Episodes
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Rob Grant - What A Guy
Our tribute to Rob Grant, co-creator of Red Dwarf, who passed away on 25 February 2026. We talk about the impact of his work, the very prescient themes of his writing, and the time we met him to chat about this podcast. We also look forward to his forthcoming novel, Red Dwarf: Titan, which is...
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Series 6 - New Year "Special" Part 4
The final batch of listener emails in this series cover more great character moments and recasting suggestions/heresies. An important question about Starbug is answered. An important question about polymorphs and holograms is also answered. And an important question about space weevils is raised....
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Series 6 - New Year "Special" Part 3
Back to our bulging email inbox for more brilliant listener emails. Starting with a big challenge: what are the best bits of acting by each of the Boys From The Dwarf, across the whole series? This week, our listeners have been doing some impressive detective work – from tracking down the pilot…
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Series 6 - New Year "Special" Part 2
We open a fresh batch of your emails and dig into everything from cat paws, to the iconic design of Starbug, to fancying Lister. We get into a spirited defence of being a nerd, a mini rant about a Late Late Show host who hasn’t been on Red Dwarf, and a little look ahead to series 7 and 8. Plus: a...
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Series 6 - New Year "Special" Part 1
2026 can’t properly begin until we’ve answered emails from listeners old and new. Here’s the first of a few bonus eps from our inbox. Topics this time include cardio maths, sanity and socialising, ageing punks, the art of the bleep, and Frankenstein. Of course, we also discuss a whole bunch of…
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38 - Red Dwarf Food Special with Andrew Webb
Tuck into a delicious special all about food in Red Dwarf, featuring food journalist and author Andrew Webb. As both a big fan of the show and an expert on cuisine, Andrew is the perfect guest to guide us through the Dwarf’s gastronomic delights. It’s all here: vending machines, dog food, curry,...
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37 - Red Dwarf Music Special with Jamie Lenman
Singer-songwriter Jamie Lenman is a hero to noughties alt-rock kids for fronting the band Reuben, and a hero to sci-fi fans for his Doctor Who Magazine illustrations. As a big Dwarf fan, he’s the ideal guest for this special ep about the musical magic of our favourite sci-fi sitcom. We ask why...
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Series 6: More Smegstras
More smegstra content from series 6. Gemma Arrowsmith and Guy Kelly have more to say about Rimmerworld, Out Of Time and series 6 in general – from Rimmer’s concubines, to the tragedy of Grant-Naylor’s split. Plus: how come Cat never gets his own episode? And when the chat is done, we reveal next...
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Series 6: The Smegstras
Smegstra content from three of our amazing series 6 guests. These clips might be offcuts from the episodes we released – but don’t think they don’t taste great. They’re delicious. First, enjoy a banquet of extra Ellis! Taskmaster star Phil talks product non-placement, Red Dwarf series 7, and…
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Series 1-6 Roundup and Quiz
It’s time to put a bow on the first six series of Red Dwarf. So we sit down with Gemma Arrowsmith to discuss our favourite episodes from across the classic Grant-Naylor era. It’s a great big celebration of just how brilliant the show and its people are. Then Fergus pits John against Tom Neenan…
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36 - "Out Of Time" with Gemma Arrowsmith
To close out the Grant-Naylor era of Red Dwarf, the genius Gemma Arrowsmith returns. We explore why these glory days came to an end, and ponder if the show’s creators could ever return. Gemma will be back in a near-future episode to give an overview of the first six series of Britain’s best loved...
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35 - "Rimmerworld" with Guy Kelly
Raise a glass of chilled Sancerre for the return of Guy Kelly! We discuss catchphrases, competence and the swagger of series 6 – what does success mean for an underdog show? Obviously there’s some book chat. And Guy shares his brilliant theory about the one change that would have made Lister and...
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34 - "Emohawk: Polymorph 2" with Andy Farrant
From hosting OutsideXbox and the Mom Can’t Cook! podcast, to winning awards for his horror writing, Andy Farrant is a renaissance man of geekery. He tells tales of how his parents used to bribe him with Red Dwarf videos, and the lines of Dwarf dialogue that live in his head. We also chat about…
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33 - "Gunmen Of The Apocalypse" with Jessica Knappett
You’ll know comedian, actor and writer Jessica Knappett from her sitcoms Drifters and Avoidance, Taskmaster, and from The Inbetweeners Movie. Red Dwarf is a childhood favourite and her comfort watch to this day. She talks about fancying Lister in her youth, the show’s lack of pretension, and the...
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32 - "Legion" with Phil Ellis
Star of the new Taskmaster series, Phil Ellis shares the jaw-dropping true story of the time he almost got cast in Red Dwarf. It’s one of the most bonkers and traumatic tales we’ve ever heard! A fan from the beginning, you won’t believe which character Phil wanted to be as a child. He also talks...
