Fans of Red Dwarf have been dealt a blow: UKTV has officially cancelled the long-anticipated 90-minute special, even though the script was nearly finished.

 

 

Co-creator Doug Naylor revealed that UKTV had signed off on development in early 2024 and the cast was on board. Naylor completed about two-thirds of the script and had recently signed his writer’s contract when UKTV delivered the bad news that they were halting all scripted comedy commissions — including Red Dwarf. 

 

The special’s storyline promised to be ambitious. It involved Dave Lister travelling back in time to help his 23-year-old self escape stasis, while Rimmer and his younger counterpart teamed up to pursue them under directives from JMC. 

 

UKTV confirmed in a statement that there are no current plans to produce further episodes of Red Dwarf. They praised their long-standing relationship with Doug Naylor and the cast — noting previous hits like the Back to Earth specials, several full series, and The Promised Land feature. 

 

As a result, hopes for the revival are dashed... at least for now. Although fans remain hopeful for another broadcaster or a different medium to revive the script, for the moment, the beloved sci-fi comedy remains officially on hiatus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

UKTV has cancelled the planned Red Dwarf special, halting new scripted comedy developments. 

 

Script nearly complete: Doug Naylor had finished around two-thirds of the script when the project was axed. 

 

No further episodes confirmed: UKTV states there are no current plans to commission more Red Dwarf content. 

 

 

 

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Original source: Express article (via Express.co.uk)

 

 

 

Chris Barrie is in bad health so they will be on benefits for a good rest prior to old folks home.kochanski has always been off work poor girl ,her income must be very small over the years