Let’s be real for a second. Mentioning James Corden in a TV context usually triggers one of two reactions: a laugh or a very loud groan. But before the carpool karaoke and the late-night desk, Corden stepped into the TARDIS—well, technically, he stayed in a flat in Colchester while the TARDIS was stuck on the roof—and he actually gave us something special.
He played Craig Owens.
Most people remember the 2010 episode "The Lodger" as that weird one where Matt Smith’s Eleventh Doctor tries to play football and cooks an omelette while naked under an apron. It was chaotic. It was peak Smith. But it only worked because James Corden was there to play the "straight man" to the Doctor’s absolute cosmic lunacy.
James Corden Doctor Who: The Accidental Companion
When we talk about the James Corden Doctor Who era, we’re really talking about two specific snapshots in time: Series 5’s "The Lodger" and Series 6’s "Closing Time."
In the first outing, the Doctor is stranded. He’s separated from Amy Pond, who is trapped inside a TARDIS that can’t land because of a localized disturbance. The Doctor has to blend in. He chooses Craig Owens’ spare room.
Craig isn't a hero. He isn't a soldier or a genius. He’s a guy who works in an office, loves a girl named Sophie, and is terrified of change. Honestly, he’s the most relatable person the Doctor has ever lived with. While most companions are ready to run toward the fire, Craig just wants to know why his new roommate is talking to a cat and headbutting people to share telepathic history.
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The Chemistry with Matt Smith
The magic of these episodes wasn't just the writing by Gareth Roberts. It was the "odd couple" energy. Matt Smith and James Corden had this frantic, bouncy chemistry that felt like a classic comedy duo—think Laurel and Hardy but with more time-traveling Cybermats.
Smith’s Doctor is an alien trying to wear a human suit that doesn't quite fit. Corden’s Craig is a human trying to keep his small, safe world from falling apart. When they finally team up to stop the "fake" TARDIS upstairs, it’s Craig’s humanity—specifically his love for Sophie—that saves the day.
The Return in "Closing Time"
A lot of fans were surprised when Craig came back in Series 6. Usually, guest stars are one-and-done, especially the "celebrity" ones. But Steven Moffat and Gareth Roberts saw something in that dynamic.
"Closing Time" is a much darker episode under the surface. The Doctor is on his "farewell tour," knowing his death at Lake Silencio is coming. He’s lonely. He’s tired. So, he drops in on his old friend.
By now, Craig has a life. He’s moved in with Sophie. They have a baby named Alfie (better known to the Doctor as Stormageddon, Dark Lord of All).
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Fighting Cybermen with a Diaper Bag
This episode is famous for the department store setting and the return of the Cybermen. But the real heart is seeing the Doctor interact with a baby. Corden plays the "panicked new dad" trope perfectly. He’s exhausted, he’s unsure of himself, and he’s carrying a papoose while investigating alien power fluctuations.
When Craig gets captured and the Cybermen try to convert him, it isn't a sonic screwdriver that stops the process. It’s the sound of Alfie crying. Craig "blows up" the Cybermen with the sheer power of his paternal instinct.
Is it cheesy? Yeah, absolutely.
Does it work? Somehow, in the context of the Eleventh Doctor’s fairytale-esque run, it really does.
Why Craig Owens Still Matters
It’s easy to look back at James Corden Doctor Who appearances through the lens of his later career, but that’s a mistake. At the time, Craig represented the "Everyman" in a way the show often forgets.
Companions like Rose, Martha, or Amy are chosen because they are special. They are the "Impossible Girl" or the "Girl Who Waited." Craig was just a bloke. He didn't want to travel the stars; he just wanted to be a good dad and get the girl.
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- Relatability: He showed us what it would actually be like to have a Time Lord ruin your kitchen.
- Heart: His episodes focused on domestic stakes—paying rent, telling someone you love them—rather than just universal destruction.
- The Doctor’s Humanity: Through Craig, we saw a side of the Eleventh Doctor that was softer and more grounded.
Where to Watch the Craig Owens Episodes
If you're looking to revisit these, you can find them in the following spots:
- Series 5, Episode 11: "The Lodger"
- Series 6, Episode 12: "Closing Time"
They are currently available on platforms like Disney+ (internationally) or BBC iPlayer (UK).
While Corden has moved on to massive Hollywood success and theatrical runs, these two episodes remain a favorite "comfort watch" for many Whovians. They remind us that even a Dark Lord of All (the baby, not Corden) needs a dad, and even a 900-year-old alien needs a friend who knows how to play a decent game of Sunday league football.
Next Steps for Fans:
To get the full experience of this era, watch "The God Complex" immediately before "Closing Time." It explains the Doctor’s somber mood and why he felt the need to visit a "normal" person like Craig before facing his supposed end. This context turns a fun comedy episode into a poignant goodbye.