Want to get creatively inspired? Watch Doctor Who!!

As I was watching the trailer for the new Doctor Who Christmas special, it occurred to me that I've never actually written about how inspirational this show is to me from a creative standpoint. So, allow me to get nerdy for a few moments while I explain why Doctor Who is the one show that anyone in any creative field should be watching consistently.

First, an introduction and a bit of history about the good doctor.  Doctor Who is a British science fiction show that originally ran from 1963-1989.  The show's titular character is a time-travelling adventurer who battles evil across time and space.

Even if you don't know who Doctor Who is, you have probably seen the blue police call box that functions as the Doctor's ship (called the TARDIS).  One of the key concepts of the series was that the Doctor occasionally has to regenerate, at which time his appearance completely changes, which allowed the creators to re-cast the main role whenever they needed to.

The series was canceled in 1989, but was reborn in 2005 after an almost 20-year absence.  Since that rebirth, the show has exploded in popularity once again. Doctor Who is considered a cultural institution in England, and the show was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2009 as the most successful sci-fi series ever.

"So what?" you may be saying.  Maybe you don't even like sci-fi, or maybe you remember the old Doctor Who shows, and you never really got into them, so you didn't give the relaunch a chance. The reason you should care, is that since the series relaunched in 2005, it has consistently been the most creative, imaginative, well-written show on television.  Every single episode features some of the most amazing stories, worlds and characters you will ever see, and if you're looking for creative inspiration, the show is overflowing with it.

Give this show a few episodes, and you will be hooked, whether you are a sci-fi fan or not.  And when you see the level of creativity in every episode of this show, you'll find it impossible not to be inspired.

My advice to you would be to start with 2005's Season (series) One. The first four seasons of Doctor Who are available for streaming on Netflix, or you could rent the first episode of Season One on iTunes for a mere 99 cents.

You can also catch the 2010 Doctor Who Christmas Special this Christmas night at 9pm EST on BBC America. It's a spin on the classic "A Christmas Carol," and a good stand alone episode to give you idea of what the show is like.  Check out the preview below.