Doctor Who Christmas 2024 – Joy to the World Review

# Doctor Who: Joy to the World — A Christmas Special That Hits Just Right

It's hard to believe it's been six months since we last saw Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor on our screens. After the whirlwind of Empire of Death — where he stopped a literal god and said an emotional goodbye to Ruby Sunday — it felt like the Doctor had earned a bit of time off.

So, what does he do? Heads to a luxury hotel, naturally.

Or at least, that's the plan.

Because, of course, this is Doctor Who. And nothing ever goes to plan.

The Time Hotel — What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

The setup for Joy to the World is classic Doctor Who. There's a mysterious hotel where every locked door leads to a different time and place. Fancy a trip to the dawn of the dinosaurs? No problem. A weekend on the Orient Express in the 1950s? Sorted. Base camp at Everest? It's just down the hall.

It's a clever concept — and very Steven Moffat.

He's always been brilliant at taking something mundane and making it extraordinary. This time, it's hotel doors that are always mysteriously locked. Why? Because they're actually portals to different times and places. It's the sort of storytelling that made Moffat's early episodes so memorable.

Now, let's be honest: Moffat's track record with Christmas specials is a bit mixed. The Husbands of River Song? Brilliant. The Return of Doctor Mysterio? Less so. But this time, he's got it spot on.

This is exactly the kind of festive Doctor Who story we've been missing.

Ncuti Gatwa — A Doctor Who Feels Everything

We all knew Ncuti Gatwa was going to be good. But watching him here? It feels like the Doctor has properly clicked into place again.

He's energetic. He's mischievous. He never just walks anywhere — he practically dances from one room to the next. But there's also a depth to him that's really striking.

There's been some chat online about how much this Doctor cries. People are saying that if he's teary in every episode, the emotional impact lessens. But honestly? That misses the point.

Ncuti's Doctor doesn't just cry for the sake of it. He feels things deeply. Every tear means something. Sometimes it's joy. Sometimes it's frustration. Sometimes it's grief. It never feels forced or repetitive. Instead, it shows us a Doctor who is fully in touch with his emotions.

And in Joy to the World, it works beautifully.

Nicola Coughlan Shines as Joy

Let's talk about Nicola Coughlan.

She's one of those actors who lights up the screen the moment she appears. Whether you know her from Derry Girls or Bridgerton, you already know she's got charisma to spare. And as Joy, she's brilliant.

Her character has this bubbling energy — you can't help but be drawn to her. The Doctor describes her smile as "like the lid on a boiling pot", and that's exactly right. There's something simmering beneath the surface. Watching that pot boil over is one of the best parts of the episode.

Joy isn't your typical companion. She's sharp. She doesn't just follow the Doctor blindly. She challenges him. Questions him. And she's got her own story that unfolds beautifully throughout the episode.

By the time the credits roll, you'll be wishing she'd stick around for a few more adventures.

A Supporting Cast with Purpose

It's not just Joy who makes an impact.

There's Joel Fry as Trev, the concierge who's determined to finally get something right. He's awkward and self-deprecating in the best way. Then there's Jonathan Aris as the Silurian hotel manager — a classic Doctor Who alien, both strange and familiar at the same time.

But it's Stephanie de Whalley's Anita who quietly steals the show. She's the hotel's housekeeper, and while she might seem like a background character at first, she ends up being the emotional heart of the episode.

What's clever is that these characters all reflect people the Doctor has lost or met before. There are echoes of Ruby Sunday, and even some familiar faces from further back in the Doctor's timeline. It's subtle, but it adds an emotional weight to the story.

Moffat Keeps Things Simple — and That's a Good Thing

One of the things I appreciated most about Joy to the World is how simple it is.

Moffat's known for his twisty plots and complicated timelines. But here, he keeps things straightforward. The Doctor arrives. Something's wrong. He figures it out. There's a festive twist, some heartfelt moments, and a dash of timey-wimey fun.

It's not trying to be overly clever or shocking. It's just a good story, told well. And honestly? That's exactly what we needed.

Christmas Specials Are Back — and Thank Goodness for That

We've gone a few years without a proper Doctor Who Christmas special, and I've really missed them.

There's something magical about sitting down on Christmas Day to watch the Doctor save the day. It's part of the tradition, isn't it? A bit of adventure, a bit of silliness, and a reminder that even in the darkest times, there's always hope.

Joy to the World captures that feeling perfectly. It's warm. It's funny. It's a little bit sentimental — but in the best way.

Whether you're watching with family, friends, or on your own with a cup of tea, it's the kind of episode that leaves you with a smile.

Final Thoughts: A Doctor Who Christmas Classic

At its core, Joy to the World is about connection. It's about finding joy in unexpected places and reminding ourselves that we're never really alone.

It's a classic Doctor Who story, with Ncuti Gatwa leading the charge as a Doctor who feels everything — the joy, the sorrow, the wonder. And it's all the better for it.

Steven Moffat gets a lot of stick for his more complicated stories, but when he keeps things simple, he's one of the best Doctor Who writers out there. He knows what makes the show special: a man in a blue box, travelling through time and space, always looking for someone to share it with.

And this Christmas, that's exactly what Doctor Who gives us. A little bit of magic. A little bit of hope. And a reminder that, no matter what, there's always joy to be found.

So, whether you're surrounded by loved ones or watching on your own, sit back and enjoy the ride. Because this? This is Doctor Who at its best.