View source for Red Dwarf

{{Short description|British comedy science fiction programme}}
{{About|the British comedy series|the type of star|Red dwarf}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Infobox television
| image                = Red Dwarf logo.png
| caption              = Logo (1992–99)
| genre                = {{Plain list|
*[[Sitcom]]
*[[Science fiction]]}}
| creator              = {{Plain list|
* [[Rob Grant]]
* [[Doug Naylor]]}}<!--As credited-->
| based_on             = {{based on|''[[Dave Hollins: Space Cadet]]''|Rob Grant|Doug Naylor}}
| director             = {{Plain list|
* [[Ed Bye]] (1988–91, 1997–99)
* [[Juliet May]] (1992)
* [[Grant Naylor]]<!--As credited--> (1992)
* [[Andy De Emmony]] (1993)
* Doug Naylor (1992, 2009–present)
  }}
| starring             = {{Plain list|
* [[Chris Barrie]]
* [[Craig Charles]]
* [[Danny John-Jules]]
* [[Norman Lovett]]
* [[Hattie Hayridge]]
* [[Robert Llewellyn]]
* [[Chloë Annett]]
}}
| country              = United Kingdom
| composer             = {{Plain list|
* [[Howard Goodall]] (1988–2017)
* [[Paul Farrer]] (2020–present)
  }}
| language             = English
| num_episodes         = 74
| list_episodes        = List of Red Dwarf episodes
| executive_producer   = {{Plain list|
* [[Paul Jackson (producer)|Paul Jackson]] (1988–89)
* Rob Grant (1992–93)
* Doug Naylor (1992–2020)
* Charles Armitage (2009–12)
* Simon Lupton (2016–17)
* [[Henry Normal]] (2016–17)
* Simon L. Edwards (2017)
* [[Christine Langan]] (2020–present)
  }}
| producer             = {{Plain list|
* Ed Bye (1988–91, 1997–99)
* Rob Grant (1989–91)
* Doug Naylor (1989–91)
* Hilary Bevan-Jones (1992)
* Justin Judd (1993)
* Jo Howard and Helen Norman (2009)
* Richard Naylor (2012–20)
* Kerry Waddell (2016–17)
  }}
| camera               = {{Plain list|
* [[Multi-camera setup|Multi-camera]] (Series 1–6, 8, 10–12)
* [[Single-camera setup|Single-camera]] (Series 7, ''[[Red Dwarf: Back to Earth|Back to Earth]]'')
  }}
| runtime              = {{Plain list|
* 28–30 minutes (Series 1–8, 10–12)
* 25 minutes (per part) (''Back to Earth'')
* 90 minutes (''[[Red Dwarf: The Promised Land|The Promised Land]]'')
  }}
| company              = {{Plain list|
* Paul Jackson Productions (1988–89)
* [[Grant Naylor|Grant Naylor Productions]] (1991–present)
* [[Baby Cow Productions]] (2016–20)
  }}
| budget               = £250,000 per episode
| network              = [[BBC Two]]
| first_aired          = {{start date|1988|02|15|df=y}}
| last_aired           = {{end date|1999|04|05|df=y}}
| network2             = [[Dave (TV channel)|Dave]]
| first_aired2         = {{start date|2009|04|10|df=y}}
| last_aired2          = present
| num_series           = 12, and 1 TV film <!-- Updated as seasons premiere and not in advance per WP:CRYSTAL -->
}}

'''''Red Dwarf''''' is a British [[science fiction comedy]] programme created by [[Rob Grant]] and [[Doug Naylor]], consisting of a
[[sitcom]] that aired on [[BBC Two]] between 1988 and 1999, and on [[Dave (TV channel)|Dave]] between 2009 and 2020, gaining a [[cult following]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2002/10_october/reddwarf.shtml |title=Red Dwarf on DVD |date=4 October 2002 |website=[[BBC Worldwide]] Press Office |access-date=28 November 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100227022348/http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2002/10_october/reddwarf.shtml |archive-date=27 February 2010}}</ref> The programme follows low-ranking [[technician]] [[Dave Lister]], who awakens after being in [[suspended animation]] for three million years to find that he is the last living [[human]], and that he is alone on the [[mining]] [[spacecraft]] ''Red Dwarf''—except for a hologram of his deceased bunkmate [[Arnold Rimmer]] and "[[Cat (Red Dwarf)|Cat]]", a life form which evolved from Lister's pregnant [[cat]].

As of 2020, the cast included [[Chris Barrie]] as Rimmer, [[Craig Charles]] as Lister, [[Danny John-Jules]] as [[Cat (Red Dwarf)|Cat]], [[Robert Llewellyn]] as the sanitation droid [[Kryten]], and [[Norman Lovett]] as the ship's computer, [[Holly (Red Dwarf)|Holly]].

To date, twelve series of the show have aired (including one [[miniseries]]), in addition to a [[Television film|feature-length]] special ''The Promised Land''. Four [[novel]]s were published from 1989 to 1996. Two [[Television pilot|pilot episodes]] of an American version of the show were produced but never aired. The magazine ''The Red Dwarf Smegazine'' was published from 1992 to 1994.

One of the series' highest accolades came in 1994 when an episode from the sixth series, "[[Gunmen of the Apocalypse]]", won an International [[Emmy Award]] in the Popular Arts category. In the same year, the series was also awarded Best BBC Comedy Series at the [[British Comedy Awards]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Red Dwarf VI released on DVD |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2005/01_january/red_dwarf.shtml |date=12 January 2005 |website=BBC Worldwide Press Office |access-date=5 February 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220135547/http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2005/01_january/red_dwarf.shtml |archive-date=20 February 2009}}</ref> The series attracted its highest ratings, of more than eight million viewers, during the eighth series, in 1999.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=8&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=aftermath |title=Red Dwarf VIII: Aftermath |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=5 February 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123092957/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=8&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=aftermath |archive-date=23 January 2009}}</ref>

The revived series on Dave has consistently delivered some of the highest ratings for non–[[Public service broadcasting in the United Kingdom|Public Service Broadcasting]] commissions in the UK.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2009/04/17/back-to-earth-ratings |title=Back To Earth Ratings |date=17 April 2009 |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=21 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309183248/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2009/04/17/back%2Dto%2Dearth%2Dratings |archive-date=9 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2012/11/23/rated-and-reviewed |title=Rated And Reviewed: The dust settles on Series X |date=23 November 2012 |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=21 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407105155/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2012/11/23/rated-and-reviewed |archive-date=7 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2016/10/07/topping-the-charts |title=Topping The Charts: Consolidated viewing figures for Twentica |date=7 October 2016 |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=21 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912114307/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2016/10/07/topping-the-charts |archive-date=12 September 2017}}</ref> [[Red Dwarf XI|Series XI]] was voted Best Returning TV Sitcom and Comedy of the Year for 2016 by readers for the [[British Comedy Guide]].<ref name="Comedy of the Year 2016">{{cite web |url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/news/2411/comedy_co_uk_awards_2016 |title=Comedy.co.uk Awards 2016 winners announced |date=23 January 2017 |website=[[British Comedy Guide]] |access-date=23 January 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203003112/https://www.comedy.co.uk/news/2411/comedy_co_uk_awards_2016 |archive-date=3 February 2017}}</ref> In a 2019 ranking by ''[[Empire (film magazine)|Empire]]'', ''Red Dwarf'' came 80th on a list of the 100 best TV shows of all time.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/best-tv-shows-ever-2/ |title=The 100 Greatest TV Shows Of All Time |website=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] |date=16 October 2019 |author=Team Empire |access-date=14 December 2019 |archive-date=24 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424080548/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/best-tv-shows-ever-2/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Setting and plot==
[[File:The Red Dwarf sapce ship as seen in series 10.jpg|thumb|left|''Red Dwarf{{'}}''s design from Series X (2012) and onwards]]
The main setting of the series is the eponymous mining spaceship ''Red Dwarf''.<ref name="Series I at Sci Fi Dimensions">{{cite web |last=Snider |first=John C. |title=DVD Review: Red Dwarf Series I |url=http://www.scifidimensions.com/Feb03/reddwarf1.htm |date=2003 |website=ScifiDimensions.com |access-date=6 February 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017101712/http://www.scifidimensions.com/Feb03/reddwarf1.htm |archive-date=17 October 2012 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> In the first episode, set sometime in the late 21st century,{{efn|Later revised to the 23rd century, according to the 1991 episode "[[DNA (Red Dwarf)|DNA]]", or the 22nd century, according to the 1997 episode "[[Ouroboros (Red Dwarf)|Ouroboros]]".}} an on-board [[radiation]] leak kills everyone except lowest-ranking technician Dave Lister, who is in suspended animation at the time, as punishment for [[smuggling]] a cat aboard the ship. The cat, Frankenstein, who is revealed to be pregnant, is safe in the cargo hold.<ref name="Prog Guide p45">Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 45.</ref> Following the accident, the ship's computer [[Holly (Red Dwarf)|Holly]] keeps Lister in stasis until the radiation levels return to normal—a process that takes three million years.<ref name="Prog Guide p45"/> Lister therefore emerges as the last human being in the [[universe]]—but not alone on board the ship.<ref name="Prog Guide p46">Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 46.</ref> His former bunkmate and immediate superior Arnold Judas Rimmer (a character plagued by failure) is [[Resurrection|resurrected]] by Holly as a [[volumetric display|hologram]] to keep Lister sane. They are joined by a creature known only as [[Cat (Red Dwarf)|Cat]], who was initially thought to be the last member of a race of humanoid [[Felidae|felines]] that [[Evolution of mammals|evolved]] in the ship's hold from Lister's pregnant cat during the three million years that Lister was in stasis.<ref name="Prog Guide p46"/> In series 1 episode 4 '[[Waiting for God (Red Dwarf)|Waiting for God]]', it was revealed that the cat priest had also survived, and was living in the hold of the ship.

The series revolves around Lister being the last human alive, after three million years of travel from [[Earth]], with his companions. The crew encounter phenomena such as [[Time distortion theory|time distortions]], [[faster-than-light]] travel, [[mutant]] [[disease]]s and strange [[lifeform]]s (all evolved from Earth, because the series has no aliens) that had developed in the intervening millions of years.<ref name="Series I at SciFi.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.scifi.com/sfw/screen/sfw9510.html |title=Red Dwarf Series I DVD |date=3 March 2003 |website=Sci-Fi Weekly |access-date=6 February 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070817030011/http://www.scifi.com/sfw/screen/sfw9510.html |archive-date=17 August 2007}}</ref>

Despite the [[pastiche]] of science fiction used as a backdrop, ''Red Dwarf'' is primarily a character-driven comedy, with science fiction elements used as complementary [[plot device]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tor.com/2016/09/22/welcome-back-to-red-dwarf-the-best-running-joke-on-uk-television/|title=Welcome Back to Red Dwarf: The Best Running Joke on UK Television|last=Stuart|first=Alasdair|date=2016-09-22|website=Tor.com|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-31|archive-date=31 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131182552/https://www.tor.com/2016/09/22/welcome-back-to-red-dwarf-the-best-running-joke-on-uk-television/|url-status=live}}</ref> Especially in the early episodes, a recurring source of comedy was the ''[[The Odd Couple (film)|Odd Couple]]''-style relationship between the two central characters of the show, who have an intense dislike for each other yet are trapped together deep in space.

In Series III, the computer Holly changes from male ([[Norman Lovett]]) to female ([[Hattie Hayridge]]), and the [[mechanoid]] Kryten (who had appeared in [[Kryten (Red Dwarf episode)|one episode]] in Series II)<ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 52.</ref> joins the crew and becomes a regular character.<ref name="screenonline: Red Dwarf"/>

In Series VI, a [[story arc]] is introduced where ''Red Dwarf'' has been stolen, and the crew pursue it in the smaller ''Starbug'' craft, with the side effect that the character Holly disappears.<ref name="Series VI review at Sci-Fi Weekly">{{cite web |url=http://www.scifi.com/sfw/screen/sfw1823.html |title=Red Dwarf Series VI DVD |date=28 March 2005 |website=Sci-Fi Weekly |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304092932/http://www.scifi.com/sfw/screen/sfw1823.html |archive-date=4 March 2009}}</ref>

Series VII is also set in ''Starbug''. Early in series VII, Rimmer departs (due to actor [[Chris Barrie]]'s commitments) and is replaced by [[Kristine Kochanski]], Lister's long-term love interest, from an [[Parallel universes in fiction|alternate universe]].<ref name="Series VII review at DVD Active">{{cite web |url=http://www.dvdactive.com/reviews/dvd/red-dwarf-vii.html |title=Red Dwarf VII UK - DVD R2 |first=Peter |last=Martin |date=October 2005 |website=DVD Active.com |access-date=20 February 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011075340/http://www.dvdactive.com/reviews/dvd/red-dwarf-vii.html |archive-date=11 October 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Kochanski becomes a regular character for Series VII and VIII.

At the end of Series VII, Kryten's service [[nanobot]]s, which had abandoned him years earlier, are revealed to be behind the theft of the ''Red Dwarf'' at the end of series five. At the beginning of the eighth series, Kryten's nanobots reconstruct the ''Red Dwarf'', which they had broken down into its constituent atoms.<ref name="Series VIII review at Sci-Fi Weekly">{{cite web |url=http://www.scifi.com/sfw/screen/sfw13179.html |title=Red Dwarf Series VIII DVD |first=Adam-Troy |last=Castro |date=13 July 2006 |website=Sci-Fi Weekly |access-date=20 February 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060720213246/http://www.scifi.com/sfw/screen/sfw13179.html |archive-date=20 July 2006}}</ref>

As a consequence, Series VIII features the entire original crew of ''Red Dwarf'' resurrected (except for the already-alive Lister and Kochanski), including a pre-accident Rimmer and the original male Holly. The series ends with a metal-eating [[virus]] loose on ''Red Dwarf''. The entire crew evacuate save the main cast (Lister, Rimmer, Cat, Kryten, and Kochanski), whose fates are unresolved in a [[cliffhanger ending]].<ref name="Episode Guide at Britannia.org&nbsp;— Series 8">{{cite web |url=http://www.britannia.org/tvarchives/dwarf/episodes/series8.php |title=Red Dwarf Series VIII Episode Guide |first=Andrew S. |last=Harris |website=The Britannia TV Archives |access-date=6 February 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619143101/http://www.britannia.org/tvarchives/dwarf/episodes/series8.php |archive-date=19 June 2013 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Series IX onwards revert to the same four main characters of Series 3–6 (Lister, Rimmer, Cat and Kryten), on ''Red Dwarf'' and without Kochanski or Holly; Rimmer reappears as a hologram once again. While it was left unmentioned whether the Rimmer on board ship is the one who originally left, the revived version, or a third [[incarnation]] entirely (episodes have alluded to him remembering events from both previous incarnations' lives); with the release of ''The Promised Land'', series-creator [[Doug Naylor]] confirmed in 2020 that the Rimmer from ''[[Red Dwarf: Back to Earth|Back To Earth]]'' onwards is the original Rimmer, having returned from his time being Ace Rimmer.

