Ascension of the Cybermen

295a – "Ascension of the Cybermen"
Doctor Who episode
Cast
Others
Production
Directed byJamie Magnus Stone
Written byChris Chibnall
Script editorFiona McAllister
Produced byNikki Wilson
Executive producer(s)
  • Chris Chibnall
  • Matt Strevens
Music bySegun Akinola
SeriesSeries 12
Running time1st of 2-part story, 49 minutes
First broadcast23 February 2020 (2020-02-23)
Chronology
← Preceded by
"The Haunting of Villa Diodati"
Followed by →
"The Timeless Children"
List of episodes (2005–present)

"Ascension of the Cybermen" is the ninth and penultimate episode of the twelfth series of the British science fiction television programme Doctor Who, first broadcast on BBC One on 23 February 2020. It was written by Chris Chibnall, and directed by Jamie Magnus Stone. It is the first of a two-part story; the concluding episode "The Timeless Children", the finale of the twelfth series, aired on 1 March.

The episode features Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor as she deals with the aftermath of her actions in "The Haunting of Villa Diodati". When the Doctor becomes separated from her companions Graham O'Brien, Ryan Sinclair and Yasmin Khan, portrayed by Bradley Walsh, Tosin Cole and Mandip Gill respectively, the team must face the consequence of the deadly Cyber-Wars, banding together with the last humans as they defend themselves from the Cybermen and search for a way out.

The episode was watched by 4.99 million viewers, and received positive reviews from critics.