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31 - "Psirens" with Tom Neenan
Who better to start our voyage into series 6 than returning legend Tom Neenan?! Not only is Tom an incredibly eloquent and insightful comedy writer and performer…but this is also his favourite series of Red Dwarf! Consequently, we spend a lot of time together in Overthinking Corner. And Tom can’t...
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Series 6 - Teaser
Kippers smoked. We’re back for breakfast. And series 6. SO WHAT IS IT? Better Than Life is the pod where comedians talk Red Dwarf, the greatest sci-fi sitcom, one episode at a time. With a fresh guest every ep, we’re your perfect podcast companion for a first watch or a rewatch. Be warned:...
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Series 5 - Bonus Episode 2
Oh wow! More golden nuggets of conversation that were just too tasty to include in our main series 5 episodes. Or which didn’t fit our self-imposed time constraints but are still well worth welcoming into your ears. Or both those things. You decide, as you enjoy extra insights from the marvellous...
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Series 5 - Bonus Episode 1
Happy New Year! Why not treat yourself to some deleted scenes: Bits of interviews with our brilliant guests which couldn't quite fit in their episode - but which are a smashing good time anyway. Featuring snippets from the awesome Cariad Lloyd, Tom Salinsky and Travis McElroy! SO WHAT IS IT?…
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Christmas "Special" 2024
Merry Christmas! For our festive special, we unwrap some great listener emails and attempt some seasonal chat… but somehow it keeps going a bit weird SO WHAT IS IT? Better Than Life is the pod where comedians talk Red Dwarf, the greatest sci-fi sitcom, one episode at a time. With a fresh guest...
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30 - "Back To Reality" with Alexis Dubus
Alexis Dubus tells us what it’s like to be in Red Dwarf! He’s an award winning stand-up and character comic (you may know his alter ego, Marcel Lucont) and his childhood fandom of Red Dwarf was a formative influence on his comedy. So imagine his delight when he was asked to guest star in series…
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29 - "Demons and Angels" with Alasdair Beckett-King
Acclaimed standup, animator, filmmaker and children’s author Alasdair Beckett-King cannot overstate how much of a Red Dwarf fan he was back in the day. Case in point: he was angered by CGI Starbug in the way only a true fan can be. The show even influenced his taste in food… and his accent! He...
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28 - "Quarantine" with Matthew Highton
Filmmaker and comedian Matthew Highton remembers when Red Dwarf set the agenda for all playground conversations. And he certainly brings his A game to this chat, sharing so much of what he loves about the show - from the fantastic model work, to the endlessly entertaining relationship between...
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27 - "Terrorform" with Travis McElroy
American podcaster, writer and comedian Travis McElroy has been a fan of Red Dwarf since it started airing on PBS. He has such a unique take on the boys from the Dwarf as a surrogate family, he really made us see the show in a different light. He gently challenges easy assumptions about how the...
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26 - "The Inquisitor" with Tom Salinsky
Tom Salinsky wrote the book on Red Dwarf. Two books, actually. We tap into his awesome knowledge - from the show’s alternative comedy roots, to a fascinating idea Grant and Naylor had for the pilot episode, which would have been very different… and very legendary. Tom also gives us the last word…
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25 - "Holoship" with Cariad Lloyd
Podcast royalty - and phenomenal comedian, actor and writer - Cariad Lloyd joins us to say some of the geekiest things she’s ever said on a pod. It all begins with the reveal of a teenage Christmas present, which will have you wishing this was a visual medium. Cariad also confesses the enduring...
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Series 5 Trailer
Find out which awesome comedians are joining us to talk Red Dwarf Series 5… and when we’re launching! SO WHAT IS IT? Better Than Life is the pod where comedians talk Red Dwarf, the greatest sci-fi sitcom, one episode at a time. With a fresh guest every ep, we’re your perfect podcast companion for…
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Series 4 - Bonus Episode 4
We wrap up series 4 with some great listener emails and reflections on our Red Dwarf journey so far. We also look ahead to series 5... Plus: will Fergus humble John with his surprise quiz? And we give you a special musical treat... SO WHAT IS IT? Better Than Life is the pod where comedians talk…
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New Red Dwarf Books: Interview Special
Tom Salinsky is our special guest to talk about his two volume book, Red Dwarf: Discovering The TV Series. Packed with history, trivia and insights, it's a comprehensive companion to the show across all media. Volume 1 covers the original BBC series and is due to be released on 30th August 2024....
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Series 4 - Bonus Episode 3
Hear more from Andrew O’Neill and Bethany Black. As we drift through deep space towards series five, this is the third in a short series featuring extras from our series four guests. Andrew O’Neill talks about how much fans will forgive, misquoting music, and metalheads in Red Dwarf. Bethany…
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Series 4 - Bonus Episode 2
Exclusive extra content from Tom Neenan and Alice Fraser, to bridge the gap between series four and five. This is the second in a short series featuring more from our series four guests. Tom Neenan brings his brilliant brain to bear on continuity, the later series, Barbara Bellini, the Justice...