==Characters and actors==
{{Main|List of Red Dwarf characters}}
[[File:Red dwarf cast series 10.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|right|From left to right: [[Cat (Red Dwarf)|Cat]], [[Arnold Rimmer|Rimmer]], [[Kryten]], and [[Dave Lister|Lister]] as they appeared in Series 10 (2012)]]
* [[Craig Charles]] as [[Dave Lister|David "Dave" Lister]]:<br />A third-class technician on the ''Red Dwarf'', who was the lowest-ranking of the 169 original crew members,{{efn|Later revised to 1,169 crew members in the 1991 episode "[[Justice (Red Dwarf)|Justice]]" and "over a thousand" in the 2017 episode "[[Timewave (Red Dwarf)|Timewave]]".}} and alone survived the accident due to being in stasis as punishment for smuggling an unquarantined cat on board. A [[Scouser]] and self-described "bum" who has a good heart but is also very lazy, he has a long-standing desire to return to Earth and start a farm and/or diner on [[Fiji]] (which is under three feet of water following a [[volcanic eruption]]), but is left impossibly far away by the accident, which renders him the last known surviving member of the human race.<ref name="Howarth & Lyons 1993 p. 19-24">Howarth & Lyons (1993) pp. 19–24.</ref> 
* [[Chris Barrie]] as [[Arnold Rimmer|Arnold Judas Rimmer]]:<br />A second-class technician on the ''Red Dwarf'' who is Lister's bunkmate and direct superior. The second-lowest-ranking member of the original crew, he is responsible for the accident that killed the entire crew except for Lister; although Rimmer himself did not survive, Holly, considering him to be the person most likely to keep Lister sane, selects him to be the ship's one available hologram, recreating Rimmer's appearance and personality as he was before his death.<ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) pp. 24–30.</ref> Now the ''[[de facto]]'' leader of the ''Red Dwarf'', he is despised by the rest of the crew due to his fussy, [[bureaucracy|bureaucratic]], [[neuroticism|neurotic]], insecure, and cowardly personality, and has a particularly abrasive relationship with Lister. During Series VII, Rimmer leaves the dimension shared by his crewmates to become his swashbuckling dimensional counterpart, Ace Rimmer. However, pre-hologram Rimmer, along with the rest of the original crew, is resurrected by nanobots at the start of Series VIII; after coming face to face with [[Personifications of death|Death]] at the end of the series, whom he kicks in the groin, he is once again a hologram from Series IX onwards, although the circumstances that led to this are never fully explained.
* [[Danny John-Jules]] as [[Cat (Red Dwarf)|the Cat]]:<br />A humanoid creature with cat-like teeth who evolved from the offspring of Lister's smuggled pet cat Frankenstein. The Cat or simply "Cat" (who is never given an actual name) is self-centered and concerned with little other than sleeping, eating, and fawning over his appearance, and tends not to socialise with other members of the crew in early episodes. Over time, he grows closer to his crewmates and becomes a useful part of the crew. Unlike his human companions, he has a "cool" sounding pulse, six nipples, and colour-coordinated internal organs.<ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) pp. 30–34.</ref>
* [[Norman Lovett]] (regular series I-II, VIII, ''The Promised Land''; guest series VII, XII) and [[Hattie Hayridge]] (guest series II; regular series III-V) as [[Holly (Red Dwarf)|Holly]]:<br />The ship's computer who appears on screens as a floating head and originally has a functional [[IQ]] of 6000 but, as a result of remaining alone without any maintenance during the three million years Lister is in stasis, develops "computer senility". Although Holly is male during the first two series, they become female between series 2 and 3, taking the voice and appearance of Hilly, an alternative version of themselves encountered in the [[Parallel Universe (Red Dwarf)|Series II finale]] and with whom they had fallen in love.<ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) pp. 35–38.</ref> Following an unexplained absence in Series VI, male Holly returns in the [[Nanarchy|Series VII finale]]. Between Series VIII and IX, Lister's bath overflows and the water gets into Holly's circuitry, causing them to malfunction and go offline. In ''The Promised Land'', the discovery of a backup drive allows the return of male Holly, originally with their memory and IQ rebooted, but eventually back to their usual dysfunctional self.
* [[David Ross (actor)|David Ross]] (guest series II) and [[Robert Llewellyn]] (regular series III–''The Promised Land'') as [[Kryten|Kryten 2X4B-523P]]:<br />A [[sanitation]] [[Android (robot)|android]] rescued by the crew from the crashed spaceship ''Nova 5'' in the [[Kryten (Red Dwarf episode)|first episode of series 2]], after having spent countless years continuing to serve the ship's crew without realising they had been long dead; bound by his "behavioural protocols", he is taught independent thinking by Lister and leaves the ''Red Dwarf'' on a space bike to enjoy his newfound freedom. Between series II and III, he is rescued by the crew after his space bike crashed on an asteroid and has become part of the ''Red Dwarf'' crew; however, the accident led to his face appearing permanently different.<ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) pp. 38–42.</ref> Categorised as a "series 4000 service mechanoid",<ref>{{Cite episode |title=Dimension Jump |episode-link=Dimension Jump (Red Dwarf episode) |series=Red Dwarf |first=Rob |last=Grant |author-link=Rob Grant |first2=Doug (writers) |last2=Naylor |author-link2=Doug Naylor |first3=Ed (director) |last3=Bye |author-link3=Ed Bye |network=[[BBC]] |station=[[BBC2]] |date=14 March 1991 |series-no=IV |number=5 }}</ref> he keeps on maintaining the ''Red Dwarf'', while also showing himself very resourceful due to his proficiency with technology and encyclopedic knowledge of the universe;  he maintains a strong friendship with Lister throughout the series.
* [[Clare Grogan]] (recurring series I; guest series II, VI) and [[Chloë Annett]] (regular series VII-VIII; guest series IX) as [[Kristine Kochanski]]:<br />A navigation officer in the original ''Red Dwarf'' crew whom Lister had a crush on (later [[retcon]]ned to be his ex-girlfriend) and whose memory he had cherished ever since.<ref name="Howarth & Lyons 1993 p. 19-24"/> After appearing in several episodes following her death, once directly due to Lister time travelling and later as various individuals impersonating her, an alternate version of Kochanski from a universe in which she, not Lister, is the last living human, joins the series' main universe and the ''Red Dwarf'' crew in the series VII episode "[[Ouroboros (Red Dwarf)|Ouroboros]]". As part of the crew, she progressively gets closer to Lister, while struggling to overcome her past romantic relationship with her original universe's Lister, and has a conflictual relationship with Kryten, who is jealous of the interest Lister has for her.<ref name="Series VII review at DVD Active"/> Between series VIII and IX, she is no longer part of the crew, and is believed by Lister to be dead; it is later revealed that she had actually fled the ship when it became clear Lister's complete lack of self-respect and indulgence on excesses was slowly killing him, which greatly depressed her; Kryten, the only one aware of her departure, pretended to have witnessed her death to avoid hurting Lister's feelings even more. After learning the truth, Lister hopes to reunite with her one day.<ref>{{Cite episode |title=Trojan |episode-link=Trojan (Red Dwarf) |series=Red Dwarf |first=Doug (writer/director) |last=Naylor |author-link=Doug Naylor |network=[[Dave (TV channel)|Dave]] |date=4 October 2012 |series-no=X |number=1 }}</ref> In addition to Grogan and Annett, [[Suzanne Rhatigan]] and [[Anastasia Hille]] portray false versions of Kochanski in episodes of [[Camille (Red Dwarf)|series 4]] and [[Back to Reality (Red Dwarf)|series 5]] respectively, while [[Holly Earl]] portrays a younger version of her in [[Pete (Red Dwarf)|an episode of series 8]].

==Production==
The first series aired on [[BBC2]] in 1988. [[List of Red Dwarf episodes|Eleven full series and one miniseries have so far been produced]], and a feature length special was released in 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2019/10/18/red-dwarf-special-announced |title=Red Dwarf Special Announced: The Boys from the Dwarf are returning to Dave in 2020! |date=18 October 2019 |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=19 October 2019 |archive-date=19 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019140433/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2019/10/18/red-dwarf-special-announced/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Concept and commission===
The concept for the show was originally developed from the sketch series ''[[#Dave Hollins: Space Cadet|Dave Hollins: Space Cadet]]'' on the [[BBC Radio 4]] show ''[[Son of Cliché]]'' in the mid-1980s, written by Rob Grant and Doug Naylor.<ref name="The Official Red Dwarf Companion, Red Dwarf Genesis">{{cite book |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/TheOfficialRedDwarfCompanionByBruceDessauStarbrite/page/n8 |last=Dessau |first=Bruce |author-link=Bruce Dessau |title=The Official Red Dwarf Companion |chapter=Red Dwarf Genesis |pages=8–12 |year=1992 |publisher=[[Titan Books]] |isbn=978-1-85286-456-9}}</ref> Their influences came from films and television programmes including ''[[Star Trek: The Original Series|Star Trek]]'' (1966), ''[[Silent Running]]'' (1972), ''[[Dark Star (film)|Dark Star]]'' (1974), ''[[Alien (film)|Alien]]'' (1979) and ''[[The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy]]'' (1981),<ref name="screenonline: Red Dwarf"/> but also had a large element of British-style comedy and satire thrown into the mix, ultimately moulded into the form of a sitcom. Having written the pilot script in 1983, the former ''[[Spitting Image]]'' writers pitched their unique concept to the BBC, but it was rejected on fears that a science fiction sitcom would not be popular.<ref name="The Official Red Dwarf Companion, Red Dwarf Genesis"/>

It was finally accepted by [[BBC North]] in 1986, a result of a spare budget being assigned for a second series of ''[[Happy Families (1985 TV series)|Happy Families]]'' that would never arise, and producer [[Paul Jackson (producer)|Paul Jackson]]'s insistence that ''Red Dwarf'' should be filmed instead.<ref name="Red Dwarf Series I Genesis">{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=1&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=genesis |title=Red Dwarf Series I Genesis |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=17 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081116151432/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?sectionID=behind-the-scenes&seriesID=1&subsectionID=genesis |archive-date=16 November 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> The show was fortunate to be remounted after an [[electrician]]s' [[Strike action|strike]] partway through rehearsals in early 1987 shut the entire production down (the title sequence was filmed in January 1987).<ref name="Prog Guide p6"/> The filming was rescheduled for September, and the [[The End (Red Dwarf)|pilot episode]] finally made it onto television screens on 15 February 1988.<ref name="screenonline: Red Dwarf"/>

Despite the commission of further series, the cast felt like "outsiders" at the BBC. Co-creator [[Doug Naylor]] attributed this to the show being commissioned by [[BBC Manchester]], but its being filmed at [[Shepperton Studios]] near where the cast lived in London. When the show won an [[International Emmy Award]] in [[22nd International Emmy Awards|1994]], Naylor's attempts to have the cast invited to a party thrown by the BBC proved futile when they objected to Craig Charles' and Danny John-Jules' inclusion, claiming they were "fire risks".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/711460/Red-Dwarf-Doug-Naylor-BBC-Emmy-Award-Craig-Charles-Chris-Barrie|title=Red Dwarf creator Doug Naylor reveals cast were 'outsiders' at the BBC despite Emmy win|author=Neela Debnath|date=16 September 2016|website=[[Daily Express]]|access-date=19 January 2020|archive-date=30 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191130220258/https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/711460/Red-Dwarf-Doug-Naylor-BBC-Emmy-Award-Craig-Charles-Chris-Barrie|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Casting===
[[Alan Rickman]] and [[Alfred Molina]] auditioned for roles in the series, with Molina being cast as Rimmer.<ref name="Interview: Norman Lovett">{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/red_dwarf_smegazine-1992-10/page/n19 |title=The Red Dwarf Interview: Norman Lovett |first1=Chris |last1=Howarth |first2=Steve |last2=Lyons |date=October 1992 |magazine=Red Dwarf Smegazine |volume=1 |issue=9 |pages=20–25 |publisher=Fleetway Editions Ltd |issn=0965-5603 |access-date=29 October 2019}}</ref><ref name="Red Dwarf Series 1 Episode One: The End">{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/red_dwarf_smegazine-1993-04/page/n33 |title=Red Dwarf Series 1 Episode One: The End |date=May 1993 |journal=Red Dwarf Smegazine |volume=2 |issue=1 |pages=34–36 |publisher=Fleetway Editions Ltd |issn=0965-5603 |access-date=29 October 2019}}</ref> However, after Molina had difficulties with the concept of the series, and of his role in particular, the role was recast and filled by Chris Barrie, a professional voice actor and impressionist who had previously worked with both the writers on ''[[Spitting Image]]'' and with the producers on ''Happy Families'' and [[Jasper Carrott]] productions.<ref name="Red Dwarf Series 1 Episode One: The End"/> Craig Charles, a Liverpudlian "punk poet", was given the role of Dave Lister. He was approached by the production team for his opinion about the "Cat" character, as they were concerned it may be considered by people as racist.<ref name="Prog Guide p5">Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 5.</ref> Charles described "Cat" as "pretty cool" and after reading the script he decided he wanted to audition for the part of Dave Lister.<ref name="Prog Guide p6">Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 6.</ref> Laconic [[stand-up comedian]] [[Norman Lovett]], who had originally tried out for the role of Rimmer, was kept in the show as Holly, the senile computer of the titular ship.<ref name="Prog Guide p5"/> A professional dancer and singer, Danny John-Jules, arriving half an hour late for his appointment, stood out as the Cat immediately. This was partly due to his "cool" exterior, dedicated research (reading [[Desmond Morris]]'s book ''Catwatching''), and his showing up in character, wearing his father's 1950s-style [[zoot suit]].<ref name="Prog Guide p5"/>

===Writing, producing and directing===
Grant and Naylor wrote the first six series together (using the pseudonym Grant Naylor on the first two novels and later as the name of their production company, although never on the episodes themselves).<ref name="Howarth & Lyons 1993 p. 205">Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 205.</ref> Grant left in 1995,<ref name="screenonline: Red Dwarf"/> to pursue other projects,<ref name="Series VI Aftermath">{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=6&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=aftermath |title=Series VI Aftermath |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=11 February 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080421163544/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=6&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=aftermath |archive-date=21 April 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> leaving Naylor to write series VII and VIII with a group of new writers, including [[Paul Alexander (British writer)|Paul Alexander]] and actor Robert Llewellyn (who portrayed the character Kryten).<ref name="Series VII Writing">{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=7&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=writing |title=Series VII Writing |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=11 February 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080421163554/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=7&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=writing |archive-date=21 April 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

For the most part, [[Ed Bye]] produced and directed the series. He left before Series V due to a scheduling clash (he ended up directing a show starring his wife, [[Ruby Wax]]) so [[Juliet May]] took over as director.<ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 16.</ref> May parted ways with the show halfway through the series for personal and professional reasons and Grant and Naylor took over direction of the series, in addition to writing and producing.<ref name="Series V production">{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=5&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=production |title=Red Dwarf series V Production |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=17 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081119161025/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?sectionID=behind-the-scenes&seriesID=5&subsectionID=production |archive-date=19 November 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Series VI was directed by [[Andy De Emmony]], and Ed Bye returned to direct series VII and VIII. Series I, II and III were made by Paul Jackson Productions, with subsequent series produced by the writers' own company Grant Naylor Productions for [[BBC North]]. All eight series were broadcast on BBC Two. At the beginning of series IV, production moved from BBC North's [[New Broadcasting House (Manchester)|New Broadcasting House]] in [[Manchester]] to [[Shepperton Studios|Shepperton]].<ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) pp. 13–14.</ref>

===Theme song and music===
The opening theme tune, closing theme tune, and incidental music were written and performed by [[Howard Goodall]], with the vocals on the closing theme tune by [[Jenna Russell]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Goodall |first1=Howard |title=QI Theme (Piano Solo) |url=http://howardgoodallstore.fabermusic.com/QI-Theme-18355.aspx |website=Faber Music Limited |access-date=7 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224025511/http://howardgoodallstore.fabermusic.com/QI-Theme-18355.aspx |archive-date=2015-02-24 |date=2015 |quote=See preview. This is a sheet music download. When your transaction is complete you will have up to 7 days to print the music yourself – it will not be posted to you.}}</ref> The first two series used a relatively sombre instrumental version of the closing theme for the opening titles; from Series III onwards this switched to a more upbeat version, with Goodall singing on [[vocoder]], the line "Red Dwarf" four times in the second half of the song.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mindblowing thing I've just noticed about the Opening Theme... |url=https://www.ganymede.tv/forums/topic/mindblowing-thing-ive-just-noticed-about-the-opening-theme/ |website=Ganymede & Titan |access-date=6 September 2020 |date=21 October 2016 |archive-date=4 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204200232/https://www.ganymede.tv/forums/topic/mindblowing-thing-ive-just-noticed-about-the-opening-theme/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Goodall |first1=Howard |title=Red Dwarf: TV & Film: Works |url=http://www.howardgoodall.co.uk/works/tv-and-film/red-dwarf |website=howardgoodall.co.uk |access-date=6 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813045655/http://www.howardgoodall.co.uk/works/tv-and-film/red-dwarf |archive-date=2018-08-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=phillimess |title=789660406050541568 |url=https://twitter.com/phillimess/status/789660406050541568 |website=Twitter |access-date=6 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906180958/https://twitter.com/phillimess/status/789660406050541568 |archive-date=2020-09-06 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Goodall |first1=Howard |title=I am honoured & delighted my vo-coded message from the past has been cracked! |url=https://twitter.com/Howard_Goodall/status/789760504147415040 |website=Twitter |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906181458/https://twitter.com/Howard_Goodall/status/789760504147415040 |archive-date=2020-09-06 |language=en |date=October 22, 2016 |quote=I am honoured & delighted my vo-coded message from the past has been cracked!   t .co/1GZMzPgZ9C}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Goodall |first1=Howard |title=Red Dwarf Theme lyrics |url=https://www.lyricsfreak.com/h/howard+goodall/red+dwarf+theme_20883728.html |website=Lyrics Freak |access-date=6 September 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Whistlecroft |first1=Charlotte |title=So apparently the Red Dwarf theme has hidden lyrics |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a811846/red-dwarf-theme-song-lyrics-no-one-knew-about/ |website=Digital Spy |access-date=6 September 2020 |date=22 October 2016 |archive-date=11 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111212408/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a811846/red-dwarf-theme-song-lyrics-no-one-knew-about/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Mellor |first1=Louisa |title=Red Dwarf: Behind-the-Scenes Doc Shows Alternative Theme Song Lyrics |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/red-dwarf-behind-the-scenes-doc-shows-alternative-theme-song-lyrics/ |website=Den of Geek |access-date=6 September 2020 |date=6 August 2020 |archive-date=29 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929085111/https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/red-dwarf-behind-the-scenes-doc-shows-alternative-theme-song-lyrics/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Goodall |first1=Howard |title=Red Dwarf Theme |url=https://genius.com/Howard-goodall-red-dwarf-theme-lyrics |website=genius.com |access-date=6 September 2020 |language=en |archive-date=13 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113232937/https://genius.com/Howard-goodall-red-dwarf-theme-lyrics |url-status=live }}</ref> Goodall also wrote music for the show's various songs, including "[[Tongue Tied (Red Dwarf song)|Tongue Tied]]", with lyrics written by Grant and Naylor.<ref name="Interview: Howard Goodall">{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/red_dwarf_smegazine-1992-11/page/n29 |title=The Red Dwarf Interview: Making Music, Howard Goodall |date=November 1992 |magazine=Red Dwarf Smegazine |volume=1 |issue=10 |pages=29–32 |publisher=Fleetway Editions Ltd |issn=0965-5603 |access-date=29 October 2019}}</ref> Danny John-Jules (credited as "The Cat") re-orchestrated and released "Tongue Tied" on 11 October 1993; it reached number 17 on the [[UK Singles Chart|UK charts]].<ref name="everyHit.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.everyhit.com/ |title=Search the UK Top 40 Hit Database |website=EveryHit.co.uk |access-date=19 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080118062706/http://www.everyhit.co.uk/notauth.html |archive-date=18 January 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Goodall himself sang "The Rimmer Song" heard during the Series VII episode "Blue", to which Chris Barrie mimed.<ref>"Back from the Dead" featurette on the Series VII DVD release.</ref>

