Red Dwarf (1988)

The cult British sci-fi sitcom that launched the last human alive three million years into deep space — and never stopped being funny.

Red Dwarf - Series Information

  • Original Title: Red Dwarf
  • First Air Year: 1988
  • Last Air Year: 2017
  • Created by: Doug Naylor, Rob Grant
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Comedy, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
  • Content Rating (US): TV-PG
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
  • Number of Seasons: 12
  • Number of Episodes: 73
  • Status: Ended
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • First Air Date: February 15, 1988 (United States - TV-14), February 15, 1988 (United Kingdom - 12), February 15, 1988 (Germany - 12), February 15, 1988 (France - 12), February 15, 1988 (Australia - PG), February 15, 1988 (Spain - 13)
  • Networks: BBC Two, U&Dave
  • Alternative Titles: A Nave Vermelha (BR), El Nan Roig (ES)
  • Production Companies: Paul Jackson Productions, Baby Cow Productions, Grant Naylor Productions, BBC
  • Production Countries: United Kingdom

Red Dwarf - Plot

The adventures of the last human alive and his friends, stranded three million years into deep space on the mining ship Red Dwarf.

Red Dwarf - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and get a taste of the smeg-fuelled chaos aboard the Red Dwarf:

Smeg Head!

Where to Watch Red Dwarf

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Red Dwarf - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • Doug Naylor
  • Rob Grant

Main Cast

  • Craig Charles
  • Danny John-Jules
  • Chris Barrie
  • Robert Llewellyn
  • Norman Lovett
  • Hattie Hayridge
  • Chloë Annett
  • Mac McDonald
  • Tony Hawks
  • Daniel Barker

Writers

  • Doug Naylor
  • Rob Grant
  • Paul Alexander
  • James Hendrie
  • Kim Fuller

Executive Producers

  • Doug Naylor
  • Rob Grant
  • Paul Jackson
  • Henry Normal
  • Charles Armitage

Red Dwarf - FAQs

Where can you stream Red Dwarf online?

Red Dwarf is available to stream on BritBox, including via the BritBox Apple TV Channel and BritBox Amazon Channel. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Hoopla offers free access in supported regions.

Will Red Dwarf ever return for a new series?

As of 2024, Red Dwarf has officially ended with Series XII in 2017. Creator Doug Naylor has expressed interest in continuing the show, but no new series has been commissioned. The show's status remains 'Ended,' though fan hopes for a revival persist given its enduring cult popularity.

Who are the main cast members of Red Dwarf?

The core cast features Craig Charles as slovenly Dave Lister, Chris Barrie as the hologrammatic Arnold Rimmer, Danny John-Jules as the vain humanoid Cat, and Robert Llewellyn as the mechanoid Kryten. Norman Lovett and Hattie Hayridge both portrayed the ship's computer Holly at different points in the series.

Is Red Dwarf based on a true story?

Red Dwarf is entirely fictional, created by Doug Naylor and Rob Grant. It originated as a radio script before becoming a BBC sitcom. The premise — the last human alive drifting through deep space — is pure science fiction comedy, drawing on classic sci-fi tropes rather than any real-world events.

How many seasons and episodes does Red Dwarf have?

Red Dwarf ran for 12 seasons and 73 episodes in total, spanning from 1988 to 2017. The series includes a specials season (Series 0), eight original BBC Two series, a three-part special called Back to Earth, and three further series (X, XI, XII) produced for the channel Dave.

What is Red Dwarf about?

Red Dwarf follows Dave Lister, the last surviving human, who awakens three million years in the future aboard the mining spaceship Red Dwarf. Accompanied by his hologram bunkmate Rimmer, the evolved humanoid Cat, and the neurotic android Kryten, the crew embarks on absurd, comedic adventures across deep space.

Did Red Dwarf win any awards during its run?

Red Dwarf earned considerable recognition over its long run, winning multiple BAFTA Awards and International Emmy nominations. The show received a BAFTA for Best Comedy Series and was celebrated for its innovative blend of science fiction and sitcom. It remains one of the most acclaimed British comedy series ever produced.

What is the content rating for Red Dwarf?

Red Dwarf carries a TV-PG content rating in the United States, making it suitable for general audiences with parental guidance suggested. The show features mild comic violence, irreverent humour, and some adult themes handled in a light, satirical manner appropriate for older children and adult viewers alike.

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