The Dalek Invasion of Earth

010 – The Dalek Invasion of Earth
Doctor Who serial
A Dalek rises from the Thames in a scene considered one of the show's best cliffhangers.[1][2][3]
Cast
Doctor William Hartnell – First Doctor
Companions William Russell – Ian Chesterton Jacqueline Hill – Barbara Wright Carole Ann Ford – Susan Foreman
Others Bernard Kay – Carl Tyler Peter Fraser – David Campbell Alan Judd – Dortmun Ann Davies – Jenny Michael Goldie – Craddock Michael Davis – Thomson Richard McNeff – Baker Graham Rigby – Larry Madison Nicholas Smith – Wells Patrick O'Connell – Ashton Jean Conroy, Meriel Hobson – The Women in the Wood Peter Hawkins, David Graham – Dalek voices Peter Badger, Martyn Huntley – Robomen Nick Evans, Robert Jewell, Kevin Manser, Peter Murphy, Gerald Taylor – Daleks Nick Evans – Slyther Operator
Production
Directed by	Richard Martin
Written by	Terry Nation
Script editor	David Whitaker
Produced by	Verity Lambert
Music by	Francis Chagrin
Production code	K
Series	Season 2
Running time	6 episodes, 25 minutes each
First broadcast	21 November 1964 (1964-11-21)
Last broadcast	26 December 1964 (1964-12-26)
Chronology
← Preceded by Planet of Giants Followed by → The Rescue
List of episodes (1963–1989)

The Dalek Invasion of Earth is the second serial of the second season in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. Written by Terry Nation and directed by Richard Martin, the serial was broadcast on BBC1 in six weekly parts from 21 November to 26 December 1964. In the serial, the First Doctor (William Hartnell), his granddaughter Susan Foreman (Carole Ann Ford), and teachers Ian Chesterton (William Russell) and Barbara Wright (Jacqueline Hill) discover that the Earth in the 22nd century has been occupied by Daleks. They work with a human resistance group to stop the Daleks from mining out the Earth's core as part of their plan to pilot the planet through space.

The serial was commissioned following the success of the Daleks from the titular serial of the first season. The serial also marks the final regular appearance of Ford as Susan, having been dissatisfied with the character's development. The writers had considered introducing Susan's replacement within The Dalek Invasion of Earth, but delays in contract renewals forced it to the following serial. The serial was the first major location shoot for Doctor Who, with production taking place at Trafalgar Square, Westminster Bridge, and the Royal Albert Hall. The serial premiered with 11.4 million viewers, maintaining strong viewers across the six weeks. Contemporary reactions were positive, with many praising the return of the Daleks. Retrospective reviews were also positive, with particular praise directed at the first episode's cliffhanger and Susan's emotional departure, though the direction and pacing has been criticised. The serial later received several print adaptations and home media releases.