===Remastered===
{{Main|Red Dwarf Remastered}}
In 1998, on the tenth anniversary of the show's first airing (and between the broadcast of Series VII and VIII), the first three series of ''Red Dwarf'' were [[Red Dwarf Remastered|remastered]] and released on [[VHS]]. The remastering included replacing model shots with computer graphics, cutting certain dialogue and scenes,<ref name="Sci-Fi-LondonFilmFestival">{{cite web |url=http://www.sci-fi-london.com/news/article/1195080035/3/red-dwarf-the-bodysnatcher-collection |title=Red Dwarf: The Bodysnatcher Collection |first=Matt |last=Dillon |date=14 November 2007 |website=Sci-Fi-London Film Festival |access-date=28 January 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408061055/http://www.sci-fi-london.com/news/article/1195080035/3/red-dwarf-the-bodysnatcher-collection |archive-date=8 April 2008}}</ref> re-filming Norman Lovett's Holly footage, creating a consistent set of opening titles, replacing music and creating ambient sound effects with a digital master.<ref name="Red Dwarf series I Remastering">{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=1&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=remastering |title=Red Dwarf series I Remastering |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=18 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081125215202/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?sectionID=behind-the-scenes&seriesID=1&subsectionID=remastering |archive-date=25 November 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> The remastered series were released in a four-disc [[DVD-Video|DVD]] box set "The Bodysnatcher Collection" in 2007.<ref name="The Bodysnatcher Collection">{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2007/11/09/the-bodysnatcher-collection |title=The Bodysnatcher Collection: The groundbreaking DVD release arrives in stores! |date=9 November 2007 |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=19 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080416194138/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2007/11/09/the%2Dbodysnatcher%2Dcollection |archive-date=16 April 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Hiatus===
{{timeline of release years
| 1988 = Series I and II
| 1989 = Series III
| 1991 = Series IV
| 1992 = Series V
| 1993 = Series VI
| 1997 = Series VII
| 1999 = Series VIII
| 2009 = ''Back To Earth''
| 2012 = Series X
| 2016 = Series XI
| 2017 = Series XII
| 2020 = ''The Promised Land''}}
Four years elapsed between Series VI and VII, partly due to the dissolving of the [[Grant Naylor|Grant and Naylor]] partnership, but also due to cast and crew working on other projects.<ref name="Series VI Aftermath"/> When the series eventually returned, it was [[film look|filmised]] and no longer shot in front of a live audience, allowing for greater use of four-walled sets, location shooting and [[Single-camera setup|single-camera]] techniques.<ref name="Red Dwarf series VII Production">{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=7&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=production |title=Red Dwarf series VII Production |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=17 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080421131818/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=7&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=production |archive-date=21 April 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> When the show returned for its eighth series two years later, however, it had dropped use of the filmising process and returned to using a live audience.<ref name="Red Dwarf series VIII Production">{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=8&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=production |title=Red Dwarf series VIII Production |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=18 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080421163605/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=8&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=production |archive-date=21 April 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The show received a setback when the BBC rejected proposals for a Series IX. Doug Naylor confirmed in 2007 that the BBC decided not to renew the series, as they preferred to work on other projects.<ref name="BBC rejects new 'Red Dwarf' series">{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/cult/a76992/report-bbc-rejects-new-red-dwarf-series.html |title=BBC rejects new 'Red Dwarf' series |first=Ben |last=Rawson-Jones |date=4 October 2007 |website=[[Digital Spy]] |access-date=18 January 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080112140038/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/cult/a76992/report-bbc-rejects-new-red-dwarf-series.html |archive-date=12 January 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> A short animated Christmas special was, however, made available to mobile phone subscribers the same year.<ref name="Red Dwarf returns for new mobisodes">{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/cult/a82173/red-dwarf-returns-for-new-mobisodes.html |title='Red Dwarf' returns for new 'mobisodes' |first=Ben |last=Rawson-Jones |date=22 December 2007 |website=Digital Spy |access-date=18 January 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080125093550/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/cult/a82173/red-dwarf-returns-for-new-mobisodes.html |archive-date=25 January 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Ultimately, however, fans had to wait a decade before the series finally returned to television.

===Revival===

====''Red Dwarf: Back to Earth''====
{{Main|Red Dwarf: Back to Earth}}
In 2008, a three-episode production was commissioned by the digital channel [[Dave (TV channel)|Dave]]. ''Red Dwarf: Back to Earth'' was broadcast over the [[Easter]] weekend of 2009, along with a "making of" documentary.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturenews/4348317/Red-Dwarf-to-return-in-new-series.html |title=Red Dwarf to return in new series |date=27 January 2009 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |access-date=27 January 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090225174247/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturenews/4348317/Red-Dwarf-to-return-in-new-series.html |archive-date=25 February 2009 |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2009/02/20/back-to-earth-the-trilogy |title=Back To Earth: The Trilogy |date=20 February 2009 |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=20 February 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090223073817/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2009/02/20/back%2Dto%2Dearth%2Dthe%2Dtrilogy |archive-date=23 February 2009}}</ref> The episode was set nine years after the events of "[[Only the Good...]]" (with the cliffhanger ending of that episode left unresolved, a situation that would continue with Series X). The storyline involves the characters arriving back on Earth, circa 2009, only to find that they are characters in a TV show called "Red Dwarf". Kochanski is supposedly dead and Holly is offline due to water damage caused by Lister leaving a tap running.<ref name="The Kryten Factor">{{cite magazine |title=Red Alert |date=April 2009 |magazine=[[SFX (magazine)|SFX]] |issue=181 |page=8}}</ref> Actress [[Sophie Winkleman]] played a character called Katerina, a resurrected hologram of a ''Red Dwarf'' science officer intent on replacing Rimmer.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dave.uktv.co.uk/library/red-dwarf/red-dwarf-news-new-character-revealed |title=Red Dwarf News: New character revealed! |date=4 March 2009 |website=[[Dave (TV channel)|Dave]] |access-date=4 March 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090816161621/http://dave.uktv.co.uk/library/red-dwarf/red-dwarf-news-new-character-revealed |archive-date=16 August 2009}}</ref>

To achieve a more cinematic atmosphere, ''Back to Earth'' was not filmed in front of a studio audience. Some previous ''Red Dwarf'' episodes had been shot in that way ("[[Bodyswap (Red Dwarf)|Bodyswap]]" and all of the seventh series), but ''Back to Earth'' represented the first time that a laughter track was not added before broadcast.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2009/02/13/red-through |title=Red-Through: A high-definition start to the new ''Dwarf'' production |date=13 February 2009 |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=13 February 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216112653/http://reddwarf.co.uk/news/2009/02/13/red%2Dthrough |archive-date=16 February 2009}}</ref> It was also the first episode of ''Red Dwarf'' to be filmed in [[High-definition television|high definition]].<ref name="The Kryten Factor"/>

The specials were televised over three nights, starting on Friday 10 April 2009. The broadcasts received record ratings for Dave;<ref name="BTE ratings Guardian">{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/apr/14/red-dwarf-dave-record-ratings |title=TV ratings: Red Dwarf brings Dave record audience |last=Holmwood |first=Leigh |date=14 April 2009 |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |publisher=[[Guardian Media Group|Guardian News and Media Limited]] |access-date=5 October 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513064349/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/apr/14/red-dwarf-dave-record-ratings |archive-date=13 May 2014}}</ref> the first of the three episodes represented the UK's highest-ever viewing figures for a commissioned programme on a digital network.<ref name="BTE ratings">{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2009/04/17/back-to-earth-ratings |title=Back To Earth Ratings |date=17 April 2009 |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=5 October 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913040530/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2009/04/17/back-to-earth-ratings |archive-date=13 September 2012}}</ref> ''Back to Earth'' was released on DVD on 15 June 2009,<ref name="BTE DVD date">{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2009/02/20/dave-episodes-dvd-date-revealed |title=Dave Episodes' DVD Date Revealed |date=20 February 2009 |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=20 February 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090223073856/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2009/02/20/dave%2Depisodes%2Ddvd%2Ddate%2Drevealed |archive-date=23 February 2009}}</ref> and on [[Blu-ray]] on 31 August 2009.<ref name="BTE BR date">{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2009/07/24/bluray-in-the-uk |title=Blu-ray In The UK |date=24 July 2009 |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=5 October 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121201031235/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2009/07/24/bluray-in-the-uk |archive-date=1 December 2012}}</ref> ''Back to Earth'' was subsequently described on the series' official website as "for all intents and purposes, the 'ninth series' of ''Red Dwarf''".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/help |title=The Show: Q&A |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=30 July 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717125011/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/help |archive-date=17 July 2012}}</ref> This placement was confirmed when Series X was commissioned and branded as the tenth series, although ''Back to Earth'' continues not to be referred to as "Series IX" on home media or digital releases.

====''Red Dwarf X''====
{{Main|Red Dwarf X}}
On 10 April 2011, Dave announced that it had commissioned a six-episode series X to be broadcast on Dave in late 2012.<ref>{{cite web |title=Red Dwarf X confirmed |url=http://uktv.co.uk/dave/article/aid/630663 |date=10 April 2011 |website=Dave |access-date=15 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110415041312/http://uktv.co.uk/dave/article/aid/630663 |archive-date=15 April 2011}}</ref><ref name="officialsite-series-x">{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2011/04/15/new-series-of-red-dwarf-confirmed |title=New Series of Red Dwarf Confirmed |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |date=15 April 2011 |access-date=20 August 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806120220/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2011/04/15/new-series-of-red-dwarf-confirmed |archive-date=6 August 2012}}</ref> Filming dates for the new series [[Red Dwarf X]] were announced on 11 November 2011, along with confirmation that the series would be shot at [[Shepperton Studios]] in front of an audience.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2011/11/11/be-in-the-audience-for-red-dwarf-x |title=Be in the Audience for Red Dwarf X |date=11 November 2011 |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=25 May 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422233841/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2011/11/11/be-in-the-audience-for-red-dwarf-x |archive-date=22 April 2012}}</ref> Principal filming began on 16 December 2011 and ended on 27 January 2012, and the cast and crew subsequently returned for six days filming [[Pick-up (filmmaking)|pick-ups]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ganymede.tv/atspeed/2012/01/a-red-dwarf-x-round-up |title=A Big Red Dwarf X Round-Up |date=30 January 2012 |last=Capps |first=Jonathan |work=Ganymede & Titan |access-date=25 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722074737/http://www.ganymede.tv/atspeed/2012/01/a-red-dwarf-x-round-up |archive-date=22 July 2012}}</ref> Discounting guest stars, only the core cast of Charles, Barrie, Llewellyn and John-Jules returned for Series X, with Annett and Lovett absent, though the scripts include references to Kochanski and Holly.

On 20 July 2012, a 55-second trailer for series X was released on [[Facebook]], followed by a new "teaser" every Friday.<ref name="bom">{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2012/07/20/red-dwarf-x-first-trailer |title=Red Dwarf X: First Trailer |date=20 July 2012 |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=20 August 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910083443/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2012/07/20/red-dwarf-x-first-trailer |archive-date=10 September 2012}}</ref> The new series debuted on Thursday 4 October 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/red-dwarf-x/22421/will-red-dwarf-x-be-the-show%E2%80%99s-final-outing |title=Will Red Dwarf X be the show's final outing? |first=Louisa |last=Mellor |date=22 August 2012 |website=Den of Geek |access-date=23 August 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120824133239/http://www.denofgeek.com/tv/red-dwarf-x/22421/will-red-dwarf-x-be-the-show%E2%80%99s-final-outing |archive-date=24 August 2012}}</ref>

====''Red Dwarf XI and XII''====
Following series X, which attracted high viewing figures, Dave, Doug Naylor and the cast showed strong interest in making another series. During the [[Dimension Jump (convention)|Dimension Jump]] fan convention in May 2013, Doug Naylor stated that discussions were ongoing with all involved parties and while arrangements had not been finalised, he hoped shooting could begin in February 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/features/reports/dimension-jump-17/index.cfm?page=sunday |title=Dimension Jump XVII: Sunday |date=5 May 2013 |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=22 October 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327140744/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/features/reports/dimension-jump-17/index.cfm?page=sunday |archive-date=27 March 2014}}</ref> In October 2013, Robert Llewellyn posted on his blog, stating that "an eleventh series would happen" and that it would be "sometime in 2014". Llewellyn later removed the post from his blog and Doug Naylor issued a statement on Twitter, saying: "Getting tweets claiming Red Dwarf XI is commissioned. Not true. Not yet."<ref>{{cite tweet |user=DougRDNaylor |number=392405395417100288 |first=Doug |last=Naylor |title=Getting tweets claiming Red Dwarf XI is commissioned... |date=21 October 2013 |access-date=20 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a525448/red-dwarf-series-11-still-not-commissioned-says-doug-naylor.html |title='Red Dwarf' series 11 still not commissioned, says Doug Naylor |first=Alex |last=Fletcher |website=[[Digital Spy]] |date=22 October 2013 |access-date=22 October 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023062531/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a525448/red-dwarf-series-11-still-not-commissioned-says-doug-naylor.html |archive-date=23 October 2013}}</ref> However, in January 2014, Danny John-Jules stated that the eleventh series of ''Red Dwarf'' was in the process of being written.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a544203/red-dwarf-series-11-currently-being-written-says-danny-john-jules.html |title=Red Dwarf series 11 currently being written, says Danny John-Jules |first=Alex |last=Fletcher |website=Digital Spy |date=14 January 2014 |access-date=3 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313095025/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a544203/red-dwarf-series-11-currently-being-written-says-danny-john-jules.html |archive-date=13 March 2014}}</ref>

At the April 2014 [[Scarborough Festival|Sci-Fi Scarborough Festival]], during the ''Red Dwarf'' cast panel, Danny John-Jules stated that filming of the eleventh series would commence in October 2014, with an expected release of Autumn 2015 on Dave.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://whatculture.com/tv/red-dwarf-season-11-confirmed-filming-date.php |title=Red Dwarf Season 11 Confirmed With Filming Date |last1=Frazer |first1=Philip |date=9 April 2014 |website=WhatCulture.com |access-date=10 April 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140412122225/http://whatculture.com/tv/red-dwarf-season-11-confirmed-filming-date.php |archive-date=12 April 2014}}</ref>

On 2 May 2015, at the Dimension Jump XVIII convention, Naylor announced that an eleventh and a twelfth series had been commissioned. The two series would be shot back-to-back towards the end of 2015 for broadcast on Dave in 2016 and 2017, respectively,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itv.com/news/2015-05-02/red-dwarf-ready-to-take-off-with-new-series |title=Cult comedy classic Red Dwarf ready to take off with new series |date=2 May 2015 |website=[[ITV (TV channel)|ITV News]] |access-date=2 May 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505015327/http://www.itv.com/news/2015-05-02/red-dwarf-ready-to-take-off-with-new-series |archive-date=5 May 2015}}</ref> and would be co-produced by [[Baby Cow Productions]], with company CEO, [[Henry Normal]], executive-producing the new episodes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2015/05/02/red-dwarf-returns-twice |title=Red Dwarf Returns... Twice! |date=2 May 2015 |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=2 May 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505011703/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2015/05/02/red-dwarf-returns-twice |archive-date=5 May 2015}}</ref>

Series XI and XII were filmed back-to-back at [[Pinewood Studios]] between November 2015 and March 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2015/09/11/just-the-ticket |title=Just The Ticket |date=11 September 2015 |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=21 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911140542/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2015/09/11/just-the-ticket |archive-date=11 September 2016}}</ref><ref name="btb">{{Cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/red-dwarf/feature/a840479/red-dwarf-series-12-episode-1-premiere-cured-review |title=Red Dwarf XII episode one, 'Cured' review: Lister's new BFF is... Hitler?! |first=Sam |last=Ashurst |date=12 October 2017 |work=Digital Spy |access-date=12 October 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015045523/http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/red-dwarf/feature/a840479/red-dwarf-series-12-episode-1-premiere-cured-review |archive-date=15 October 2017}}</ref> The eleventh series premiered on UKTV's [[video-on-demand]] service [[UKTV Play]] on 15 September 2016, a week ahead of its broadcast transmission on 22 September.

