In 1988 a new science ficton adventure show was aired on BBC2 entitled 'Red Dwarf'. It was the pilot episode to see whether the series would be a ratings winner. Over 50 episodes later, one can conclude that 'Red Dwarf' has been a success. This unusual new episode began with the introduction of a ship, 'Red Dwarf'. The 'Red Dwarf' was a mining ship, which was travelling on a 6 year space exploration. Two workers on the ship called Rimmer and Lister, both bottom rank technicians, responsible for fixing chicken soup machines, appear as the main characters. The relationship between Lister and Rimmer, one of intense dislike, forms the basis for the humour in the series.

Jupiter Mining Corps Vessal - The Red Dwarf

The plot of the pilot begins with a malfunction on the ship, Rimmer had incorrectly fixed part of the engine resulting in Rimmers death along with everyone else except for Lister. Lister was in 'stasis' at the time as punishment for bringing an unquarantined animal on board the ship. Rather than end the situation, this serves only to enhance it.

Lister on leaving stasis realises that everyone is dead but him. The result is that 'Holly' the ships computer decides to recreate Rimmer as a hologram to keep Lister sane. The sudden news leaves Lister lost and bewildered with the most annoying person he could imagine 3 million years away from Earth.

During this time, the unquarantined creature a 'cat', which Lister had smuggled onto the ship has had kittens which have bred and evolved. However there remains only one survivor of this race, 'The Cat', who becomes the new crewmember. Lister takes control and orders Holly to plot a course back to Earth. Thus the series was born. Six episodes later a lone mechanoid 'Kryten' was introduced.

Above - Starbug vessal used on Red Dwarf for transportation

The four crewmembers courageously try to find Earth, they come across strange life forms and weird anomalies. For example, their future selves, a monster made of a pizza vindaluu and a giant sea fish. Red Dwarf offers fans action and character based comedy, and draws UK viewing figures of over eight million. It is one of the most successful programmes ever shown on BBC2 and has acquired a worldwide following. Numerous books, videos and other merchandise are now available. Red Dwarf to date has broadcast eight seasons of episodes. The year 2001 sees the popular television series being transformed into a feature length movie with the original cast and crew.