Doctor Who: The Return of Doctor Mysterio

In New York City, a slippery alien investigator and a comic book fan team up with the Doctor to save the world. They must thwart a dangerous alien plot orchestrated by an organization that uses an energy-giving drink to control people. The Doctor must also deal with the implications of granting superpowers to a civilian.

The special received generally positive reviews, with praise for Peter Capaldi's performance and the lighter, more superhero-centric tone. Some critics found the plot somewhat predictable and the pacing uneven, but it was largely seen as an enjoyable festive offering.

• Praised for its fun, superhero-inspired narrative and Peter Capaldi's engaging performance.

• Criticized by some for a plot that felt a little too familiar and not fully exploring its potential.

• A lighthearted and visually appealing Christmas special that appealed to a broad audience.

Google audience: Audience reception for this special, while not having specific Google user ratings, was generally positive. Viewers enjoyed the blend of sci-fi and superhero elements, finding it a fun and entertaining Doctor Who adventure for the holiday season.

This episode was Peter Harness's final script for Doctor Who as a writer, and it was the first time since the revival that a Christmas special did not feature the Doctor facing an alien threat at the North Pole.