Christopher Eccleston

"Doctor Who"

What is it?: The longest-running science fiction series of all time, the show follows the adventures of a mysterious adventurer known only as the Doctor, as he and his companions travel through time in a device called the TARDIS.

There have been multiple ... moreactors who've played the Doctor (including Tom Baker, Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant, and Matt Smith, who will assume the role in the 2010 season).

Grade: A. Though not to my personal taste, there's no denying the series' longevity and the ardent affection for it. And, as the series has had a renaissance courtesy of the Eccleston and Tennant stewardship of the Doctor Who role, I expect it to continue to deliver thrills and amusement to its legions of fans.

"Doctor Who and the Waters of Mars" will premiere in November on BBC America.

(BBC America)