BBC kicked off the 11th season of the long-running science fiction show “Doctor Who” on Oct. 7. With this new season, devoted fans will probably notice a few big changes to the celebrated British sci-fi show.

First, there is a brand-new showrunner – Chris Chibnall, who is known for his work on “Broadchurch.” There is also a new logo as well as a handful of new writers and directors. Most notably, for the first time since the show’s formation in 1963, the Doctor is a female character, played by actress Jodie Whittaker.

This radical new shift was perfectly set up by Peter Capaldi’s heartwarming exit. The first “Doctor Who” episode of the new season, “The Woman Who Fell to Earth,” says a lot about this bold new era going forward.

Of course, the main attraction is the new Doctor. Whittaker quite literally makes an impact in her opening scene as she falls through the roof of a train and right into the middle of the chaos.

Despite all the talk – both positive and negative – surrounding Whittaker being cast as the first female Doctor, her first few scenes make it abundantly clear how unimportant the character’s gender is.

Whittaker is a joy to watch in the role, as she is so full of wit and energy. From the moment she steps onto the screen, it is obvious she is having fun. Throughout the episode, she hits all the right notes as the brand-new Doctor. She is quick to defend her friends, laughs in the face of danger and is strong when she needs to be.

It is obvious Whittaker is going to be a fast favorite. That said, even without Whittaker’s thrilling performance of the doctor, the premiere episode itself is really good. The team gets together surprisingly quickly and has some interesting exchanges that give insight into the adjusted group dynamic with the new Doctor. If you like what you hear and want to see the new season for yourself, “Doctor Who” airs on BBC America at 8 p.m. on Sundays.