=10&utm_campaign=Blogroll This]] message that Creator/MattSmith left to a fan for his birthday.
* Peter Capaldi did not one but ''two'' personal in-costume replies to videos that groups of fans made for his birthday: one where he replied to a group of English-speaking fans and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqinsCkkE8A thanked each contributor individually]], and a second where he thanked [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-G0NSofnJcg a group of international fans]] individually ''in their native languages.''
** Also worth mentioning are his occasional in-character visits to the Doctor Who Experience, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMi8c8uglmI which look absolutely delightful.]] There's a great moment in the official video that toes the line between heartwarming and heartbreaking, when one of the children at the Q%A asks him who his favorite companion is. After a contemplative pause, he starts talking about ''Susan.'' You can actually hear Capaldi's voice crack a little when he says he promised he'd go back and see her again.
* In 2015, Creator/ChristopherEccleston reprised his role as the Ninth Doctor to record a special [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulxRmR5eNYA message]] for a 14 year old fan in hospital and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtV1TgcexKE another]] for a newly engaged couple. Considering his past history with the show, the fact that he did something nice for fans is [[BorrowedCatchphrase Fantastic]].
* Due to "[[Recap/DoctorWhoS36E12TheDoctorFalls The Doctor Falls]]" reviving Bill and giving her a HappyEnding with her lover Heather, there was obviously going to be people who would angrily criticise this action and deem it to be lazy, undeserving of the already grim fate that she already had, which was being fully Cyber-converted, and further proof that Creator/StevenMoffat couldn't kill off any main characters. But he knew that this was going to happen, and addressed this critique via an [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac7pl1lI8FU aftershow]] that firmly proves that no matter how many people trash his writing and creative choices with scorn, he continued to stick with his own beliefs and optimistic vision when it came to handling ''Series/DoctorWho''.
-->''"I’ll just say this and I’ll get into terrible trouble with certain people... I don’t think Doctor Who is that kind of show. Doctor Who is a big hearted, optimistic show that believes in kindness and love and that wisdom will triumph in the end. I don’t believe it’s the kind of show that says there are bitter, twisted, nasty endings because it’s not. It’s not gritty; it’s aspirational. It says, ‘It can work. And wisdom and kindness will triumph. And love will always come through in the end.’ I think there aren’t enough people or enough shows saying that and I’m damned if Doctor Who is going to join in with the general chorus of despair. So, she doesn't die. She nearly dies and becomes something else."''
* After 54 years, the show finally branched out from always casting the Doctor as a white man, with Creator/JodieWhittaker becoming the Thirteenth Doctor. Her smile upon seeing the TARDIS in the announcement video carries the full weight of this historical moment.
** And when some people [[http://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/doctor-who-fanatics-in-meltdown-after-bbc-reveals-new-female-time-lord-a3589086.html became upset]] over Whittaker's casting, many fans and professionals voiced their support for her, including her predecessor Creator/PeterCapaldi and Sixth Doctor Creator/ColinBaker. Even Creator/PeterDavison, who freely admitted that he had reservations about the idea of a female Doctor[[note]]he preferred the idea of a spinoff with a headlining female Time Lady[[/note]], warmly gave Jodie his full support and best wishes after the announcement, called her a "terrific" actress, and encouraged those who were uncertain about the idea to watch her new episodes with an open mind. [[http://ew.com/tv/2017/07/16/doctor-who-jodie-whittaker-reactions/ This article]] provides more examples.
--->'''Colin Baker:''' [[Recap/DoctorWhoS21E7TheTwinDilemma Change my dears and not a moment too soon]] - [[MeaningfulEcho she IS the Doctor whether you like it or not!]]
** [[https://twitter.com/Jenny_Trout/status/886615696062459908 Adorable reactions like this.]]
** Creator/DeborahWatling, who played the Second Doctor's companion Victoria and spoke a few times about her frustration at the lack of women involved in the show during that period, lived just long enough to see a woman cast as the Doctor, before her death from cancer just a few days after the announcement.
* [[https://youtu.be/Y6zucdAzNi4 This thank you video]] to Peter Capaldi from fans all over the world.
* A young fan of the show had Creator/PeterCapaldi as his favourite Doctor and was dreading watching him regenerate. Capaldi [[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2017/12/28/peter-capaldi-writes-comforting-letter-distraught-9-year-old/ Personally took the time to write a letter to the boy]] asking him to give [[Creator/JodieWhittaker the new Doctor]] a chance and assuring him that the Doctor is never truly gone.
* Creator/ChristopherEccleston (who, mind you, has been adamant on wanting to move on from the role ever since leaving the show in stark contrast to just about every other actor to play it) [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqSbcQZhNeA giving a congratulations to the marriage of a pair of fans in character]].
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DlLU5TDr9A Christopher Eccleston and Matt Smith meeting and hugging at a convention]].