On 8 September 2017, it was announced that ''Red Dwarf XII'' would begin broadcasting on Dave on 12 October 2017,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2017/09/08/all-right-dudes |title=All Right, Dudes? |date=8 September 2017 |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=15 September 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908155218/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2017/09/08/all-right-dudes |archive-date=8 September 2017}}</ref> and on 15 September 2017 it was further announced that each episode would preview a week earlier via the UKTV Play video on demand service, effectively meaning that series 12 would be starting on 5 October 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2017/09/15/teaser-for-twelve |title=Teaser For Twelve |date=15 September 2017 |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=15 September 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916011003/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2017/09/15/teaser-for-twelve |archive-date=16 September 2017}}</ref>

====''Red Dwarf: The Promised Land''====
{{Main|Red Dwarf: The Promised Land}}

In late May 2019, in a radio interview, Robert Llewellyn stated that a thirteenth series was happening<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ganymede.tv/2019/05/bobby-llew-strikes-yet-again |title=Bobby Llew strikes yet again |first=Ian |last=Symes |date=24 May 2019 |website=Ganymede & Titan |access-date=29 October 2019 |archive-date=29 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629124212/https://www.ganymede.tv/2019/05/bobby-llew-strikes-yet-again/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and in June of that year, Danny John-Jules stated that it was expected to be wrapped up by the end of 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a28204565/red-dwarf-danny-john-jules-update-series-13-return |title=Red Dwarf star Danny John-Jules gives update on the series' return |first=Sam |last=Warner |date=27 June 2019 |website=Digital Spy |access-date=29 October 2019 |archive-date=17 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217095850/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a28204565/red-dwarf-danny-john-jules-update-series-13-return/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, in October 2019, UKTV announced that a 90-minute feature-length special would be produced instead, to be filmed from December 2019 to January 2020,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2019/10/18/44561/finally!_red_dwarf_movie_is_happening|title=Finally! Red Dwarf movie IS happening|date=18 October 2019|website=[[Chortle]]|access-date=21 February 2020|archive-date=19 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019113750/https://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2019/10/18/44561/finally!_red_dwarf_movie_is_happening|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ganymede.tv/2019/11/red-dwarf-special-recording-postponed/|title=Red Dwarf Special Recording Postponed|first=Ian|last=Symes|date=21 November 2019|website=Ganymede & Titan|access-date=21 February 2020|archive-date=15 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215230528/https://www.ganymede.tv/2019/11/red-dwarf-special-recording-postponed/|url-status=live}}</ref> with location filming scheduled for November.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/uk/go/68049 |title=Red Dwarf feature-length special on the way in 2020 |first=Kirsten |last=Howard |date=18 October 2019 |website=Den of Geek |access-date=29 October 2019 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Three 60-minute documentaries were also announced to accompany it, intended to act as a retrospective of all previous 12 series.

In January 2020, the first publicity photos of the special were released, with [[Ray Fearon]] revealed as the first confirmed guest actor portraying Rodon, the "leader of the feral cats".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2020-01-23/red-dwarf-special-first-look-new-images/|title=First look at new Red Dwarf special as Dave releases new images|first=Patrick|last=Cremona|date=23 January 2020|website=Radio Times|access-date=21 February 2020|archive-date=22 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222012409/https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2020-01-23/red-dwarf-special-first-look-new-images/|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2020, the day before the 32nd anniversary of [[The End (Red Dwarf)|when ''Red Dwarf'' first aired]], a synopsis was given by the official ''Red Dwarf'' website: "The special will see the posse meet three cat clerics ([[Tom Bennett (actor)|Tom Bennett]], [[Mandeep Dhillon]], [[Lucy Pearman]]) who worship Lister as their god. Lister vows to help them as they're being hunted by Rodon, the ruthless feral cat leader (Ray Fearon) who has vowed to wipe out all cats who worship anyone but him." [[Norman Lovett]] officially announced to be returning as Holly following his one-off [[Skipper (Red Dwarf)|guest spot in Series XII]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2020/02/14/whats-it-all-about/|title=What's It All About?|date=14 February 2020|website=reddwarf.co.uk|access-date=21 February 2020|archive-date=22 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222012409/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2020/02/14/whats-it-all-about/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 10 March 2020, in an exclusive with ''[[Radio Times]]'', a [[Teaser campaign#For films|teaser trailer]] was released.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2020-03-10/red-dwarf-13-special-trailer/|title=Red Dwarf gets dramatic in new special trailer|first=Huw|last=Fullerton|date=10 March 2020|website=Radio Times|access-date=11 March 2020|archive-date=4 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404023142/https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2020-03-10/red-dwarf-13-special-trailer/|url-status=live}}</ref> A rough release date of sometime in April was given and, a day later on 11 March 2020, the official [[Twitter]] account for Dave revealed the title of the television film: ''Red Dwarf: The Promised Land''.<ref>{{Cite Tweet|user=davechannel|number=1237671215600488449|url=https://twitter.com/davechannel/status/1237671215600488449|title=#RedDwarf: The Promised Land. Coming soon to Dave.|date=11 March 2020|access-date=11 March 2020}}</ref>

====Further episodes====
The ''Red Dwarf'' cast all agreed to do more episodes. A feature-length special, split into three parts, was reportedly set to be filmed in September or from mid-October through mid-November of 2024.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hibbs|first=James|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/red-dwarf-three-new-episodes-newsupdate/|title=Red Dwarf 'returning to TV with 3 brand new episodes'|date=17 May 2024|website=[[Radio Times]]|access-date=17 May 2024|archive-date=17 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517145346/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/red-dwarf-three-new-episodes-newsupdate/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, {{as of|2025|1|lc=y}} the episodes have still not been produced.<ref>{{cite web|last=Griffin|first=Louise|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/red-dwarf-return-might-not-happen-exclusive-newsupdate/|title=Red Dwarf return "might not happen" – star confirms status of new episodes|date=17 January 2025|website=[[Radio Times]]|access-date=17 February 2025|archive-date=|archive-url=|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Themes==
''Red Dwarf'' was founded on the standard sitcom focus of a disparate and frequently dysfunctional group of individuals living together in a restricted setting. With the main characters routinely displaying their cowardice, incompetence and laziness, while exchanging insulting and sarcastic dialogue, the series provided a humorous antidote to the fearless and morally upright space explorers typically found in science-fiction series,<ref name="screenonline: Red Dwarf"/> with its main characters acting bravely only when there was no other possible alternative. The increasing science-fiction elements of the series were treated seriously by creators Rob Grant and Doug Naylor. Satire, parody and drama were alternately woven into the episodes, referencing other television series, films and books. These have included references to the likes of ''[[2001: A Space Odyssey (film)|2001: A Space Odyssey]]'' (1968),<ref name="2001: A Space Odyssey parody">{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=2&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=writing |title=Red Dwarf series II Writing |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=17 January 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080421163512/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=2&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=writing |archive-date=21 April 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> ''[[Top Gun]]'' (1986),<ref name="Top Gun influences">{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=4&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=music |title=Red Dwarf: Series IV music |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=17 January 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081124230251/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?sectionID=behind-the-scenes&seriesID=4&subsectionID=music |archive-date=24 November 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> ''[[RoboCop]]'' (1987), ''[[Star Wars (film)|Star Wars]]'' (1977), ''[[Citizen Kane]]'' (1942), ''[[The Wild One]]'' (1953), ''[[High Noon]]'' (1952), ''[[Rebel Without a Cause]]'' (1955), ''[[Casablanca (film)|Casablanca]]'' (1942), ''[[Easy Rider]]'' (1969), ''[[The Terminator]]'' (1984),<ref name="GreatDebate"/> ''[[Pride and Prejudice]]'' (1813), Isaac Asimov's [[Robot series|''Robot'' series]] (1939–85) and the [[Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse]].

The writers based the whole theme of some episodes on the plots of feature films. The series III episode "Polymorph" references and parodies key moments from ''[[Alien (film)|Alien]]'' (1979); from series IV, "[[Camille (Red Dwarf)|Camille]]" echoes key scenes from ''Casablanca'' (1942),<ref name="GreatDebate"/> while "[[Meltdown (Red Dwarf)|Meltdown]]" borrows the main plot from ''[[Westworld (film)|Westworld]]'' (1973). For series IX, "[[Red Dwarf: Back to Earth|Back to Earth]]" was partially inspired by ''[[Blade Runner]]'' (1982).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/blog/index.php?blog=121&title=red_dwarf_back_to_earth_this_weekend_s_e_1&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1 |title='Red Dwarf: Back To Earth' – This Weekend's Essential Viewing |first=Rob |last=Howard |date=9 April 2009 |website=[[NME]] |access-date=15 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011201714/http://www.nme.com/blog/index.php?blog=121&title=red_dwarf_back_to_earth_this_weekend_s_e_1&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1 |archive-date=11 October 2012}}</ref> The series' themes are not limited to films or television, having also incorporated historical events and figures.<ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) pp. 67–68.</ref> Religion also plays a part in the series, as a significant factor in the ultimate fate of the Cat race, and the perception of Lister as their 'God', both in the episode "[[Waiting for God (Red Dwarf)|Waiting for God]]"<ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) pp. 48–49.</ref> (whose title makes a literary reference to the [[Samuel Beckett]] play ''[[Waiting for Godot]]''), as well as the crew meeting a man whom they believe to be [[Jesus Christ]] in series X episode "[[Lemons (Red Dwarf)|Lemons]]". The series VII episode "[[Ouroboros (Red Dwarf)|Ouroboros]]" derives its name and theme from the ancient mythological snake of the [[Ouroboros|same name]]. The third episode of series VI, "[[Gunmen of the Apocalypse]]", was based on the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

The series explores many science-fiction staples such as time-travel paradoxes (including the [[grandfather paradox]]), the question of [[determinism]] and [[free will]] (in several episodes), the pursuit of happiness in virtual reality and, crucially to the show's premise of Lister being the last human, the near-certainty of the human species' [[extinction]] sometime in the far future.

Grant and Naylor decided very early in the process that they did not want [[Extraterrestrial life|aliens]] to feature in the series. This is usually addressed with Rimmer's belief in extraterrestrial life being shot down, as with a vessel he believes to be an alien ship (which turns out to be a garbage pod). However, there are non-human life forms such as evolutions of Earth species (e.g. the cat race), robotic or holo-life forms created by humans, and a "genetically engineered life form" (GELF), an artificially created creature. Simulants and GELFs frequently serve as antagonists during the later series of the show.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/features/analysis/ten-moments-that-shaped-red-dwarf/index.cfm |title=Ten Moments That Shaped Red Dwarf |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |date=14 November 2008 |access-date=5 March 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307064851/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/features/analysis/ten-moments-that-shaped-red-dwarf/index.cfm |archive-date=7 March 2009}}</ref>

==Hallmarks==
The series developed its own distinct vocabulary. Words and phrases such as [[hologram]]matic{{sic}}, dollarpound, bazookoids, ''[[Felis sapiens]]'', Simulants, GELF, space [[weevil]], and [[Weightlessness|Zero Gee]] Football appear throughout the series, highlighting a development in language, political climate, technology, evolution and culture in the future.<ref name="Red Dwarf Programme Guide">{{cite book |last1=Howarth |first1=Chris |first2=Steve |last2=Lyons |title=Red Dwarf Programme Guide: A-Z |year=1993 |publisher=[[Virgin Books]] |location=London, UK |isbn=0-86369-682-1 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/reddwarfprogramm0000howa }}</ref> The creators also employed a vocabulary of fictional [[expletive attributive|expletives]] to avoid using potentially offensive words in the show and to give nuance to futuristic colloquial language; in particular, "smeg" (and variants such as "smegging", "smegger", and "smeg-head") features prominently, alongside the terms "gimboid",  "goit" and "[[Gareth Gwenlan|Gwenlan]]".<ref>{{Cite web |title=10 things you might not know about RED DWARF - Warped Factor - Words in the Key of Geek. |url=http://www.warpedfactor.com/2015/02/10-things-you-might-not-know-about-red.html |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=www.warpedfactor.com}}</ref><ref name="Red Dwarf series I Writing">{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=1&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=writing |title=Red Dwarf series I Writing |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=18 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081118130158/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?sectionID=behind-the-scenes&seriesID=1&subsectionID=writing |archive-date=18 November 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

==Episodes==
{{Main|List of Red Dwarf episodes}}
{{:List of Red Dwarf episodes}}

==Ratings==

===''Red Dwarf I''===
{| class= "wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! scope="col" | Episode no.
! scope="col" | Airdate
! scope="col" | Viewers (millions)
! scope="col" | BBC2 weekly ranking
|-
| 1 || 15 February 1988 || 4.75m ||3
|-
| 2 || 22 February 1988 || N/K ||-
|-
| 3 || 29 February 1988 || 4.25m ||9
|-
| 4 || 7 March 1988 || 3.75m ||8
|-
| 5 || 14 March 1988 || N/K ||-
|-
| 6 || 21 March 1988 || N/K ||-
|}

===''Red Dwarf VIII''===
{| class= "wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! scope="col" | Episode no.
! scope="col" | Airdate
! scope="col" | Viewers
! scope="col" | BBC Two weekly ranking
|-
| 1 || 18 February 1999 || 8,050,000||1
|-
| 2 || 25 February 1999 || 7,580,000||1
|-
| 3 || 4 March 1999 || 6,920,000||2
|-
| 4 || 11 March 1999 || 5,950,000||1
|-
| 5 || 18 March 1999 || 6,760,000||1
|-
| 6 || 25 March 1999 || 6,320,000||1
|-
| 7 || 1 April 1999 || 4,520,000||3
|-
| 8 || 5 April 1999 || 4,240,000||3
|}

===''Back to Earth''===
{| style="text-align:center;" class="wikitable"
|-
! scope="col" | Episode no.
! scope="col" | Air date
! scope="col" | Dave viewers
! scope="col" | Dave rank
! scope="col" | Rank<br /><small>(cable)</small>
! scope="col" | Dave ja vu<br />viewers
! scope="col" | Total viewers
|-
| 1
| {{dts|format=dmy|2009-04-10}}
| 2,357,000
| 1
| 1
| 385,000
| 2,742,000
|-
| 2
| {{dts|format=dmy|2009-04-11}}
| 1,238,000
|2
| 6
| 366,000
| 1,604,000
|-
| 3
| {{dts|format=dmy|2009-04-12}}
| 1,197,000
| 3
| 7
| 245,000
| 1,442,000
|}

===''Red Dwarf X''===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! scope="col" | Episode no.
! scope="col" | Airdate
! scope="col" | Dave viewers
! scope="col" | Dave rank
! scope="col" | Rank<br /><small>(cable)</small>
! scope="col" | Dave ja vu<br />viewers
! scope="col" | Total viewers
|-
| 1 || 4 October 2012 || 1,978,000 || 1 || 3 || 113,000 || 2,091,000
|-
| 2 || 11 October 2012 || 1,567,000 || 1 || 2 || 78,000 || 1,645,000
|-
| 3 || 18 October 2012 || 1,519,000 || 1 || 3 || 106,000 || 1,625,000
|-
| 4 || 25 October 2012 || 1,345,000 || 1 || 7 || 119,000 || 1,464,000
|-
| 5 || 1 November 2012 || 1,561,000 || 1 || 4 || 73,000 || 1,634,000
|-
| 6 || 8 November 2012 || 1,400,000 || 1 || 5 || 107,000 || 1,507,000
|}

===''Red Dwarf XI''===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! scope="col" | Episode no.
! scope="col" | Airdate
! scope="col" | 7-day viewers
! scope="col" | 28-day viewers
! scope="col" | Dave rank
|-
| 1 || 22 September 2016 || 1,456,000 || 1,724,000 || 1
|-
| 2 || 29 September 2016 || 1,443,000 || 1,710,000 || 1
|-
| 3 || 6 October 2016 || 1,144,000||1,310,000||1
|-
| 4 || 13 October 2016 ||1,096,000 || 1,292,000||1
|-
| 5 ||20 October 2016 ||1,180,000 ||1,272,000||1
|-
| 6 || 27 October 2016 || 1,024,000 || 1,158,000||1
|}

