BBC secures exclusive rights to iconic space comedy 'Red Dwarf' after 15-year hiatus

In a surprising announcement, the BBC has acquired the complete collection of the beloved space comedy series, Red Dwarf, marking its long-awaited return to the network after a 15-year absence. The deal includes all episodes from the first nine seasons, as well as the revived four seasons that aired on UKTV channel Dave, and the feature-length special, The Promised Land.

Red Dwarf, created by Rob Grant and Doug Naylor, last graced the BBC's screens in 2007. The show follows the adventures of DJ Craig Charles, portraying the character Dave Lister, a low-ranked caretaker on a colossal mining ship. Lister wakes up from suspended animation after 3 million years to discover he is the sole surviving human onboard, surrounded by his quirky companions: the hologram of his meticulous and snobby bunkmate Rimmer, a humanoid feline known as Cat, the ship's computer Holly, and the android Kryten, whom they rescue from a shipwreck.

Beginning today, Red Dwarf will be available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, alongside other popular BBC classics, such as Kathy Burke's Gimme, Gimme, Gimme and Spencer Jones' Mister Winner.


Red Dwarf originally launched on BBC Two 35 years ago, entertaining audiences for nine seasons before finding a new home on BBC Studios-owned Dave in 2009. The show's successful run on Dave encompassed four seasons, culminating in The Promised Land.

Expressing his excitement about the show's return, Dan McGolpin, BBC iPlayer Director, stated, "The unconventional space crew is making a comeback on the BBC, with classic episodes of Red Dwarf spanning its entire history set to arrive soon."

FAQs

Q1: What is Red Dwarf?
A: Red Dwarf is a science fiction comedy television series that follows the adventures of Dave Lister, the last surviving human aboard a mining ship called Red Dwarf, three million years in the future.

Q2: Who are the main characters in Red Dwarf?
A: The main characters in Red Dwarf include Dave Lister, a laid-back caretaker; Arnold Rimmer, Lister's uptight and holographic bunkmate; Cat, a humanoid creature evolved from Lister's pet cat; Holly, the ship's senile computer; and Kryten, a helpful android.