The BBC has been trying to make up for the fact they let a generation of fans down by controversially axing Doctor Who Confidential back in 2011 and after a few measly attempts to give viewers the same sort of VIP access into the making of their favourite show, with Series 8 they finally came closer than ever before to honouring their promise. Over the last couple of years since Confidential's untimely demise, new episodes were accompanied by online 'making of' videos which had always been short but unfortunately not so sweet. Any insight into the creation of the series is appreciated, of course, but after the in depth coverage that Confidential provided, the BBC really were naive to think that these short helpings - roughly 3 minutes - would be enough to keep the show's legion of fans satisfied. This year they responded to this by launching a new series, Doctor Who Extra, to coincide with Series 8 and it basically does what it says on the tin. Each installment has been much longer - the same length as the Confidential 'cut downs' at around 10 minutes each - and the first series followed Peter Capaldi as he embarked on his first season as the Twelfth Doctor. The episodes featured exclusive interviews with the cast and crew, a look at how each script made it to screen as well as insights into the Doctor's past adventures. All in all it's the sort of behind the scenes programme that the fans deserve. Doctor Who Confidential was extremely important in inspiring a new generation of fans - some of whom may even go on to make Doctor Who in the future - and, since it looks like it will never return, Doctor Who Extra is certainly the next best thing.
Dan Butler is the Doctor Who Editor at WhatCulture.com. When he isn't writing his own articles or editing other people's, he can be found trawling the internet for gifs of Steven Moffat laughing. Contact him via dan.butler@whatculture.co.uk.
