1980

History of the Doctor Who Universe

 * The Doctor brings Sarah Jane Smith and Laurence Scarman from 1911 and shows them what Earth would look like in 1980 if Sutekh had succeeded in freeing himself, a lifeless planet orbiting a dead sun. This example of alternate time convinces Sarah that they must return to 1911 and stop Sutekh. (DW: Pyramids of Mars)


 * (DW: Meglos)

December

 * 8 - Former Beatle John Lennon is shot and killed by Mark David Chapman outside his home in New York City. (NA: The Left-Handed Hummingbird)


 * 25 - Professor Edward Travers, CBE, dies. (MA: Downtime)

January

 * 05 - The Horns of Nimon Episode 3 First Broadcast


 * 12 - The Horns of Nimon Episode 4 First Broadcast. Final episode to feature the original 1960s arrangement by Delia Derbyshire of the Doctor Who theme music.

February

 * 04 - David Whitaker dies

August

 * 6 - Barry Justice, who played King Charles IX in "The Massacre of St Bartholomew's Eve," committs suicide in London.


 * 30 - The Leisure Hive Episode 1 First Broadcast

September

 * 06 - The Leisure Hive Episode 2 First Broadcast


 * 13 - The Leisure Hive Episode 3 First Broadcast


 * 20 - The Leisure Hive Episode 4 First Broadcast


 * 27 - Meglos Episode 1 First Broadcast

October

 * 04 - Meglos Episode 2 First Broadcast


 * 11 - Meglos Episode 3 First Broadcast


 * 18 - Meglos Episode 4 First Broadcast


 * 25 - Full Circle Episode 1 First Broadcast

November

 * 01 - Full Circle Episode 2 First Broadcast


 * 08 - Full Circle Episode 3 First Broadcast


 * 15 - Full Circle Episode 4 First Broadcast


 * 22 - State of Decay Episode 1 First Broadcast


 * 29 - State of Decay Episode 2 First Broadcast

December

 * 06 - State of Decay Episode 3 First Broadcast


 * 8 - Former Beatle John Lennon, who appeared as himself in "The Chase," is shot and killed by Mark David Chapman outside his home in New York City.


 * 13 - State of Decay Episode 4 First Broadcast

Unknown dates

 * Spring-summer: John Nathan Turner takes over as executive producer for Doctor Who. Among the changes he implements is the introduction of a new arrangement for the show's theme song, an updated opening credit sequence, and the announcement that the 1980-81 season will be Tom Baker's last as the Doctor.