Red Dwarf creator “really concerned” about sitcom shortage after new episode cancelled

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Doug Naylor, who helped create the popular sci-fi comedy Red Dwarf, has expressed worry that there aren’t enough sitcoms being made for television right now.

As a long-time Red Dwarf fan, I was saddened to hear from Chris Naylor – who’s just released a children’s book, by the way – that a whole episode was actually filmed but then shelved by UKTV last year. It’s frustrating, especially with how much the fans were clamoring for more. But there’s a glimmer of hope! Naylor hinted that the episode might find a home on a different channel yet, which is good news for us dwarf devotees.

He explained that BBC Two was once known for showing excellent sitcoms, and was really the go-to channel for the genre.

Channel 4 used to be fantastic, but it feels like they’ve really disappeared from the television landscape. Those prime-time comedy slots are gone, which is a real loss because people love a good sitcom.

Everyone enjoys rewatching their favorite shows, and the numbers prove it. It just feels like the BBC has a responsibility to the country to keep making those comforting, beloved comedies.

Red Dwarf originally appeared on BBC Two in 1988. Creator Chris Naylor acknowledges executive Peter Ridsdale-Scott for getting the show on air, as the BBC had initially rejected it on three separate occasions.

Despite strong fan interest, bringing back Red Dwarf is proving difficult. Writer Rob Grant had even completed about two-thirds of a new episode before the project was cancelled.

Working with Doug Naylor and the Red Dwarf team has been a fantastic experience. It all started with the popular ‘Back to Earth’ specials, which drew in 4 million viewers, and has since led to three complete series, a look back at the show’s history, and the first-ever Red Dwarf movie, ‘The Promised Land’.

Right now, Naylor is working on his first children’s book, *Sin Bin Island*. The story centers around an orphanage where, each year, the four most troublesome kids are sent away to the scary Sin Bin Island as punishment.

Legend has it this island was a secret route for bringing magic to the mainland, but after three centuries, no trace of it was ever discovered… until now!

“There are real similarities between Sin Bin Island and Red Dwarf,” Naylor explained.

We have two groups of four people, and I’m hoping for plenty of fun and laughter. The story has shifted from science fiction to a magic-based adventure, filled with unexpected surprises and plot twists.

I didn’t plan anything out or try to please anyone. I didn’t feel limited in any way – I never thought I *couldn’t* do something. I just told the story as best I could, imagining all the main characters were thirteen years old.

Sin Bin Island is available to buy now. Red Dwarf is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

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2025-09-14 14:34