The last time that we saw the Doctor in a similar three-parter was in the original series, in 1989, when the Seventh Doctor was in the TARDIS driving seat.
Doctor Who season 10 premieres Saturday, April 15 on BBC America.
Some monsters and enemies of the Doctor have also appeared multiple times, but in separate episodes often years apart.
The more episodic style of Doctor Who lends itself to casual viewers, although there is always some kind of larger story arc happening in the background.