UNIT

For other uses, see Unit (disambiguation).

Unified Intelligence Taskforce
Logo used since "The Star Beast" (2023)[1]
UniverseWhoniverse
In-universe information
TypeIntelligence agency, military organisation
LocationWorldwide
  • Geneva, Switzerland
  • Snowdon, Wales (Unit Base 5)
  • UNIT Tower, London, England
  • The site of the former Scarman estate, England
  • Under the Tower of London, England
  • Manhattan, New York City, USA
  • Airborne aircraft carrier the Valiant
  • UNIT Moonbase
Key people
PurposeDefending Earth from extraterrestrial and paranormal threats
TechnologiesUnreliable access to Gallifreyan technology, advanced translation software, Galvanic Beam, the Vlinx
PowersMilitary authority in UN member countries

UNIT is a fictional military organisation from the British science fiction television series Doctor Who and its spin-off series Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures. Operating under the auspices of the United Nations and initially led by Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, its purpose is to investigate and combat paranormal and extraterrestrial threats to Earth. Several UNIT personnel (such as the Brigadier, Sergeant Benton and Mike Yates) played a major role in the original Doctor Who series, and it was a regular feature from The Invasion (1968) until The Seeds of Doom (1976).

Originally referred to as the United Nations Intelligence Taskforce, executive producer Russell T Davies said in 2005 that the UN was no longer happy to be associated with the fictional organisation and the UN's full name could now no longer be used. The "UNIT" and "UN" abbreviations could be used as long as it was not explained what the letters stood for.[2] In 2008, the organisation's name was changed to the Unified Intelligence Taskforce.[3] and this name was first mentioned on-screen in "The Sontaran Stratagem" (2008) in which dialogue indicated that the United Nations still supports UNIT with funding.[4]

  1. ^ Graham-Lowery, Nathan (12 June 2024). "Doctor Who's RTD Lists 5 Episodes To Watch Before The Season 14 Finale". ScreenRant. Archived from the original on 16 June 2024. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  2. ^ Davies, Russell T (14 September 2005). "Bay Watch". Doctor Who Magazine. No. 360. Tunbridge Wells: Panini Publishing Ltd. p. 66.
  3. ^ Davies, Russell T (April 2008). "Calling UNIT!". SFX. p. 47.
  4. ^ Raynor, Helen (writer); Mackinnon, Douglas (director) (26 April 2008). "The Sontaran Stratagem". Doctor Who. Series 4. Episode 4. BBC. BBC One.