In 2025, “Doctor Who” featured a Christmas special titled “Joy to the World,” written by former showrunner Steven Moffat. The episode introduces Joy Almondo, portrayed by Nicola Coughlan, who checks into a London hotel in 2025 expecting a quiet stay. However, her experience takes a dramatic turn when she discovers a secret doorway leading to the enigmatic Time Hotel. Inside, Joy encounters various dangers, including dinosaurs, and meets the Fifteenth Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa. Together, they uncover a deadly plan unfolding just in time for Christmas.
The narrative explores the concept of a hotel utilizing time travel to offer rooms from different periods in history. This unique premise allows for a blend of historical and futuristic elements, as the Doctor and Joy navigate the hotel’s temporal complexities to thwart the impending threat.
“Joy to the World” serves as a festive adventure within the “Doctor Who” series, combining holiday themes with the show’s signature science fiction storytelling. The episode was well-received, with critics praising its inventive plot and the chemistry between Gatwa and Coughlan.
