Back in 1988, being a sci-fi fan in the UK as a kid could be a lonely experience. Doctor Who wasn’t popular then and was often talked about quietly and secretly at school. Things like dice games and Marvel comics were kept hidden – comics were even tucked inside pop music magazines at lunch to avoid teasing or having them destroyed.
It was a pretty isolated existence back then, but we quickly realized it wasn’t nearly as solitary as the life Dave Lister – played by Craig Charles – was about to have. He was this amazing underdog character, a total slob, and the star of a hilarious new comedy called Red Dwarf. It was written by Doug Naylor and his partner, Rob Grant, who sadly is no longer with us.
The show’s first season now seems like a simple, early draft of what would become BBC Two’s biggest comedy hit at the time. But for younger, fantasy-loving kids – those who preferred make-believe to sports – it was instantly captivating. It was, quite simply, Catnip – and a show worthy of that name in all caps.
The show’s limited budget actually enhanced its stark and depressing atmosphere, perfectly reflecting the loneliness of Lister’s situation. He was, after all, the last human, lost in the vast emptiness of space aboard a massive mining ship.
After a catastrophe wiped out most life, his only companions were the ship’s aging computer (voiced by Norman Lovett), a sophisticated, talking cat descended from his pet (played by Danny John-Jules), and a holographic version of Arnold Rimmer (Chris Barrie), a former roommate he’d always disliked – even in life.
What made this show brilliant was its ability to capture the feeling of loneliness. It resonated with many of us who felt lost and helped us feel less isolated. It truly felt like a show created just for people our age.
When Red Dwarf first came out, its inspiration, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, felt like something for older, more sophisticated audiences. We saw older siblings, cousins, and teachers enjoying Douglas Adams’ books. The humor felt a bit over our heads, and when the TV show aired, we were simply too young to fully understand it.
Red Dwarf, though, felt raw and instantly relatable. We quickly connected with the characters, loved the casual use of the word “smeg,” and enjoyed how the show challenged us with ideas like stasis pods, genetic changes, and glimpses into possible futures.
It showed the immensity of space, but grounded it in the familiar messiness of daily life – think curry spills and broken appliances. It revealed that people in power aren’t always competent, and that those we consider failures can actually succeed. Ultimately, it took our deepest worries and turned them into something funny.
Many people are likely feeling grateful this morning for the creative minds of Douglas Adams and John Lloyd, even with the sad news of Adams’ passing at the young age of 70.
As a longtime fan, I don’t even think the TV show was the peak of their work. For me, it was the novel they wrote afterward, Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers. I actually still have a first edition copy – they signed it for me over thirty years ago, I believe at Sherratt & Hughes bookstore in Manchester. It’s a treasure to me!
Even now, it perfectly captures the essence of Red Dwarf. The written version highlights Lister’s sadness and Rimmer’s frustrating small-mindedness even more intensely. Much of the story feels like those two are trapped together forever, with the vastness of space just emphasizing their isolation.
Even though the book focuses on extinction, it’s surprisingly comforting. Ultimately, it feels good that Lister is finally free to just be himself now that the universe isn’t asking anything of him. Humanity is almost gone, but those who remain are simply getting by.
Those saddened by the loss of Rob Grant, co-creator of Red Dwarf, can find comfort in the lasting impact of his and Chris Naylor’s work. In fact, their creation will continue to live on – a novel Grant wrote with Andrew Marshall before his death is scheduled for release later this year.
For those of us who loved Red Dwarf from the beginning, when it was simpler and less polished, there’s a special appeal. The show reminds us that being different or feeling like an outsider doesn’t mean you’re unimportant – in fact, it can make you a hero.
Watch Rob Grant speaking to TopMob earlier this year about new prequel novel Titan:
The new Red Dwarf novel, Titan, will be released in hardback, ebook, and audio formats on July 16, 2026, and is available to pre-order now. You can also watch Red Dwarf on BBC iPlayer right now.
Authors
David Brown is the Deputy Previews Editor at TopMob, where he focuses on crime and fantasy television. He’s a frequent media commentator, having appeared on BBC News, Sky News, and Radio 4’s Front Row. His writing has been featured in publications like the Guardian, the Sunday Times, and the i newspaper. Beyond reviewing, David has also worked as a writer and editor for the National Television Awards and contributed to documentaries about prominent figures such as Lenny Henry, Billy Connolly, and the band Take That.
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2026-02-27 17:36