Red Dwarf (1988): episodes, history and where to watch

AT A GLANCE

Red Dwarf first went out in February 1988 on BBC Two. It ran until 2020, with 12 series and 73 episodes so far. Where it streams changes often, so check the official services before paying for one.

comedy
sci-fi
british
More from the 1980s

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Why it is worth your time

Lister wakes from stasis three million years later as the last human alive, with a hologram, a cat and a robot for company. Smeg-loaded science-fiction comedy that later moved to Dave.

The details

First broadcast: 15 February 1988
Originally on: BBC Two
On air: 1988–2020
Series: 12
Episodes: 73
Typical length: 32 minutes
Genres: Comedy, Science-Fiction
First episode: “The End”

Watching it the official way

Older programmes move between broadcasters, streaming services and DVD releases as rights are sold and resold. Paying the rights holder keeps archives alive and pays the people who made them.

The BritCast TV library changes with sources and rights, so we never promise a title before checking. Ask us and we will look, or try a day free and search for yourself.

Red Dwarf: quick answers

When did Red Dwarf start?

On 15 February 1988, on BBC Two.

How many episodes of Red Dwarf are there?

73 had been broadcast by 14 October 2026, across 12 series. The last aired in 2020.

Where can I watch Red Dwarf now?

Rights to older programmes move between services and channels; check BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and the main streaming services, or buy it on DVD or digitally.

Dates and episode counts from TVmaze (2026-10-14), CC BY-SA 4.0. Artwork © its owners, shown only to identify the programme.