<P> The first ( pilot ) episode of the series , `` An Unearthly Child '' , had to be re-recorded owing to technical problems and errors made during the performance . During the days between the two tapings , changes were made to costuming , effects , performances , and the script ( which had originally featured a more callous Doctor , and Susan doing unexplained things such as flicking ink on paper and folding it to produce a symmetrical pattern , and then tracing shapes over the pattern ) . This second version of `` An Unearthly Child '' , the first episode of the very first serial , was transmitted at 5.15 pm on 23 November 1963 , but due to both a power failure in certain areas of the country and the overshadowing news of US President John F. Kennedy 's assassination , it drew minimal comment and was repeated the following week immediately before the second episode . </P>
<P> The first ( pilot ) episode of the series , `` An Unearthly Child '' , had to be re-recorded owing to technical problems and errors made during the performance . During the days between the two tapings , changes were made to costuming , effects , performances , and the script ( which had originally featured a more callous Doctor , and Susan doing unexplained things such as flicking ink on paper and folding it to produce a symmetrical pattern , and then tracing shapes over the pattern ) . This second version of `` An Unearthly Child '' , the first episode of the very first serial , was transmitted at 5.15 pm on 23 November 1963 , but due to both a power failure in certain areas of the country and the overshadowing news of US President John F. Kennedy 's assassination , it drew minimal comment and was repeated the following week immediately before the second episode . </P>
when did the first episode of doctor who air
when did the first episode of doctor who air
5.15 pm on 23 November 1963
5.15 pm on 23 November 1963