Who was the first female Doctor and what did fans think of the casting?

The first female Doctor in the long-running science fiction series Doctor Who is portrayed by British actress Jodie Whittaker. She made her debut in the eleventh series of the show, which premiered in 2018. Whittaker's casting as the thirteenth Doctor was met with a mixed response from fans, with some praising the decision to cast a woman in the role, while others criticized it.

Whittaker's portrayal of the Doctor has generally been well-received, with her performance being praised for bringing a fresh energy to the character. Her first season as the Doctor received positive reviews from critics and fans alike.