===''Red Dwarf XII''===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! scope="col" | Episode no.
! scope="col" | Airdate
! scope="col" | 7-day viewers
! scope="col" | 28-day viewers
! scope="col" | Dave rank
|-
| 1 || 12 October 2017 || 1,200,000 || 1,352,000 || 1
|-
| 2 || 19 October 2017 || 1,179,000 ||1,278,000|| 1
|-
| 3 || 26 October 2017 ||1,189,000 ||1,286,000||1
|-
| 4 || 2 November 2017 ||973,000 ||1,077,000||1
|-
| 5 ||9 November 2017 ||903,000 ||950,000||1
|-
| 6 || 16 November 2017 || 846,000 ||968,000||1
|}

===''The Promised Land''===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! scope="col" | Airdate
! scope="col" | Dave viewers
! scope="col" | Rank<br /><small>(cable)</small>
! scope="col" | Dave ja vu<br />viewers
! scope="col" | Total viewers
|-
| 9 April 2020 || 980,000 || 1 || 636,000 || 1,670,000<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2020/04/24/ratings-consolidated/|website=RedDwarf.co.uk|title=Ratings Consolidated|date=24 April 2020|access-date=30 April 2020|archive-date=27 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427142521/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2020/04/24/ratings-consolidated/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|}

==Reception and achievements==

===Critical reception===
The changes made to the series' cast, setting, creative teams and even production values from series to series have meant that opinions differ greatly between fans and critics as to the quality of each series.<ref name="screenonline: Red Dwarf"/> In the "Great Red Dwarf Debate," published in Volume 2, Issue 3 of the ''Red Dwarf Smegazine'', science fiction writers Steve Lyons and Joe Nazarro argue about the pros and cons of the early series versus the later series. Lyons states that the show "once had was a unique balance of sci-fi comedy, which worked magnificently." Nazarro agrees that "the first two series are very original and very funny," but goes on to say that "it wasn't until series III that the show hit its stride."<ref name="GreatDebate">{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/red_dwarf_smegazine-1993-06/page/n37 |title=The Great Red Dwarf Debate |first1=Steve |last1=Lyons |first2=Joe |last2=Nazzaro |date=July 1993 |magazine=Red Dwarf Smegazine |volume=2 |issue=3 |pages=38–39 |publisher=Fleetway Editions Ltd |issn=0965-5603 |access-date=29 October 2019}}</ref> Discussions revolve around the quality of Series VI, seen by one reviewer as just as good as the earlier series',<ref name="Series VI review at Sci-Fi Weekly"/> but criticised by another reviewer as a descent into formulaic comedy with an unwelcome change of setting.<ref name="Red Dwarf VI review by Gavrielle">{{cite web |url=http://www.reviewsbygavrielle.com/dwarf3.shtml |first=Gavrielle |last=Perry |title=The Good Dwarf Guide: Series III |website=ReviewsByGavrielle.com |access-date=1 February 2008 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080304060002/http://www.reviewsbygavrielle.com/dwarf3.shtml |archive-date=4 March 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The changes seen in Series VII disappointed some; while much slicker and higher-budget in appearance, the shift away from outright sitcom and into something approaching [[comedy drama]] was seen by one reviewer as a move in the wrong direction.<ref name="series VII review at DVD Active">{{cite web |url=http://www.dvdactive.com/reviews/dvd/red-dwarf-vii.html |title=Red Dwarf VII UK - DVD R2 |website=DVD Active.com |access-date=11 February 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011075340/http://www.dvdactive.com/reviews/dvd/red-dwarf-vii.html |archive-date=11 October 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> The attempt to shift back into traditional sitcom format for Series VIII was greeted with a response that was similarly lukewarm.<ref name="screenonline: Red Dwarf"/> There was criticism aimed at the decision to resurrect the entire crew of ''Red Dwarf'', as it was felt this detracted from the series' central premise of Lister being the last human being alive.<ref name="Series VIII review at Sci-Fi Weekly"/> There are other critics who feel that Series VII and VIII are no weaker than the earlier series, however,<ref name="TV Reviews at SciFi.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.scifi.com/sfw/issue457/screen2.html |title=Red Dwarf Series VII DVD |first=Paul |last=Di Filippo |website=Sci-Fi Weekly |access-date=11 February 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703001116/http://www.scifi.com/sfw/issue457/screen2.html |archive-date=3 July 2007}}</ref><ref name="series Reviews at DVD Direct">{{cite web |url=https://www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/reddwarfseries58.php |title=Red Dwarf: Series 5-8 |first=Bill |last=Gibron |date=7 June 2006 |website=DVD Verdict.com |access-date=11 February 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080119032101/http://www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/reddwarfseries58.php |archive-date=19 January 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> and the topic is the subject of constant fervent debate among the show's fanbase.<ref name="screenonline: Red Dwarf">{{cite web |url=http://www.screenonline.org.uk/tv/id/560214/index.html |title=Red Dwarf (1988-99) |first=Alec |last=Worley |website=[[Screenonline]] |access-date=11 February 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071213224421/http://www.screenonline.org.uk/tv/id/560214/index.html |archive-date=13 December 2007 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Achievements===
Although the pilot episode of the show gathered over four million viewers, viewing figures dipped in successive episodes and the first series had generally poor ratings.<ref name="Red Dwarf series I Aftermath">{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=1&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=aftermath |title=Red Dwarf series I Aftermath |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=25 February 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081125165341/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?sectionID=behind-the-scenes&seriesID=1&subsectionID=aftermath |archive-date=25 November 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Through to Series VI, ratings steadily increased and peaked at over six million viewers,<ref name="Series VI Aftermath"/> achieved with the episode "[[Gunmen of the Apocalypse]]."<ref name="Gunmen ratings">{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/red_dwarf_smegazine-1993-12/page/n14 |title=News From the Dwarf: Top of the Charts |first=Jane |last=Killick |date=January 1994 |magazine=Red Dwarf Smegazine |volume=2 |issue=9 |page=15 |publisher=Fleetway Editions Ltd |issn=0965-5603 |access-date=29 October 2019}}</ref> When the show returned in 1999, it gained the highest audience figures yet; over eight million viewers tuned in for Series VIII's opening episode "[[Back in the Red: Part I]]".<ref name="Back in the Red part I ratings">{{cite web |url=http://www.barb.co.uk/viewingsummary/weekreports.cfm?Requesttimeout=500&report=weeklyterrestrial |title=Weekly Viewing Summary: Terrestrial Top 30 – 4 December 2005 |website=[[Broadcasters' Audience Research Board|BARB]] |access-date=8 February 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051215174702/http://www.barb.co.uk/viewingsummary/weekreports.cfm?report=weeklyterrestrial&requesttimeout=500 |archive-date=15 December 2005}}</ref> The show has won numerous awards including the [[Royal Television Society|Royal Television Society Award]] for special effects, the [[British Science Fiction Association|British Science Fiction award]] for Best Dramatic Presentation, as well as an International Emmy Award<ref name="Red Dwarf series IV on DVD">{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2004/01_january/red_dwarf_dvd.shtml |title=Red Dwarf series IV on DVD |website=BBC Worldwide Press Office |access-date=18 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071223035702/http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2004/01_january/red_dwarf_dvd.shtml |archive-date=23 December 2007 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> for Series VI episode "Gunmen of the Apocalypse", which tied with an ''[[Absolutely Fabulous]]'' episode, "Hospital," in the Popular Arts category. The show had also been nominated for the International Emmy Award in 1987, 1989 and 1992. Series VI won a British Comedy Award for 'Best BBC Comedy Series.' The video sales have won eight Gold Awards from the British Video Association,<ref name="The Red Dwarf Phenomenon">{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/deck04/rdp.html |title=The Red Dwarf Phenomenon: 12 Years On |date=2001 |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=18 December 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010807131041/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/deck04/rdp.html |archive-date=7 August 2001}}</ref> and the show still holds the record for being BBC Two's longest-running, highest-rated sitcom.<ref name="Red Dwarf VI on DVD">{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2005/01_january/red_dwarf.shtml |title=Red Dwarf VI on DVD |date=1 January 2005 |website=BBC Worldwide Press Office |access-date=18 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220135547/http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2005/01_january/red_dwarf.shtml |archive-date=20 February 2009 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

During 2005 ''[[SFX (magazine)|SFX]]'' surveyed readers' top 50 British telefantasy shows of all time, and ''Red Dwarf'' placed second ahead of ''[[The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (TV series)|The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy]]'' and behind ''[[Doctor Who]]''.<ref>
{{Cite journal
| editor-last=Bradley
| editor-first=Dave
| year=2005
| title=The Top 50 Greatest UK Telefantasy Shows Ever
| journal=SFX Collection
| issue=22
| pages=50–51}}
</ref> 
In 2007, the series was voted 'Best Sci-Fi Show Of All Time' by the readers of ''[[Radio Times]]'' magazine. Editor Gill Hudson stated that this result surprised them as 'the series had not given any new episodes this century'.<ref name="Red Dwarf voted 'best sci-fi show'">{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/cult/a66354/red-dwarf-voted-best-sci-fi-show.html |title=Red Dwarf voted 'best sci-fi show' |first=Beth |last=Hilton |date=17 July 2007 |website=[[Digital Spy]] |access-date=23 January 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010074216/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/cult/a66354/red-dwarf-voted-best-sci-fi-show.html |archive-date=10 October 2007 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' listed it in a 2009 roundup of shows they missed in their list of best cult television series.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/gallery/17-all-time-great-cult-tv-shows-you-say-we-missed/|title=17 All-Time Great Cult TV Shows You Say We Missed|date=2009-10-12|access-date=2024-04-20|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> In January 2017, Series XI was voted "Best Returning TV Sitcom" and "Comedy of the Year" for 2016 by readers for the [[British Comedy Guide]].<ref name="Comedy of the Year 2016"/> A year later, ''Red Dwarf'' was once again voted "Best Returning TV Sitcom" for Series XII, retaining the title from British Comedy Guide.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/news/2938/comedy_co_uk_awards_2017_winners |title=Inside No. 9 named Comedy Of The Year 2017 |date=29 January 2018 |website=British Comedy Guide |access-date=9 February 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210062125/https://www.comedy.co.uk/news/2938/comedy_co_uk_awards_2017_winners |archive-date=10 February 2018}}</ref> As noted by [[Collider (website)|''Collider'']] in 2023, it ranked number four among the top ten British science fiction shows on [[IMDb]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/best-british-sci-fi-tv-shows-imdb/|title=The 10 Best British Sci-fi TV Shows, According to IMDb|first=Simon|last=Brown|date=2023-09-05|access-date=2024-04-20|website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]}}</ref> In 2024, it was listed by ''[[Den of Geek]]'' as among the best British science fiction shows of the 1980s,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/the-best-1980s-british-sci-fi-tv-series/|title=The Best 1980s British Sci-Fi TV Series (That Still Aren't Doctor Who)|first=Chris|last=Farnell|date=2024-02-02|access-date=2024-04-20|website=[[Den of Geek]]}}</ref>  as well as among the top ten movies and shows inspired by ''[[Star Trek]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/star-trek-inspired-sci-fi-tv-shows-movies/|title=The Best Sci-Fi TV Shows and Movies Inspired by Star Trek|first=Juliette|last=Harrisson|date=2024-01-24|website=[[Den of Geek]]}}</ref> It was listed at 90 on [[Empire (magazine)|''Empire'']]'s "The 100 Best TV Shows Of All Time" ranking.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.empireonline.com/tv/features/best-tv-shows/|title=The 100 Best TV Shows Of All Time|website=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]|access-date=2024-04-20|date=2024-04-11}}</ref>

==Spin-offs and merchandise==
The show's logo and characters have appeared on a wide range of merchandise.<ref name="Howarth & Lyons 1993 p. 205"/><ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 219.</ref> ''Red Dwarf'' has also been spun off in a variety of different media formats. For instance, the song "Tongue Tied," featured in the "[[Parallel Universe (Red Dwarf)|Parallel Universe]]" episode of the show, was released in 1993 as a single and became a top 20 UK hit for Danny John-Jules (under the name "The Cat").<ref name="everyHit.com"/> Stage plays of the show have been produced by Blak Yak, a theatre group in [[Perth]], Western Australia, who were given permission by Grant Naylor Productions to mount stage versions of certain episodes in 2002, 2004 and 2006.<ref name="Feline funky with the help of James Brown">{{Cite news |last=Mason |first=Fleur |title=Feline funky with the help of James Brown |newspaper=Fremantle Gazette |location=Perth, W.A. |date=5 September 2006}}</ref><ref name="Media man as the Cat">{{cite news |title=Media man as the Cat |newspaper=Western Suburbs Weekly |location=Perth, W.A. |date=12 September 2006}}</ref><ref name="TV hits come alive on stage">{{Cite news |last=Mason |first=Fleur |title=TV hits come alive on stage |newspaper=Southern Gazette |location=Perth, W.A. |date=12 September 2006}}</ref><ref name="Recall for one cool cat">{{Cite news |last=Cahill |first=Denise |title=Recall for one cool cat |newspaper=Fremantle Gazette |location=Perth, W.A. |date=16 March 2004}}</ref> In October 2006, an [[Interactive film|Interactive Quiz DVD]] entitled ''Red Dwarf: Beat The Geek'' was released, hosted by Norman Lovett and Hattie Hayridge, both reprising their roles as Holly.<ref name="Beat The Geek">{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/merchandise/index.cfm?itemID=162 |title=Red Dwarf: Beat The Geek |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=19 December 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080314215938/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/merchandise/index.cfm?itemID=162 |archive-date=14 March 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> In 2005, Grant Naylor Productions and Studio Hubris, in conjunction with Across the Pond Comics, collaborated to produce the spin-off [[webcomic]] ''Red Dwarf: Prelude to Nanarchy''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/gallery/comic-viewer/index.cfm |title=Prelude to Nanarchy Web Comic |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=15 December 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303220459/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/gallery/comic-viewer/index.cfm |archive-date=3 March 2016}}</ref>

===Novels===

Working together under the name "Grant Naylor", the creators of the series collaboratively wrote two novels. The first, ''[[Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers]]'', was published in November 1989, and it incorporates plot lines from several episodes of the show's first two series. The second novel, ''[[Better Than Life]]'', followed in October 1990, and it is largely based on the second-series episode of the same name. Together, the two novels provide expanded backstory and development of the series' principal characters and themes.

The authors began work on a sequel to ''Better than Life'', called ''The Last Human'', but Rob Grant was drawn away from ''Red Dwarf'' by an interest in other projects.{{Citation needed|date=October 2009}} Still owing [[Penguin Books|Penguin Publishing]] two more ''Red Dwarf'' novels, Grant and Naylor decided to each write an alternative sequel to ''Better than Life''. Two completely different sequels were made as a result, each presenting a possible version of the story's continuation. ''[[Last Human]]'', by Doug Naylor, adds Kochanski to the crew and places more emphasis on the science-fiction and plot elements, while Rob Grant's novel ''[[Backwards (novel)|Backwards]]'', is more in keeping with the previous two novels, and borrows more extensively from established television stories.<ref name="Series VI Aftermath"/>

An [[omnibus edition]] of the first two novels was released in 1992, including edits to the original text and extra material such as the original pilot script of the TV series.<ref name="Prog Guide p206">Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 206.</ref> All four novels have been released in [[audiobook]] format, the first two read by Chris Barrie,<ref name="Amazon.co.uk: Red Dwarf&nbsp;— Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers">{{cite book |title=Red Dwarf&nbsp;— Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers |id={{ASIN|1897774109|country=uk}} }}</ref><ref name="Amazon.co.uk: Red Dwarf&nbsp;— Better Than Life">{{cite book |title=Red Dwarf&nbsp;— Better Than Life |id={{ASIN|1897774818|country=uk}} }}</ref> ''Last Human'' read by Craig Charles,<ref name="Amazon.co.uk: Last Human">{{cite book |title=Red Dwarf – Last Human |id={{ASIN|0007105657|country=uk}} }}</ref> and ''Backwards'' read by author Rob Grant.<ref name="Amazon.co.uk: Backwards (Red Dwarf)">{{cite book |title=Backwards: A Red Dwarf Novel |id={{ASIN|0140171509|country=uk}} }}</ref>

In December 2009, ''Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers'' was released in Germany with the title ''Roter Zwerg'' ("Red Dwarf" in German).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2009/07/03/german-novel-artwork |title=German Novel Artwork |date=3 July 2009 |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=28 November 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090709053732/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2009/07/03/german%2Dnovel%2Dartwork |archive-date=9 July 2009}}</ref>

====List of ''Red Dwarf'' novels====
{| class="wikitable" style="width:40%; text-align:Center;"
|-
!rowspan="1" width="15%"|Title
!rowspan="1" width="20%"|Author(s)
|-
|''[[Red Dwarf: Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers|Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers]]''
|[[Grant Naylor]] Productions<br /><small>Co-authored by [[Rob Grant]] and [[Doug Naylor]]</small>
|-
|''[[Better Than Life]]''
|[[Grant Naylor]] Productions<br /><small>Co-authored by Rob Grant and Doug Naylor</small>
|-
|''[[Last Human]]''
|Doug Naylor
|-
|''[[Backwards (novel)|Backwards]]''
|Rob Grant
|}

===Home video releases===
The first eight series of ''Red Dwarf'' were released on VHS, but not in the order of the show as broadcast. Series III was released on home video in 1991, followed by Series II and Series IV in 1992. Series I was released on VHS in 1993; at the time, that series had not been repeated on television since its original broadcast in 1988. Series V was released on video in 1994, followed by Series VI in 1995, Series VII in 1997 and Series VIII in 1999.

