Red Dwarf: Discovering the TV Series (Hardback)
Volume I: 1988-1993
Imprint: White Owl
Pages: 192
Illustrations: 32 colour illustrations
ISBN: 9781399034944
Published: 11th September 2024
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Red Dwarf is virtually unique among British sitcoms. It began in 1988 and was still releasing new episodes in 2020, making it one of the longest running sitcoms of all time, but the core cast has remained largely unchanged. And its science fiction flavour contrasts strongly with the drawing rooms and sofas which were the norm when it launched, and the fast-cut mockumentary style which is popular today. And yet, this is a show which nobody wanted to make, and which only barely made it to our screens at all. In this work, Tom Salinsky will look at exactly how it came to be; who was considered for the cast but didn’t make it; how it was radically reinvented for the third, sixth, seventh, ninth and tenth seasons; how it survived the breakup of its key creative partnership, the loss of the original spaceship models, BBC strikes, the departure of a major cast member, and the seemingly self-defeating rules which the writers imposed on themselves. But this isn’t just a behind-the-scenes account. It’s also a detailed critical analysis, examining why the best episodes succeed and why the less impressive episodes struggle, while also finding time to ask just how a hologram made of light can smell burning camphor wood, why a creature evolved from a cat is familiar with Wilma Flintstone, or just how long Lister and Kochanski were dating for. How can all this possibly be contained in one book? It can’t! Volume I will cover the first six series and Volume II will conclude the story of Red Dwarf on television as well as looking at the novels, comic strips, computer games and more.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Tiffany C
So interesting to read all the back story of the series and hearing from another Red Dwarf nerd. I’ve not seen much on RedDawrf in recent years - maybe people aren’t into it as much as some of us original fans may be
That being said - I was not born for the first series. Or even the second… I’m a ‘91 baby and definitely housing have been watching it when I was 5 or 6. Maybe even younger.
But Lister, Rimmer & the Car left a lasting impression on me. One that I still hold to this day. (I even started watching Death In Paradise for DJJ, and seem to have a scouse twang in my accent due to the amount of people who think I’m fro Liverpool - spoiler! I’m not. Not even close!)
A book recommended for all fans of the show.
NetGalley, Keith Cowans
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I haven’t watched Red Dwarf in a few years, but this book has made me want to go back and start over from the beginning. It’s a wonderful show, and knowing how hard the writers and actors fought to keep it going, to make it into the cult classic it is today, makes everything just that much more impactful. I enjoyed revisiting Red Dwarf — and will enjoy rewatching it with this guide — and hope you will as well.
NetGalley, E Horn
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Ronaldoaj J
I am a true Dwarfette. What a super book. I love anything to do with red dwarf and this was an absolute pleasure to read.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Annie Buchanan
Red Dwarf (aka RD), is an absolutely iconic comedy show from the fevered imaginations of Doug Naylor and Rob Grant via the auspices of the BBC. Scratch virtually -any- SF nerd and you'll find memorised dialogue, often recited verbatim usually with accompanying tears of mirth. Even "hard" SF/classic fans are often huge RD fans. Additionally, the show was a vehicle for many (many!) BBC stars including Frances Barber, Mark Williams, and Clare Grogan in addition to the central cast.
This book does a good job of bringing back those memories. The author has assembled insider stories, reminiscences, continuity, influences, and a host of interesting trivia. There is an episode guide with a host of facts and data for each of them (and best gag/worst visual effect, in the author's opinion). For readers who have not seen absolutely all the episodes 500 times, there *are* spoilers, so fair warning.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Chris Hallam
This is ultimately an invaluable guide which anyone with at least a casual interest in the show's early years won't want to miss.
About Tom Salinsky
Tom Salinsky is a writer, podcaster and corporate coach living in London with his wife and too many cats. With Deborah Frances-White, he is the author of The Improv Handbook (Methuen Drama, 2008). With Robert Khan he is the author of five plays and many audio dramas for Big Finish. With his podcast colleagues John Dorney and Jessica Regan he is the author of Best Pick: A Journey Through Film History and the Academy Awards (Rowman & Littlefield, 2022). Star Trek: Discovering the TV Series is his first solo book.
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