Ranking Doctor Who’s modern day companions

Doctor Who tells the story of an alien running around time and space. But the folks who travel with her are just as important. Join us as we rank the modern day companions.

For those Whovians eager to dive right in, know that there are spoilers for Doctor Who through season 11 ahead.

Doctor Who is technically about a two-hearted alien who travels through time and space in a blue police box. But that’s not nearly the whole story. Because the Doctor is rarely alone on these adventures – or at least they shouldn’t be. (And that’s certainly a lesson we’ve learned over the years!)

While most people recognize at least some of the thirteen individuals who have played the Doctor, the Time Lord’s supporting cast of friends often doesn’t get quite the same level of praise or attention. And yet, they’re just as important – if not more so, often enough – to the stories that Doctor Who is telling. The Doctor’s companions can serve as our window into her universe,

From everyday shopgirls to charming grandfathers to former enemies-turned-tentative-friends, the Doctor has had the pleasure of getting to know a wide variety of truly incredible individuals who have enriched – and even saved – the Doctor’s life in many ways.  They’ve certainly enriched our viewing experience of the show, giving us new heroes to love and relationships to root for, while adding much-needed perspectives to the Doctor’s journey. The Doctor’s a better person because of the people they’ve traveled with, and we’ve gotten better stories as a result.

Here’s our rundown of 24 of Doctor Who’s best modern-day companions ranked. (Though, honestly, they’re all winners in our hearts.)