BBC Four was launched on the 2nd March 2002, commencing at 7:00pm, a time it has remained at throughout its existence (it shares the same Freeview channel as CBeebies). Its programming includes documentaries, foreign language drama, commonly broadcasting theme nights.

Though not the primary channel for Doctor Who, it has shown 'classic' episodes on occasion, including The Daleks in 2008, The Hand Of Fear in memory of Elisabeth Sladen in 2011, and An Unearthly Child in celebration of Doctor Who's 50th Anniversary in 2013.