For the initial release of the VHS editions, episodes of ''Red Dwarf'' were separated and two volumes released for each series (except Series VII and VIII, which were released on three separate tapes), labelled 'Byte One' and 'Byte Two' (plus 'Byte Three' for series VII and VIII, although in Australia, Series VII and VIII were released in two volumes each, with four episodes per tape). These videos were named after the first episode of the three presented on the tape, as was typical with other BBC video releases at the time. However, on occasions the BBC decided to ignore the original running order and use the most popular episodes from the show to maximise sales of the videos: for Series III (the first-ever release), "Bodyswap" and "Timeslides" were swapped round, so that the latter could receive top billing on the second VHS volume; for the second VHS volume of Series I, "[[Confidence and Paranoia]]" was given top billing, even though the original broadcast order was retained; this was due to the leading episode being "Waiting for God" which shared its name with the title of [[Waiting for God (TV series)|another comedy series]] (set in a retirement home); and for Series V, "[[Back to Reality (Red Dwarf)|Back to Reality]]" and "[[Quarantine (Red Dwarf)|Quarantine]]" were given top billing on their respective video release, which completely re-organised the order of episodes from that in which they were originally broadcast.<ref name="Red Dwarf series V Aftermath">{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=5&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=aftermath |title=Red Dwarf series V Aftermath |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=7 January 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081124230342/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?sectionID=behind-the-scenes&seriesID=5&subsectionID=aftermath |archive-date=24 November 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Future releases would increasingly observe authenticity with the 'original broadcast' context, although Byte Two of ''Red Dwarf VI'' was titled "Polymorph II: Emohawk" despite the lead-off episode's actual title of "Emohawk: Polymorph II."

Three episodes of Series VII were also released as special "Xtended" {{sic}} versions with extra scenes (including an original, unbroadcast ending for the episode "Tikka To Ride") and no [[laugh track]];<ref name="Red Dwarf series VII Aftermath">{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=7&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=aftermath |title=Red Dwarf series VII Aftermath |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=4 February 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081125120433/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?sectionID=behind-the-scenes&seriesID=7&subsectionID=aftermath |archive-date=25 November 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> the [[Red Dwarf Remastered|remastered]] versions of Series I–III were also released individually and in a complete box-set.<ref name="series I Remastered VHS at Amazon.co.uk">{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00004CVR6 |title=Red Dwarf - Series 1 - Episodes I-III (1988) VHS |website=Amazon.co.uk |date=16 February 1998 |access-date=4 February 2008}}</ref><ref name="series III Remastered VHS at Amazon.co.uk">{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00004CW2Z |title=Red Dwarf - Series 3 - Episodes IV–VI (1988) VHS |website=Amazon.co.uk |access-date=4 February 2008}}</ref><ref name="series I-III Remastered VHS Boxset at sendit.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.sendit.com/video/item/7000000047047 |title=Red Dwarf Series I–III : Remastered (Box Set) (1998) |website=Sendit.com |access-date=4 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080126152114/http://www.sendit.com/video/item/7000000047047 |archive-date=26 January 2008}}</ref> Finally, two [[blooper|outtake]] videos were released, both hosted by Robert Llewellyn in character as Kryten: ''Smeg Ups'' in 1994, and its sequel, ''Smeg Outs'', in 1995.<ref name="Smeg Ups">{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00004CPHB |title=Red Dwarf: Smeg Ups |website=Amazon.co.uk |date=7 November 1994 |access-date=4 February 2008}}</ref><ref name="Smeg Outs">{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00004CRCE |title=Red Dwarf: Smeg Outs |website=Amazon.co.uk |date=6 November 1995 |access-date=4 February 2008}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Release !! Episodes !! Year !! Dist. and Cat. #
|-
| Red Dwarf I – Byte One – The End || [[The End (Red Dwarf)|The End]] • [[Future Echoes]] • [[Balance of Power (Red Dwarf)|Balance of Power]] || 1993 || [[BBC Video|BBCV]] 4914
|-
| Red Dwarf I – Byte Two – Confidence & Paranoia || [[Confidence and Paranoia]] • [[Waiting for God (Red Dwarf)|Waiting for God]] • [[Me²]] || 1993 || [[BBC Video|BBCV]] 4915
|-
| Red Dwarf II – Byte One – Kryten || [[Kryten (Red Dwarf episode)|Kryten]] • [[Better Than Life (Red Dwarf episode)|Better Than Life]] • [[Thanks for the Memory (Red Dwarf)|Thanks for the Memory]] || 1992 || [[CBS/Fox Video|CBS/Fox]] 5969 [[BBC Video|BBCV]] 4749
|-
| Red Dwarf II – Byte Two – Stasis Leak || [[Stasis Leak]] • [[Queeg (Red Dwarf)|Queeg]] • [[Parallel Universe (Red Dwarf)|Parallel Universe]] || 1992|| [[CBS/Fox Video|CBS/Fox]] 5970 [[BBC Video|BBCV]] 4750
|-
| Red Dwarf III – Byte One – Backwards || [[Backwards (Red Dwarf episode)|Backwards]] • [[Marooned (Red Dwarf)|Marooned]] • [[Polymorph (Red Dwarf episode)|Polymorph]] || 1991 || [[CBS/Fox Video|CBS/Fox]] 5876 [[BBC Video|BBCV]] 4695
|-
| Red Dwarf III – Byte Two – Timeslides || [[Timeslides]] • [[Bodyswap (Red Dwarf)|Body Swap]] • [[The Last Day (Red Dwarf)|The Last Day]] || 1991|| [[CBS/Fox Video|CBS/Fox]] 5877 [[BBC Video|BBCV]] 4707
|-
| Red Dwarf IV – Byte One – Camille || [[Camille (Red Dwarf)|Camille]] • [[DNA (Red Dwarf)|DNA]] • [[Justice (Red Dwarf)|Justice]] || 1992 || [[CBS/Fox Video|CBS/Fox]] 5874 [[BBC Video|BBCV]] 4847
|-
| Red Dwarf IV – Byte Two – Dimension Jump || [[White Hole (Red Dwarf)|White Hole]] • [[Dimension Jump (Red Dwarf episode)|Dimension Jump]] • [[Meltdown (Red Dwarf)|Meltdown]] || 1992 || [[CBS/Fox Video|CBS/Fox]] 5875 [[BBC Video|BBCV]] 4848
|-
| Red Dwarf V – Byte One – Back To Reality || [[Back to Reality (Red Dwarf)|Back To Reality]] • [[Demons & Angels (Red Dwarf)|Demons & Angels]] • [[Holoship]] || 1994 || [[CBS/Fox Video|CBS/Fox]] 8262 [[BBC Video|BBCV]] 5197
|-
| Red Dwarf V – Byte Two – Quarantine || [[Quarantine (Red Dwarf)|Quarantine]] • [[The Inquisitor (Red Dwarf)|The Inquisitor]] • [[Terrorform]] || 1994 || [[CBS/Fox Video|CBS/Fox]] 8263 [[BBC Video|BBCV]] 5212
|-
| Red Dwarf VI – Byte One – Gunmen of the Apocalypse || [[Psirens]] • [[Legion (Red Dwarf)|Legion]] • [[Gunmen of the Apocalypse]] || 1995 || [[CBS/Fox Video|CBS/Fox]] 3196 [[BBC Video|BBCV]] 5580
|-
| Red Dwarf VI – Byte Two – Polymorph II – Emohawk || [[Emohawk: Polymorph II|Polymorph II – Emohawk]] • [[Rimmerworld]] • [[Out of Time (Red Dwarf)|Out of Time]] || 1995 || [[CBS/Fox Video|CBS/Fox]] 3376 [[BBC Video|BBCV]] 5594
|-
| Red Dwarf VII – Byte One || [[Tikka to Ride]] • [[Stoke Me a Clipper]] • [[Ouroboros (Red Dwarf)|Ouroboros]] ||  1999 || [[CBS/Fox Video|CBS/Fox]] 6452 [[BBC Video|BBCV]] 6789
|-
| Red Dwarf VII – Byte Two || [[Duct Soup]] • [[Blue (Red Dwarf)|Blue]] • [[Beyond a Joke (Red Dwarf)|Beyond a Joke]] || 1999 || [[BBC Video|BBCV]] 6790
|-
| Red Dwarf VII – Byte Three || [[Epideme]] • [[Nanarchy]] || 1999|| [[BBC Video|BBCV]] 6791
|-
| Red Dwarf VII – Xtended || [[Tikka to Ride]] • [[Ouroboros (Red Dwarf)|Ouroboros]] • [[Duct Soup]] • Smeg Ups || UK 1997 || [[BBC Video|BBCV]] 6285
|-
| Red Dwarf VIII – Byte One – Back in the Red || [[Back in the Red|Back in the Red parts 1, 2 & 3]] || 1999 || [[CBS/Fox Video|CBS/Fox]] 14608 [[BBC Video|BBCV]] 6842
|-
| Red Dwarf VIII – Byte Two – Cassandra || [[Cassandra (Red Dwarf)|Cassandra]] • [[Krytie TV]] • [[Pete: Part I]] || 1999 || [[CBS/Fox Video|CBS/Fox]] 14609 [[BBC Video|BBCV]] 6843
|-
| Red Dwarf VIII – Byte Three – Pete, Part 2 || [[Pete (Red Dwarf)|Pete, Part 2]] • [[Only the Good...]] || U.K. 1999 || [[CBS/Fox Video|CBS/Fox]] 14626
|-
| Red Dwarf – Smeg Ups || The outtakes from Series IV, V & VI || 1994 || [[CBS/Fox Video|CBS/Fox]] 8375 [[BBC Video|BBCV]] 5406
|-
| Red Dwarf – Smeg Outs || The outtakes from Series I, II & III || U.K. 1995 || [[CBS/Fox Video|CBS/Fox]] 8475 [[BBC Video|BBCV]] 5693
|}

====DVD releases====
The first eight series have been released on DVD in Regions 1, 2 and 4, each with a bonus disc of extra material. Each release from Series III onwards also features an original documentary about the making of each respective series.<ref name="series III DVD review at Sci-Fi.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.scifi.com/sfw/issue358/screen2.html |title=Red Dwarf Series III DVD |first=Adam-Troy |last=Castro |website=Sci-Fi Weekly |access-date=4 February 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070822011531/http://www.scifi.com/sfw/issue358/screen2.html |archive-date=22 August 2007}}</ref> Regions 2 and 4 have also seen the release of two ''Just the Shows'', digipack box sets containing the episodes from Series I–IV (Volume 1) and V–VIII (Volume 2) with static menus and no extras.<ref name="Just the shows Vol.I">{{cite web |url=http://www.bbcshop.com/invt/bbcdvd1550 |title=Red Dwarf: Just The Shows Volume 1, Series I-IV |website=[[BBC Shop]] |access-date=4 February 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080118103326/http://www.bbcshop.com/invt/bbcdvd1550 |archive-date=18 January 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="Just the shows Vol.II">{{cite web |url=http://www.bbcshop.com/invt/bbcdvd1992 |title=Red Dwarf: Just The Shows Volume 2, Series V–VIII |website=BBC Shop |access-date=4 February 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080118103342/http://www.bbcshop.com/invt/bbcdvd1992 |archive-date=18 January 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> ''Red Dwarf: The Bodysnatcher Collection'', containing the 1998 remastered episodes, as well as new documentaries for series I and II, was released in 2007. This release showcased a storyboard construction of "Bodysnatcher", an unfinished script from 1987, which was finally completed in 2007 by Rob Grant and Doug Naylor who were working together for the first time since 1993.<ref name="The Bodysnatcher Collection"/> In December 2008 an anniversary DVD set entitled ''Red Dwarf: All the Shows'' was released, reworking the vanilla disc content of the two ''Just the Shows'' sets within A4 packaging resembling a photo album, which omitted information that no extras were included. This box set was re-released in a smaller slipcase-sized box, reverting to the ''Just the Shows'' title, in November 2009. The show is also available for download on [[iTunes]].

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; text-align:center;"
|-
!rowspan="2" width="25%"|Release
!rowspan="2" width="5%"|# of discs
!colspan="3"|DVD release date
|-
![[DVD region code#1|Region 1]]
![[DVD region code#2|Region 2]]
![[DVD region code#4|Region 4]]
|-
|Series I
|2
|25 February 2003
|4 November 2002
|3 December 2002
|-
|Series II
|2
|25 February 2003
|10 February 2003
|1 April 2003
|-
|Series III
|2
|3 February 2004
|3 November 2003
|18 November 2003
|-
|Series IV
|2
|3 February 2004
|16 February 2004
|9 March 2004
|-
|''Just the Shows Vol. 1''<br /><small>Series 1–4 with no extras</small>
|4
|{{N/a}}
|18 October 2004
|12 November 2004
|-
|Series V
|2
|15 March 2005
|8 November 2004
|1 December 2004
|-
|Series VI
|2
|15 March 2005
|21 February 2005
|6 April 2005
|-
|Series VII
|3
|10 January 2006
|7 November 2005
|1 December 2005
|-
|Series VIII
|3
|2 May 2006
|27 March 2006
|20 April 2006
|-
|''The Complete Collection''<br /><small>Series 1–8 with extras</small>
|18
|5 September 2006
|{{N/a}}
|{{N/a}}
|-
|''Just the Shows Vol. 2''<br /><small>Series 5–8 with no extras</small>
|6
|{{N/a}}
|2 October 2006
|3 November 2006
|-
|''Beat the Geek''<br /><small>(Interactive DVD quiz game)</small>
|1
|{{N/a}}
|23 October 2006
|3 March 2011
|-
|''The Bodysnatcher Collection''<br /><small>The [[Red Dwarf Remastered|remastered versions]] of series 1–3</small>
|4
|{{N/a}}
|12 November 2007
|7 May 2008
|-
|''Just the Smegs''<br /><small>DVD re-issue of the VHS release ''Smeg Ups'' and ''Smeg Outs''</small>
|1
|{{N/a}}
|19 November 2007
|3 March 2011
|-
|''All the Shows''<br /><small>Series 1–8 with no extras</small>
|10
|{{N/a}}
|10 November 2008
|{{N/a}}
|-
|''Back to Earth''
|2
|6 October 2009
|15 June 2009
|17 December 2009
|-
|''Just the Shows''<br /><small>Series 1–8 with no extras</small>
|10
|{{N/a}}
|9 November 2009
|{{N/a}}
|-
|''The Complete Collection''<br /><small>Series 1–3 (Remastered), series 4–8, ''Just the Smegs'' and ''Back to Earth – The Director's Cut''</small>
|19
|{{N/a}}
|{{N/a}}
|4 August 2010
|-
|Series X
|2
|8 January 2013<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009Z59778 |title=Red Dwarf: X (DVD) |website=Amazon.com |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref>
|19 November 2012<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B008RA60NG |title=Red Dwarf: X (DVD) |website=Amazon.co.uk |access-date=23 August 2012}}</ref>
|12 December 2012<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/red-dwarf-series-10/dp/6120112 |title=Red Dwarf: Series 10 |website=EzyDVD.com.au |access-date=9 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108094738/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/red-dwarf-series-10/dp/6120112 |archive-date=8 November 2012}}</ref>
|-
|Series XI
|2
|8 November 2016
|14 November 2016
|8 March 2017
|-
|Series XII
|2
|21 November 2017
|20 November 2017
|18 February 2018
|-
|''The Promised Land''
|1
|15 September 2020
|1 June 2020
|<small>TBA</small>
|}

====Blu-ray releases====
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; text-align:center;"
|-
!rowspan="2" width="25%"|Release
!rowspan="2" width="5%"|# of discs
! colspan="2" |Blu-ray release date
|-
![[Blu-ray#A|Region A]]
![[Blu-ray#B|Region B]]
|-
|Series I–VIII<br /><small> With ''The Bodysnatcher Collection''</small>
|19
|2 August 2019{{ref|Alpha|a}}
|14 January 2019{{ref|Beta|b}}
|-
|''Back to Earth''
|2
|6 October 2009
|31 August 2009
|-
|Series X
|2
|8 January 2013<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009Z5BPYG/panandscathed-20 |title=Red Dwarf: Season X (Blu-ray) |website=Amazon.com |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref>
|19 November 2012<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B008RA60UY |title=Red Dwarf X (Blu-ray) |website=Amazon.co.uk |access-date=23 August 2012 |archive-date=7 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107224423/https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B008RA60UY |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|Series XI
|2
|8 November 2016
|14 November 2016
|-
|Series XII
|2
|21 November 2017
|20 November 2017
|-
|''The Promised Land''
|1
|15 September 2020
|1 June 2020
|}
{{note|Alpha|a}} Only in Japan<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2019/07/26/japans-bumper-blu-box/ |title=Japan's Bumper Blu Box |date=26 July 2019 |website=reddwarf.co.uk |access-date=29 February 2020 |archive-date=29 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229211624/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2019/07/26/japans-bumper-blu-box/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
<br />{{note|Beta|b}} Only in the United Kingdom<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2018/10/26/were-covered |title=We're Covered |date=26 October 2018 |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=26 October 2018 |archive-date=26 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026222601/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2018/10/26/were-covered/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2016, BBC Worldwide began creating an '[[Video scaler|up-resed]]' version of the first five series for release on Blu-ray, due to demand from Japan.<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=DougRDNaylor |number=743725785752576000 |first=Doug |last=Naylor |title=BBCWW are doing an up-resed version of first 5 series... |date=17 June 2016 |access-date=24 September 2017}}</ref> When asked about the project in 2017, Naylor confirmed he had stopped it due to lackluster picture quality.<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=DougRDNaylor |number=910252907890663426 |first=Doug |last=Naylor |title=I killed it. Picture quality not good enough |date=19 September 2017 |access-date=24 September 2017}}</ref> By 2018, the project, now encompassing the entire original run, had been restarted,<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=RayKing57 |number=1021764327408377858 |first=Ray |last=King |title=DougRDNaylor & restoration artist Simon Edwards working on Red Dwarf |date=24 July 2018 |access-date=26 October 2018}}</ref> and a Series 1–8 Blu-ray set release was confirmed in August.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2018/08/03/blu-dwarf |title=Blu Dwarf |date=3 August 2018 |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=26 October 2018 |archive-date=26 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026222739/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2018/08/03/blu-dwarf/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Magazine===

The ''Red Dwarf Magazine''—the magazine part of the title changed to "Smegazine" from Issue 3— was launched in 1992 by [[Fleetway Publications|Fleetway Editions]]. It ran for 23 issues, Volume 1 from Issues 1 through 14 and Volume 2 from Issues 1 - 9. It comprised a mix of news, reviews, interviews, comic strips, and competitions. The comic strips featured episode adaptations and original material, including further stories of popular characters like Mr. Flibble, the Polymorph and Ace Rimmer.

