Red Dwarf’s Rocky Launch – A Funny Sort of History

Last week I discussed a show that was as simple and gimmick-free as a sitcom could be. This time we’re going right the other way and entering rather specialised territory, a science fiction comedy with quite the hook: its cast of characters features only a single human being, the last one left alive in the universe.

As you might imagine, the creators of the show faced an uphill struggle getting their creation onto the air. Among their challenges, they had to cope with cripplingly small budgets, industrial action, a bemused crew, and prejudiced TV bosses who couldn’t seem to get past that dreaded label: sci-fi.

But for those who could see beyond the genre, a great sitcom was waiting for them, one that really wasn’t about space at all.