Traveling Companions of the Doctor: An Ageless Legacy

The series of Doctor Who explores the lives of the companions that journey with the Doctor throughout space and time. The question of who the oldest companion is can be quite complex, depending on what criteria we use to define 'oldest.' Let's dive into the details.

Defining the Oldest Companion

The answer to who is the oldest companion of the Doctor varies based on the criteria used. We can consider several factors:

The first companion of a specific doctor The companion who was the oldest at the time of travelling with the Doctor The companion who is the oldest in relation to the present day

The First Companion of a Specific Doctor

For the First Doctor, the answer would be Susan Foreman, who was the first companion though some interpretation could include postulated companions like Karvanista and Lee.

The Oldest Companion at the Time of Travel

Romana, the first of the Doctor's Time Lady companions, is often considered the oldest companion when traveling with the Doctor. She was well over 100 years old when she joined the Doctor's travels. However, this list includes Jack Harkness, who lived through several centuries, and Rory Williams, who guarded the Pandorica for 2000 years but was technically deleted during the Pandorica Reboot. In the absence of extended lifespans, Graham could be the valid answer, as he was around 60 when he first met the Doctor.

The Oldest Companion in Relation to the Present Day

The answer for this would most likely be Katarina, who was born approximately 800 years ago. She has been traveling with the Doctor for a substantial period, making her the oldest companion in the context of the show's timeline.

In the Context of the Television Series

The television series of Doctor Who presents a wide array of companions. The answer often revolves around the current and active companions, indicating who is the oldest in the context of their travel with the Doctor.

The Oldest Companion Today

As of the latest episodes, the oldest companion of the Doctor is likely Captain Jack Harkness. Jack is a former Time Agent from the 51st century, and he has traveled with various incarnations of the Doctor.

Miscellaneous Companions

Some companions are no longer traveling with the Doctor, which means their age is no longer a relevant factor. In such cases, the answer could either be Susan, the granddaughter of a previous Doctor or the Time Lady Romana.

Age Considerations

The series also touches on the concept of time and age, including how the companions' and the actors' ages change over the years. For example, Sarah Jane Smith has traveled with four different incarnations of the Doctor:

Jon Pertwee Tom Baker David Tennant Matt Smith

This shows the longevity and adaptability of the companions in the show's timeline.

Understanding the nuanced relationships between the companions and how their ages are defined can enrich the viewer's experience with the series. The age-old question of 'who is the oldest companion' adds to the charm and complexity of Doctor Who, inviting endless discussions and debates among fans.