Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 35 – Comedy in Space – How Red Dwarf Became a British TV Science Fiction Icon

This week on the Anglotopia Podcast, we interview author and podcaster Tom Salinsky and explore his new book Red Dwarf: Discovering the TV Series, a deep dive into the beloved British sci-fi sitcom Red Dwarf. Tom discusses his inspiration for the book, covering every episode, and how the BBC’s skepticism of sci-fi made Red Dwarf an underdog that grew into a cult classic. The interview touches on the show’s humor, its influence on British TV, and the challenges of chronicling decades of content, from broadcast to remastered versions. Join us for a fun discussion about British TV comedy and science fiction.

Links

• Red Dwarf: Discovering the TV Series: Volume I: 1988-1993
• Red Dwarf on BritBox
• Tom Salinsky
• The Best Pick Movie Podcast

Takeaways

• Origins of Red Dwarf: The BBC was hesitant about a sci-fi sitcom, but Red Dwarf emerged due to a quirk in budget allocation, allowing it to become a cult hit despite early obstacles.
• Unique Format: The series capitalized on the British sitcom format, combining science fiction with the traditional “two men who hate each other but can’t leave” dynamic, popular in shows like Porridge.
• Character Chemistry: The show’s enduring appeal lies in the chemistry between the characters, especially Lister and Rimmer, whose opposing personalities anchor the narrative.
• Cultural Legacy: Red Dwarf influenced later sci-fi comedies, despite the BBC’s general disdain for the genre. Its longevity and ability to adapt over decades have cemented its place in British television history.
• Behind-the-Scenes Insights: Tom’s research uncovered original ratings, unbroadcast scenes, and unused scripts that reveal new aspects of the show’s creation.

Sound Bites

• On Red Dwarf’s Origins: “Red Dwarf almost didn’t happen—it snuck past the BBC’s deep suspicion of science fiction, thanks to a bizarre quirk in their accounting.”
• On the Show’s Characters: “You’ve got two losers—one content with his lot, one frustrated and hating himself—and that dynamic has kept the show fresh through 70 episodes.”
• On Revisiting Every Episode: “For the first episode, I watched the broadcast version, remastered version, DVD extras, and multiple commentaries… I think I know that episode pretty well by now.”
• On the Show’s Longevity: “The consistency of the cast is one of the things that’s kept Red Dwarf going. It’s amazing to see how stable the chemistry has been after all these years.”
• On British vs. American Comedy: “In America, sitcoms tend to start with a problem and end with a resolution. In Britain, sitcoms often begin with an aspiration and end with dashed hopes.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Red Dwarf and Its Cultural Impact 02:45 The Journey of Writing the Book 05:48 The Backstory of Red Dwarf’s Creation 08:48 The Evolution of Red Dwarf’s Popularity 11:32 Behind the Scenes: Fun Facts and Mishaps 14:27 Challenges in Analyzing Red Dwarf 17:29 The Cult Following of Red Dwarf 20:36 Red Dwarf’s Longevity and Comparison to Other Sitcoms 23:32 Character Dynamics: Rimmer and Lister 26:17 Humor and Storytelling in Red Dwarf vs. Star Trek 29:14 Expectations for Future Red Dwarf Episodes 32:16 Tom Salinsky’s Future Projects 35:03 The International Appeal of British TV 38:06 The American Remake of Red Dwarf 41:04 Recommendations for Other British Comedies

Video Version