Doctor Who Insider


 * You may be looking for the behind-the-scenes video series produced by BBC America.

Doctor Who Insider was a magazine published from May to December 2011 in North America by Panini Comics. It was the sister publication to Doctor Who Magazine. It featured editorial content aimed at North American readers and was initially available only in the United States and Canada, though it was later also distributed in the UK. Nine monthly issues were published. It later returned with a Winter Special issue in November 2012.

Press release
The press release announcing the magazine reads:

The new North American magazine, Doctor Who Insider, is officially licensed by BBC Worldwide and will feature 100% original material, celebrating all eras of Doctor Who. Each issue will explore the fantastic Doctor Who universe with star interviews, behind-the-scenes features, character and monster guides, news and pictures from the world of Doctor Who fandom, and an in-depth look at the latest Doctor Who releases. Plus, every issue will include a double-sided fold-out poster.

"We are absolutely delighted to be launching Doctor Who Insider in North America," says Mike Riddell, Managing Director of Panini UK. "Doctor Who has always been a strong performer for Panini UK and we are very excited to be able to collaborate with BBC Worldwide and BBC America and build on its increasing popularity in the United States and Canada."

Panini will launch the first monthly issue of Doctor Who Insider on April 7 2011. The price will be $6.99. It will be available alongside the established Doctor Who Magazine, offering Doctor Who enthusiasts more than ever before.

UK release
Although initially announced as a North American exclusive, after the first four issues Panini decided to expand distribution into the UK, adding to the number of Doctor Who magazines already in circulation there. A special UK-only compilation of the first four issues was published to launch the British release.

Cancellation
On 27 January 2012, Panini announced it was cancelling Doctor Who Insider effective immediately, meaning the issue dated December 2011 was the last. Subscribers were offered refunds or the opportunity to transfer their subscriptions to Doctor Who Magazine.

Revival
On 7 November 2012, publication of DWI resumed with a Winter Special. The format of the magazine remained unchanged but for a slightly larger page count. It is not known whether this is a one-off publication (possibly a "test run" to determine if the magazine should continue), the first of a series of seasonal specials, or if the intent is for the magazine to resume regular publication. As of summer 2013 no further issues have been published.

Format
Doctor Who Insider ran shorter, more illustration-heavy articles than its parent publication. The magazine shared some editorial and writing staff with DWM but did not reprint DWM articles, however, but commissioned original interviews and coverage of both Series 6 as well as classic-era stories and actor interviews, often tied to a current DVD release. Coverage of Big Finish releases was also included, as was coverage of Torchwood: Miracle Day. Special features were restricted to double-sided posters included with most issues; it is the only Doctor Who-franchise magazine ever published to not include original fiction in the form of text or comic strip.

The magazine was distributed concurrently in North America with DWM (Doctor Who Adventures is not distributed in that region).