the talent there is Steven Moffat, who became head writer starting with the latest Doctor Who series (the 5th of the new doctor who). Moffat only wrote an episode or two for each of the previous four series.
Doctor Who is great regardless, but if you're going in because of Sherlock, just understand that most of it isn't that style or quality. Even in the 5th series, where the most number of episodes are from Moffat, there are a few stinkers that he was less involved with.
also, series 5 is mostly stand alone if you want to get in at that. The Moffat episodes from older series might require a bit more background on the characters.