Notably, the comic strip stories' holographic characters, predominately Rimmer, were drawn in [[grayscale|greyscale]]. This was at the request of Grant and Naylor, who had wanted to but, for financial reason, were unable to use the technique for the television series (Rimmer did appear in greyscale in "low power mode" in "The Promised Land").<ref name="Prog Guide p217">Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 217.</ref>

Despite achieving circulation figures of over 40,000 per month,<ref name="Prog Guide p217"/> the magazine's publisher decided to close the title down to concentrate on their other publications.<ref name="Series VI Aftermath"/> A farewell issue was published in January 1994, featuring remaining interviews, features, and comic strips that had been planned for the following issues.<ref name="last Smeg">{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/red_dwarf_smegazine-1993-12/page/n1 |title=Smeg-Editorial |first=Mike |last=Butcher |date=January 1994 |magazine=Red Dwarf Smegazine |volume=2 |issue=9 |page=2 |publisher=Fleetway Editions Ltd |issn=0965-5603 |access-date=29 October 2019}}</ref>

The Official Red Dwarf Fan Club produces a periodical magazine for members titled ''Back to Reality''. The previous volume of this magazine, dating back to the 1990s, was known as ''Better Than Life''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2014/05/02/a-new-reality/index.cfm |title=A New Reality |date=2 May 2014 |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=21 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821215237/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2014/05/02/a-new-reality/index.cfm |archive-date=21 August 2017}}</ref>

===American version===
[[File:Red dwarf usa 9.jpg|thumb|left|Cast of second ''Red Dwarf USA'' pilot]]
Despite the original version having been broadcast on [[PBS]], a pilot episode for an American version (known as ''Red Dwarf USA'') was produced through [[Universal Pictures|Universal Studios]] with the intention of broadcasting on [[NBC]] in 1992.<ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 228.</ref> The show essentially followed the same story as the [[The End (Red Dwarf)|first episode]] of the original series, using American actors for most of the main roles:<ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 225.</ref> [[Craig Bierko]] as Lister, [[Chris Eigeman]] as Rimmer and [[Hinton Battle]] as Cat. Exceptions to this were Llewellyn, who reprised his role as Kryten, and the British actress [[Jane Leeves]], who played Holly. It was written by [[Linwood Boomer]] and directed by [[Jeffrey Melman]], with Grant and Naylor on board as creators and executive producers.<ref name="Red Dwarf USA">{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/features/history/red-dwarf-usa |title=Dwarf USA: The full story behind 1992's ill-fated American Red Dwarf pilot |date=19 July 2002 |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=6 February 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302145610/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/features/history/red%2Ddwarf%2Dusa |archive-date=2 March 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Llewellyn, Grant and Naylor travelled to America for the filming of the American pilot after production of the fifth series of the British version. According to Llewellyn and Naylor, the cast were not satisfied with Linwood Boomer's script. Grant and Naylor rewrote the script, but although the cast preferred the re-write, the script as filmed was closer to Boomer's version. The pilot episode includes footage from the British version in its title sequence, although it did not retain the logo or the theme music of the British version. During filming of the pilot, the audience reaction was good, and it was felt that the story had been well received.<ref name="Red Dwarf USA"/>

The studio executives were not entirely happy with the pilot, especially the casting, but decided to give the project another chance with Grant and Naylor in charge.<ref>Howarth & Lyons (1993) p. 227.</ref> The intention was to shoot a "promo video" for the show in a small studio described by the writers as "a garage".<ref name="Red Dwarf USA"/> New cast members were hired for the roles of Cat (now depicted as female) and Rimmer,<ref name="Red Dwarf USA"/> [[Terry Farrell (actress)|Terry Farrell]] and Anthony Fusco, respectively.<ref name="Resume">{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103521 |title=Red Dwarf (1992) |website=[[IMDb]] |access-date=17 October 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218085224/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103521 |archive-date=18 February 2017}}</ref> This meant that, unlike the original British show, the cast were all Caucasian, which Charles referred to as "White Dwarf".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://randomhoohaas.flyingomelette.com/reddw/o/usa/index.html |title=Red Dwarf USA unaired pilot |date=February 2010 |website=The Red Dwarf Section |access-date=28 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909061544/http://randomhoohaas.flyingomelette.com/reddw/o/usa/index.html |archive-date=9 September 2016}}</ref> Chris Barrie was asked to play Rimmer in the second pilot, but he declined. With a small budget and deadline, new scenes were quickly shot and mixed in with existing footage of the pilot and UK Series V episodes, to give an idea of the basic plot and character dynamics, alongside proposed future episodes, remakes of episodes from the original show.<ref name="Red Dwarf USA"/> Llewellyn did not participate in the re-shoot, though clips from the British version were used to show the character. Despite the re-shoots and re-casting, the option on the pilot was not picked up.<ref name="Red Dwarf USA"/>

The cast of both the British and American versions criticised the casting of ''Red Dwarf USA'', particularly the part of Lister, who is portrayed in the British version as a likeable slob, but in the U.S. version as somewhat clean-cut. In the 2004 documentary ''Dwarfing USA'', Danny John-Jules said the only actor who could have successfully portrayed an American Lister was [[John Belushi]]. In a 2009 interview on ''[[Kevin Pollak's Chat Show]]'', Bierko said that it was a "huge mistake" for him to play Lister, and also said that a "John Belushi-type" would have been better suited to the role.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kevinpollakschatshow.com/archive/?p=68 |title=Episode 28 – Craig Bierko |website=[[Kevin Pollak's Chat Show]] Archive |date=2 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102021746/http://www.kevinpollakschatshow.com/archive/?p=68 |archive-date=2 November 2012}}</ref>

The American pilot has been heavily bootlegged, but it has never been broadcast on TV in any country. Excerpts from the first pilot are included in ''Dwarfing USA'', a featurette on the making of the pilots included on the DVD release of ''Red Dwarf''{{'s}} fifth series. Because of rights-clearance issues, no footage from the second pilot is included in the featurette.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Character !! UK series !! 1st US pilot !! 2nd US pilot
|-
| Dave Lister || [[Craig Charles]] || colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | [[Craig Bierko]]
|-
| Arnold Rimmer|| [[Chris Barrie]] || [[Chris Eigeman]] || Anthony Fusco
|-
| Cat || [[Danny John-Jules]] || [[Hinton Battle]] || [[Terry Farrell (actress)|Terry Farrell]]
|-
| Kryten || [[David Ross (actor)|David Ross]] (series 2)<br />[[Robert Llewellyn]] (series 3–) || colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |Robert Llewellyn
|-
| Holly || [[Norman Lovett]] (series 1–2, 7–8, 12–13)<br />[[Hattie Hayridge]] (series 3–5) || colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | [[Jane Leeves]]
|}

===''Red Dwarf: The Movie''===
Since the beginning of the seventh series in 1997, Doug Naylor had been attempting to make a feature-length version of the show.<ref>{{cite book|first=Doug|last=Naylor|title=Red Dwarf VIII: The Official Book|date=1999|publisher=Virgin|page=11}}</ref> A final draft of the script was written by Naylor, and [[flyer (pamphlet)|flyers]] began circulating around certain websites. The flyer had been created by Winchester Films in order to market the film overseas.<ref name="Making The Movie">{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/archive/making_the_movie.html |title=Making The Movie |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=7 February 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030602075805/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/archive/making_the_movie.html |archive-date=2 June 2003}}</ref> Plot details were included as part of a teaser.

The movie was set in the distant future in which ''Homo sapienoids''— a race of cyborgs— had taken over the [[Solar System]] and were wiping out the human race. Spaceships that tried to escape Earth were hunted down "until only one remained... ''Red Dwarf''".

Naylor scouted Australia to get an idea of locations and finance costs. Pre-production began in 2004 and filming was planned for 2005.<ref name="TheMovie">{{cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/red-dwarf-and-the-movie-that-never-was/|title=Red Dwarf, and the movie that never was|first=Craig|last=Thomas|website=Den of Geek|date=2 October 2015|access-date=25 March 2020|archive-date=26 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326012328/https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/red-dwarf-and-the-movie-that-never-was/|url-status=live}}</ref> Costumes were made, including Kryten's, and A-list celebrity cameos, including [[Madonna]], were rumoured.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/09/26/madonna-in-red-dwarf|title=Madonna in Red Dwarf?|author=KJB|website=[[IGN]]|date=26 September 2000|access-date=25 March 2020|archive-date=26 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326013012/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/09/26/madonna-in-red-dwarf|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the team struggled to find sufficient funding. Naylor explained at a ''Red Dwarf'' [[Dimension Jump (convention)|Dimension Jump convention]] that the film had been rejected by the BBC and the [[UK Film Council|British Film Council]].<ref name="TheMovie" />

In 2012, material from early drafts of the film was incorporated into the Series X finale "[[The Beginning (Red Dwarf)|The Beginning]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ganymede.tv/2012/08/doug-naylor-broadcast-interview/ |title=Doug Naylor Broadcast Interview |first=Ian |last=Symes |website=Ganymede & Titan |date=23 August 2012 |access-date=25 March 2020 |quote=Most of the ideas are fresh but for the last episode I borrow things from the very early drafts of the film and explain what happened after the conclusion of series eight. |archive-date=26 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326013823/https://www.ganymede.tv/2012/08/doug-naylor-broadcast-interview/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2018, Naylor suggested production of the movie was still under consideration, explaining: "The order will probably be another TV series, a stage show and possibly a movie, and I think the guys agree on that. The film is a long shot at this point just because it can take so long to get funding."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://whatculture.com/tv/red-dwarf-turns-30-interview-with-co-creator-doug-naylor-on-the-30th-anniversary?page=3 |title=Red Dwarf Turns 30: Interview With Co-Creator Doug Naylor On The 30th Anniversary |website=WhatCulture |date=15 February 2018 |access-date=1 September 2018 |archive-date=1 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901215823/http://whatculture.com/tv/red-dwarf-turns-30-interview-with-co-creator-doug-naylor-on-the-30th-anniversary?page=3 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/red-dwarf-to-return-with-new-movie-111936904.html |title=Red Dwarf to return with new movie |first=Ben |last=Arnold |date=18 October 2019 |website=Yahoo! Movies |access-date=19 October 2019 |archive-date=20 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020031511/https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/red-dwarf-to-return-with-new-movie-111936904.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Role-playing game===
Deep7 Press (formerly Deep7 LLC) released ''Red Dwarf – The Roleplaying Game'' in February 2003 (the printed copyright is 2002).<ref name="Deep7">{{cite web |url=http://www.deep7.com/product.php?cat=reddwarf |title=Three Million Years - Infinite Dimensions - Unlimited Possibilities |website=Deep7 |access-date=29 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913040308/http://www.deep7.com/product.php?cat=reddwarf |archive-date=13 September 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Based on the series, the game allows its players to portray original characters within the ''Red Dwarf'' universe. Player characters can be human survivors, holograms, "evolved" house pets (cats, dogs, iguanas, rabbits, rats and mice), various types of mechanoid (Series 4000, Hudzen 10 and Waxdroids in the corebook, Series 3000 in the Extra Bits Book) or GELFs (Kinatawowi and Pleasure GELF in the corebook, "Vindaloovians" in the Extra Bits Book).

A total of three products were released for the game: the core 176-page rulebook, the ''AI Screen'' (analogous to the ''Game Master's Screen'' used in other [[role-playing game]]s, also featuring the "Extra Bits Book" booklet) and the ''Series Sourcebook''.<ref name="GameWyrd">{{cite web |title=Red Dwarf: The Role Playing Game |website=GameWyrd |url=http://www.gamewyrd.com/review/469 |access-date=29 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080202002123/http://www.gamewyrd.com/review/469 |archive-date=2 February 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The ''Series Sourcebook'' contains plot summaries of each episode from series I to VIII as well as game rules for all major and minor characters from each series.

The game has been praised for staying true to the comedic nature of the TV show, for its entertaining writing and for the detail to which the background material is explained.<ref name="GameWyrd"/><ref name="SciFiRPGReview">{{cite web |title=Red Dwarf: The Roleplaying Game Review |first=J. B. |last=Peck |website=Sci-Fi Weekly |url=http://www.scifi.com/sfw/issue326/games.html |access-date=29 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513083215/http://www.scifi.com/sfw/issue326/games.html |archive-date=13 May 2008}}</ref> However, some reviewers found the game mechanics to be simplistic and uninspiring compared to other science-fiction role-playing games on the market.<ref name="RealmsRPGReview">{{cite web |title=Interview : Red Dwarf – The Roleplaying Game |author=Matt |date=5 May 2002 |website=Realms.org.uk |url=http://www.realms.org.uk/cms/articles/reddwarfreview |access-date=29 September 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011120112/http://www.realms.org.uk/cms/articles/reddwarfreview |archive-date=11 October 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Video games===
On June 23, 2003 a shooting game called ''Simulant's Revenge'' was released by Blue Beck for [[J2ME]] powered [[mobile phones]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://reddwarf.co.uk/news/2003/06/20/simulants-revenge/|title=Simulants' Revenge|date=2003-06-20|first=Andrew|last=Ellard|website=The Official Red Dwarf Website|access-date=2024-05-04}}</ref> In promotion of the upcoming release of Series XI, a [[mobile game]] titled ''Red Dwarf XI - The Game'' was released to coincide with the release of "[[Twentica]]" on 22 September 2016. Developed by GameDigits, it was intended to release episodically with new releases being based on all the episodes of XI.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a807274/red-dwarf-game-launching-later-this-month/|title=Red Dwarf is getting its own game and it's launching later this month|website=Digital Spy|last=Warner|first=Sam|date=8 September 2016|access-date=10 November 2019|archive-date=10 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110200514/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a807274/red-dwarf-game-launching-later-this-month/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, it ceased development following the end of its adaptation of ''[[Officer Rimmer]]'' to instead focus on developing ''Red Dwarf XII - The Game'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ganymede.tv/2017/08/whats-going-on-with-the-red-dwarf-mobile-game/|title=What's going on with the Red Dwarf mobile game?|website=Ganymede & Titan|last=Capps|first=Jonathan|date=16 August 2017|access-date=10 November 2019|archive-date=10 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110200517/https://www.ganymede.tv/2017/08/whats-going-on-with-the-red-dwarf-mobile-game/|url-status=live}}</ref> which dropped the episodic format and instead featured minigames such as running through the corridors of spaceships featured in XII, similar to ''[[Temple Run]]'', and free-roaming space on board ''Starbug''. Fan reception to the games were mixed and, by late 2019, both games were no longer available to download from [[Google Play]]; however, ''Red Dwarf XII - The Game'' can still be downloaded from Amazon App Store, as well as Google Play when linked to via the URL.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/forum/threads/red-dwarf-xi-and-xii-games-are-gone.11660/|title=Red Dwarf XI and XII games are gone.|website=Red Dwarf - The Officle Website Chat Forum|date=September 29, 2019|access-date=17 January 2020|archive-date=31 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231213403/http://reddwarf.co.uk/forum/threads/red-dwarf-xi-and-xii-games-are-gone.11660/|url-status=live}}</ref>

