Sarah Jane Smith is a fictional character from the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. She first appeared in 1973 and was portrayed by actress Elisabeth Sladen. Sarah Jane is known for being a companion to the Doctor, a Time Lord who travels through time and space. In addition to her role in Doctor Who, Sarah Jane starred in her own spin-off series, The Sarah Jane Adventures, which aired from 2007 to 2011. The show focused on her adventures as she investigated extraterrestrial occurrences and protected Earth from alien threats, often alongside a group of young companions.