* Series 11 got a lot of buzz for featuring a major character with dyspraxia, a condition sorely lacking in representation, which will hopefully lead many to have a better understanding of it.
** Although it didn't inspire much buzz, the fact that "Team TARDIS" is the most staunchly ''blue collar'' assortment of companions yet - a bus driver, a warehouse worker, and a probationary constable - shouldn't be overlooked.
* The design team for Thirteen's TARDIS asked Creator/JodieWhittaker her favorite biscuit, saying they couldn't explain why. This was so they could surprise her by installing a dispenser for her answer, custard creams, in the control panel.
* Back in 1989, Michael Grade cancelled the show and ''many'' fans wanted him punished. So, ''The Queen of The United Kingdom Of Great Britain and Northern Ireland'' did just that. Michael Grade is the ''only'' BBC controller to ''not'' be knighted. Revenge came to the fans ''because the Queen is a nerd.''
* In the 1980s, script editor Creator/EricSaward befriended Creator/RobertHolmes, widely regarded as the show's best ever writer and script editor. The pair collaborated on what was to be the finale for "The Trial of a Time Lord". When Holmes died, Saward finished the finale, only to be told to change the ending. Rather than alter his late friend's work or dishonour his memory, Saward stuck to his guns and resigned as script editor.
* The segment on Children In Need 2019. A young girl who had taken up acting to cope with low confidence unexpectedly got to meet her idol, Creator/JodieWhittaker, along with Creator/MandipGill (Yaz) and Creator/TosinCole (Ryan) live on stage. Her scream of pure delight was quite something, and was utterly Heartwarming for all three actors and the presenter. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uxx4jfvtnFI As seen here]]
* During the coronavirus outbreak of 2020 Emily Cook suggested people do a simultanteous rewatch of The Day of the Doctor to alleviate the boredom. This was so popular even Steven Moffat joined in, going back on Twitter for the rewatch. He even penned a two-minute sketch of Strax to introduce the special.
* Creator/JodieWhittaker has a [[https://twitter.com/bbcdoctorwho/status/1242783288571211776 message]] for us during the coronavirus outbreak.
** To add to the above, [[https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a31925129/doctor-who-jodie-whittaker-heartwarming-message-coronavirus/ this link]] has a quote from the costume designer confirming that it's standard procedure to give the lead a costume so they can make personal appearances like that.
* The "[[Recap/TheSarahJaneAdventuresSpecialFarewellSarahJane Farewell, Sarah Jane]]" video, released on the 9th anniversary of Creator/ElisabethSladen's death as part of Doctor Who: Lockdown features. It has cast members coming back with Classic series problems, showing what they did with their life and giving a tribute to one of the most beloved figures in show's history.
** Among the companions we catch up with, we learn that Nyssa and Tegan reunited and are living together, essentially making them the first gay couple to travel in the TARDIS.
** Sladen's daughter then released a video of her own in thanks for [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWwJ_kDs0CA this]].
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sl9pTDK8PAk This youtube comment]] about "Heaven Sent" details the story of a sick person who the Doctor managed [[HopeBringer to inspire and give hope]] even beyond the Fourth Wall.
--> This scene was profound to me in relation to my battle with mental illness. For 2 years I became very ill and I developed extreme anxiety and depression.I had a myriad of horrible symptoms and each second truly felt like an eternity. While I was sick I saw this episode and it [[HopeSpringsEternal gave me hope]] that if the doctor [[{{Determinator}} never gave up]], even after billions of years, [[DareToBeBadass than I could keep fighting too]]. I thank The Doctor for being able to break my diamond mountain.
* The fact that Russell T. Davies and Steven Moffat get along so well; the two of them are ''always'' taking the piss out of each other in a good-natured way, but you can tell that the two get along like a house on fire - a dangerous combination...
* When it was announced in 2021 that Davies would be returning to the helm as showrunner, the reaction amongst the fandom was nothing short of ecstasy.
* When composer Segun Akinola announced he was leaving the show alongside Chris Chibnall and Jodie Whittaker, the fanbase united in thanking him for his contributions and wishing him a fond farewell.
[[/folder]]

* When composer Segun Akinola announced he was leaving the show, the fanbase united in thanking him for his contributions and wishing him a fond farewell.

* The segment on Children In Need 2019. A young girl who had taken up acting to cope with low confidence unexpectedly got to meet her idol, Creator/JodieWhittaker, along with Mandip Gill (Yaz) and Tosin Cole (Ryan) live on stage. Her scream of pure delight was quite something, and was utterly Heartwarming for all three actors and the presenter. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uxx4jfvtnFI As seen here]]

* In the 1980s, script editor Eric Saward befriended Creator/RobertHolmes, widely regarded as the show's best ever writer and script editor. The pair collaborated on what was to be the finale for "The Trial of a Time Lord". When Holmes died, Saward finished the finale, only to be told to change the ending. Rather than alter his late friend's work or dishonour his memory, Saward stuck to his guns and resigned as script editor.