''Red Dwarf'' was featured as a hidden area in the [[Lego]] video game, ''[[Lego Dimensions]]''. The area was featured in the game's ''[[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (film)|Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]]'' expansion pack released on 18 November 2016, where the player was able to explore a small section of the titular ship including the sleeping quarters. References to the most recent series of the show were also included such as Snacky from ''[[Give & Take (Red Dwarf)|Give & Take]]'' making a non-speaking appearance and the bio-printer from ''Officer Rimmer'' being an interactable object.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-11-16-smegging-hell-lego-dimensions-has-added-a-red-dwarf-area|title=Smegging hell, Lego Dimensions has added a Red Dwarf area|author=Tom Phillips|date=16 November 2016|website=[[Eurogamer]]|access-date=17 January 2020|archive-date=26 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526101452/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-11-16-smegging-hell-lego-dimensions-has-added-a-red-dwarf-area|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 23, 2024 [[Andy Davidson (game designer)|Andy Davidson]], the original creator of ''[[Worms (1995 video game)|Worms]]'', highlighted a custom level based on ''Red Dwarf'' as part of the run up to the release of ''Worms: The Director's Cut 1.5''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timeextension.com/news/2024/10/worms-creator-shows-off-impressive-easter-egg-filled-red-dwarf-level|title=Worms' Creator Shows Off Impressive Easter Egg-Filled Red Dwarf Level|website=[[Time Extension]]|first=Jack|last=Yarwood|date=24 October 2024|accessdate=5 January 2025}}</ref>

===''Red Dwarf Night''===
On 14 February 1998, the night before the tenth anniversary of the show's first episode broadcast, [[BBC Two]] devoted an evening of programmes to the series, under the banner of ''Red Dwarf Night''. The evening consisted of a mixture of new and existing material, and it was introduced and linked by actor and fan [[Patrick Stewart]]. In addition, a series of special take-offs on BBC Two's [[Station identification|idents]], featuring the "2" logo falling in love with a [[skutter]], were used.<ref name="Red Dwarf Series VII Aftermath">{{cite web |url=http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?seriesID=7&sectionID=behind-the-scenes&subsectionID=aftermath |title=Red Dwarf Series VII Aftermath |website=RedDwarf.co.uk |access-date=4 February 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081125120433/http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/guide/index.cfm?sectionID=behind-the-scenes&seriesID=7&subsectionID=aftermath |archive-date=25 November 2008 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> The night began with ''Can't Smeg, Won't Smeg'', a spoof of the cookery programme ''[[Can't Cook, Won't Cook]]'', presented by that show's host [[Ainsley Harriott]], who had himself appeared as a GELF in the Series VI episode "[[Emohawk: Polymorph II]]". Taking place outside the continuity of the show, two teams (Kryten and Lister versus Rimmer and Cat, although Cat quickly departs to be replaced by alter ego [[Duane Dibbley]]) were challenged to make the best chicken [[vindaloo]].<ref name="Red Dwarf Series VII Aftermath"/>

After a compilation [[bloopers]] show, featuring out-takes, the next programme was ''Universe Challenge'', a spoof of ''[[University Challenge]]''. Hosted by original ''University Challenge'' presenter [[Bamber Gascoigne]], the show had a team of knowledgeable ''Dwarf'' fans compete against a team consisting of Chris Barrie, Craig Charles, Robert Llewellyn, Chloë Annett and Danny John-Jules.<ref name="Red Dwarf Series VII Aftermath"/> This was followed by ''The Red Dwarf A–Z'', a half-hour documentary that chose a different aspect of the show to focus on for each letter of the alphabet. Talking heads on the episode included [[Stephen Hawking]], [[Terry Pratchett]], original producer [[Paul Jackson (producer)|Paul Jackson]], [[Mr Blobby]], Patrick Stewart and a [[Dalek]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWA7rgCMGrA |title=Daleks opinion about Red Dwarf |date=22 February 2011 |website=YouTube |access-date=23 August 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127185717/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWA7rgCMGrA |archive-date=27 November 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Finally, the night ended with a showing of the episode "Gunmen of the Apocalypse".<ref name="Red Dwarf Series VII Aftermath"/>

===YouTube Geek Week===
In August 2013, [[YouTube]] held a campaign to promote user-generated content concerning science fiction, comics, gaming and science.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/jul/24/knightmare-revived-youtube-geek-week|title=Knightmare children's TV show to be revived for YouTube Geek Week|first=Stuart|last=Dredge|date=24 July 2013|website=The Guardian|access-date=5 November 2019|archive-date=26 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191026225835/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/jul/24/knightmare-revived-youtube-geek-week|url-status=live}}</ref> Robert Llewellyn in-character as Kryten hosted the event's daily videos, making references to Lister, Rimmer and the Cat whilst presenting featured uploads.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/youtube-launches-geek-week-nerds-left-in-the-shade-8730464.html|title=YouTube launches 'Geek Week', nerds left in the shade|first=James|last=Vincent|date=25 July 2013|website=The Independent|access-date=5 November 2019|archive-date=5 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105011548/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/youtube-launches-geek-week-nerds-left-in-the-shade-8730464.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===''Stellar Rescue''===
On 1 July 2019, an advert for the [[AA plc|AA]] called "Stellar Rescue" featuring the core ''Red Dwarf'' crew premiered on [[ITV (TV channel)|ITV]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dvSPmVtgew |title=Stellar Rescue - YouTube<!-- Bot generated title --> |website=[[YouTube]] |date=July 2019 |access-date=6 September 2020 |archive-date=7 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707090635/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dvSPmVtgew |url-status=live }}</ref> The advert has ''Starbug'' break down on an inhospitable planet with Lister using the AA app to call a mechanic and successfully escape.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://metro.co.uk/2019/07/01/red-dwarf-fans-going-smegging-lose-aa-cast-teases-series-13-10098754|title=Red Dwarf fans are going to smegging lose it over this AA advert after cast teases series 13|first=Sarah |last=Deen|date=1 July 2019 |newspaper=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]] |access-date=2 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703135315/https://metro.co.uk/2019/07/01/red-dwarf-fans-going-smegging-lose-aa-cast-teases-series-13-10098754 |archive-date=3 July 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=https://www.thedrum.com/news/2019/07/02/red-dwarf-crew-receives-planet-side-breakdown-cover-the-aa |title=Red Dwarf crew receives planet-side breakdown cover from the AA |first=John |last=Glenday |publisher=The Drum |date=2 July 2019 |access-date=2 March 2020 |archive-date=3 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303023554/https://www.thedrum.com/news/2019/07/02/red-dwarf-crew-receives-planet-side-breakdown-cover-the-aa |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3Pu-ebXh2M |title=Stellar Rescue - Behind the Scenes of the new AA TV ad - YouTube<!-- Bot generated title --> |website=[[YouTube]] |date=11 July 2019 |access-date=6 September 2020 |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108174627/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3Pu-ebXh2M&amp; |url-status=live }}</ref> On 2 March 2020, a second advert called "Stellar Rescue - Smart Breakdown" was uploaded to the AA official YouTube channel featuring ''Starbug'' stranded without power on an ice planet but with Lister again calling a mechanic and saving the day.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVdjaVX-On4 |title=AA Stellar Rescue – Smart Breakdown - YouTube<!-- Bot generated title --> |website=[[YouTube]] |date=2 March 2020 |access-date=6 September 2020 |archive-date=28 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928225841/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVdjaVX-On4 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWuKQ1gwZsk |title=AA Stellar Rescue - Red Dwarf Behind the Scenes - YouTube<!-- Bot generated title --> |website=[[YouTube]] |date=2 March 2020 |access-date=6 September 2020 |archive-date=7 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107224513/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWuKQ1gwZsk |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{citation |url=https://www.theaa.com/about-us/future-of-breakdown |title=Drive Smart - Our latest Red Dwarf TV advert |website=The AA |date=2 March 2020 |access-date=2 March 2020 |archive-date=25 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025124835/http://www.theaa.com/about-us/future-of-breakdown |url-status=live }}</ref> An alternate 30-second one accompanied it, with this one serving as the broadcast version.

===''Red Dwarf: The First Three Million Years''===

In August 2020, a three-part documentary series entitled ''The First Three Million Years'' aired on [[Dave (TV Channel)|Dave]] and narrated by [[Doctor Who]] actor [[David Tennant]]. The retrospective contained deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes footage and new interviews, as the cast and crew reflecting upon 30 years of the show. A conversation between the four key cast members was filmed on the set of "The Promised Land", as the actors shared memories and anecdotes from their decades of working together<ref>{{cite web |title=Red Dwarf: The First Three Million Years |url=https://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2020/06/19/the-first-three-million-years/# |website=Reddwarf.co.uk |access-date=17 August 2020 |archive-date=5 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805113547/https://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2020/06/19/the-first-three-million-years/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===''Red Dwarf: Into The Gloop''===

On 7 February 2021, a script entitled ''Into The Gloop'' was read at the Official Red Dwarf Fan Club Holly Hop Convention by a cast of fans. Written by [[Rob Grant]], directed by Ed Bye and produced by Paul Jackson, the one-off performance was broadcast live to Holly Hop attendees on Zoom. The mini-episode, a self-contained story, was set at the end of Series VI. The cast was Harmony Hewlett and Loïc Baucherel as Rimmer, Raph Clarkson as Lister, Nikola Skalova as the Cat and Ellie Griffiths as Kryten.<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 February 2021|title=Into The Gloop And Beyond|url=https://www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/2021/02/19/into-the-gloop-and-beyond/|access-date=18 January 2022|website=Red Dwarf Official Site}}</ref>

==''Dave Hollins: Space Cadet''==
''Red Dwarf'' was originally based on ''Dave Hollins: Space Cadet'', a series of five sketches that aired as part of the [[BBC Radio 4]] series ''[[Son of Cliché]]'', produced by [[Rob Grant]] and [[Doug Naylor]] in 1984.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scifinow.co.uk/interviews/red-dwarf-co-creator-doug-naylor-on-the-birth-of-the-show |title=Red Dwarf Co-Creator Doug Naylor on the Birth of the Show |last1=Sim |first1=Krystal |date=3 October 2012 |website=Sci-Fi Now |access-date=7 June 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714155955/http://www.scifinow.co.uk/interviews/red-dwarf-co-creator-doug-naylor-on-the-birth-of-the-show |archive-date=14 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TKcaI75I72AC&q=%22Dave+Hollins%3A+Space+Cadet%22&pg=PA209 |title=The Essential Cult TV Reader |last1=Lavery |first1=David |date=2009 |publisher=University Press of Kentucky |isbn=978-0-81317-365-8 |page=209 |access-date=5 October 2020 |archive-date=7 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107224424/https://books.google.com/books?id=TKcaI75I72AC&q=%22Dave+Hollins%3A+Space+Cadet%22&pg=PA209 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The sketches recounted the adventures of Dave Hollins (voiced by [[Nick Wilton]]), a hapless space traveller who is marooned in space far from Earth.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://blogs.coventrytelegraph.net/passtheremote/2012/10/the-origins-of-red-dwarf.html |title=The Origins Of Red Dwarf |last1=McMullen |first1=Marion |date=19 October 2012 |newspaper=[[Coventry Telegraph]] |access-date=7 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714142154/http://blogs.coventrytelegraph.net/passtheremote/2012/10/the-origins-of-red-dwarf.html |archive-date=14 July 2014}}</ref> His only steady companion is the computer Hab (voiced by Chris Barrie).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nouse.co.uk/2013/03/05/qa-with-rob-grant |title=Q&A with Rob Grant |last1=Turner |first1=Fliss |date=5 March 2013 |website=Nouse |access-date=7 June 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714174227/http://www.nouse.co.uk/2013/03/05/qa-with-rob-grant |archive-date=14 July 2014}}</ref>

Grant and Naylor chose to use the ''Dave Hollins: Space Cadet'' sketches as a base for a television show after watching the 1974 film ''[[Dark Star (film)|Dark Star]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.starburstmagazine.com/features/feature-articles/3546-interview-doug-naylor-writerco-creator-of-red-dwarf |title=Interview: Red Dwarf Writer / Co-Creator Doug Naylor |first=J. D. |last=Gillam |date=1 October 2012 |magazine=[[Starburst (magazine)|Starburst]] |access-date=7 June 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714142022/http://www.starburstmagazine.com/features/feature-articles/3546-interview-doug-naylor-writerco-creator-of-red-dwarf |archive-date=14 July 2014}}</ref> They changed some elements from the sketches:<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Laura |date=April 10, 2009 |title=Cult show returns from outer space; The first Red Dwarf series in a decade begins tonight. Its co-writer, Doug Naylor, speaks to Laura Davis. |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Cult+show+returns+from+outer+space%3B+The+first+Red+Dwarf+series+in+a...-a0197533625 |access-date=March 11, 2023 |website=thefreelibrary.com}}</ref>

The seven-trillion-year figure was first changed to seven billion years, and then to three million, and the characters of [[Arnold Rimmer]] and [[Cat (Red Dwarf)|the Cat]] were created. The name Dave Hollins was changed to [[Dave Lister (Red Dwarf)|Dave Lister]] when a [[Association football|football]] player called [[Dave Hollins (footballer)|Dave Hollins]] became well known, and Hab was replaced by [[Holly (Red Dwarf)|Holly]]. One of the voice actors from ''Son of Cliché'', Chris Barrie went on to portray Arnold Rimmer in the ''Red Dwarf'' TV show.

Episodes of ''Dave Hollins'' can be found on the two-disc ''Red Dwarf'' DVD sets starting with Series V and ending with Series VIII.

==See also==
* [[British sitcom]]
* [[List of science fiction sitcoms]]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
* {{cite book |last=Dessau |first=Bruce |year=1992 |title=The Official Red Dwarf Companion |publisher=[[Titan Books]] |isbn=978-1-85286-456-9}}
* {{cite book |last1=Howarth |first1=Chris |first2=Steve |last2=Lyons |year=1993 |title=Red Dwarf Programme Guide |publisher=[[Virgin Books]] |isbn=978-0-86369-682-4 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/reddwarfprogramm0000howa }}
* ''Red Dwarf Smegazine'', (March 1992 - January 1994), Fleetway Editions Ltd, ISSN 0965-5603

==Further reading==
* {{cite book |last=Alexander |first=Paul |year=1995 |title=Red Dwarf Log No. 1996 |publisher=William Heineman Ltd |isbn=978-0-434-00370-9}}
* {{cite book |last1=Burnett |first1=Sharon |first2=Nicky |last2=Hooks |year=1997 |title=A Question of Smeg |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0-14-027070-9}}
* {{cite book |last1=Charles |first1=Craig |first2=Russell |last2=Bell |year=1997 |title=The Log: A Dwarfer's Guide to Everything |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0-14-026862-1}}
* {{cite book |last=Grant |author2=Naylor |year=1993 |title=Primordial Soup: The Least Worst Scripts |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0-14-017886-9}}
* {{cite book |last=Grant |author2=Naylor |year=1996 |title=Son Of Soup |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0-14-025363-4}}
* {{cite book |last=Grant |author2=Naylor |year=1996 |title=Scenes from the Dwarf |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0-14-600243-4}}
* {{cite book |last1=Hooks |first1=Nicky |first2=Sharon |last2=Burnett |year=1994 |title=The Red Dwarf Quiz Book |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0-14-023662-0}}
* {{cite book |last=Llewellyn |first=Robert |year=1994 |title=The Man in the Rubber Mask |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0-14-023575-3}}
* {{cite book |last1=Naylor |first1=Doug |first2=Paul |last2=Alexander |year=1996 |title=The Space Corps Survival Manual |publisher=Mandarin |isbn=978-0-7493-2374-5}}
* {{cite book |last1=Naylor |first1=Doug |first2=Paul |last2=Alexander |year=2000 |title=Red Dwarf VIII Scriptbook |publisher=Virgin |isbn=978-1-85227-872-4}}
* {{cite book |last=Nazzaro |first=Joe |year=1994 |title=The Making of Red Dwarf |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0-14-023206-6}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Red Dwarf (TV series)}}
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{BBC programme}}
* {{IMDb title|id=0094535 |title=Red Dwarf}}
* {{British Comedy Guide|tv|red_dwarf}}
* {{epguides|RedDwarf|Red Dwarf}}
* {{Official website|www.reddwarf.co.uk/news/|name=The official ''Red Dwarf'' website}}

{{Red Dwarf}}
{{Dave original programming}}
{{Grant Naylor}}
{{InternationalEmmyAward Popular Arts Programming}}
{{Authority control}}

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