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Series 4 - Bonus Episode 1
Before we launch into series five, enjoy some more from Matt Kirshen and Garrett Millerick. This is the first in a short series of specials featuring extra content from our great series four guests. Matt Kirshen muses on the difference between US and UK comedy – specifically TV scheduling,...
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24 - "Meltdown" with Bethany Black
Top comedian, writer and actor Bethany Black was the first kid in her school to get into Red Dwarf. She spread the word and soon everyone was into it. So, you can expect a lifetime of wisdom and enthusiasm! We have an interesting chat about how the show relates to the Alternative Comedy movement...
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23 - "Dimension Jump" with Andrew O'Neill
Andrew O’Neill knows the exact date they got into Red Dwarf, telling us “it was exactly ‘me’ flavoured”. Surely we can all relate? And, refreshingly, they’re a proper fan of the Dave era episodes! Andrew is very insightful on why the show is perfect for young people… and metalheads. Series 4...
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22 - "White Hole" with Alice Fraser
The incredible Alice Fraser goes all-in on what makes Red Dwarf awesome. Cleverness! Silliness! Heart! Toast! An amazing parliament-based metaphor (don’t worry, not political). A very cool comparison with a Pixar classic. And a traumatic memory of Rimmerworld that lives forever in a dark corner…
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21 - "Justice" with Tom Neenan
Smashing comedian and lead writer of The Mash Report, Tom Neenan brings his giant comedy brain to bear on Red Dwarf. Unsurprisingly for such a seasoned comedy writer, he is super insightful on the special ingredients that make Red Dwarf so great - from its vivid nature, to Grant and Naylor’s…
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20 - "DNA" with Garrett Millerick
Acclaimed standup Garrett Millerick came to Red Dwarf aged 11, with series 6. He quickly became an obsessive collector of the VHS collections, falling in love with both classic ‘eras’ (series 1-2 and series 3-6). He even had an Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers t-shirt custom printed. As we…
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19 - "Camille" with Matt Kirshen
Not just a globetrotting standup who shot to fame in the US on Last Comic Standing, Matt Kirshen is also a TV comedy writer, with credits including Arrested Development and The Jim Jeffries Show. So, no surprise he’s full of insights into the crafty magic of Red Dwarf. Matt’s particularly...
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Series 4 Preview + Listener Emails
Which amazing comedians do we have for you in series 4? When’s it launching? And what are our hopes and dreams for the newly announced 2025 Red Dwarf miniseries? All these questions are answered in this series 4 preview. Plus: some brilliant listener emails on all sorts of stuff – from pottery,...
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Series Three - Bonus Episode 2
It’s our second selection of choice off-cuts from series 3. Find out what else the wonderful Jonno and the incredible Dulcé Sloan had to say about the greatest British sci-fi sitcom of all time. Plus: listener emails about swearing and hidden lyrics in the Red Dwarf theme tune. SO WHAT IS IT?...
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Series Three - Bonus Episode 1
Keep yourself warm between series with this selection of juicy off-cuts from recent episodes. Find out what Vix Layton, Kirsty Newton, Nick Doody and Tom Price said that you didn’t get to hear before. Plus: a listener shares a tale of youthful fandom cringe. SO WHAT IS IT? Better Than Life is the...
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18 - "The Last Day" with Dulcé Sloan
That’s right. Dulcé Sloan off The Daily Show is a lifelong Red Dwarf fan! She and her family have loved the show since she was a kid, when it first aired in the USA on PBS. Dulcé has great insights all over the place - from why the US remake was doomed to fail, to the genius of Backwards. Which...
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17 - "Timeslides" with Jonno
Jonno is here and he’s geeking out! He’s never missed a Gazpacho Soup Day, and we’re talking comprehensive rankings of eps and seasons. As a TV comedy writer and member of powerhouse sketch trio Sheeps, his fandom has evolved along with his experience as a crafter of comedy. Expect insights into...
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16 - "Bodyswap" with Tom Price
Red Dwarf changed Tom Price’s comedy DNA. The multitalented actor, radio presenter and podcaster shares his fan story - from being Talky Toaster at school, to bonding with his future wife over their shared love of the show, all the way to what happened when Tom did studio warm-up for a Dave-era…
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15 - "Polymorph" with Kirsty Newton & Nick Doody
Ep 15 - POLYMORPH It’s our first ever two guest spectacular! Musical comedy virtuoso Kirsty Newton and phenomenal standup Nick Doody are joyful company as they share their love of Red Dwarf - from the mighty theme tune’s spacey vibes, to taking comfort in the company of misfits. You’ll find out...
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14 - "Marooned" with Will Duggan
Craig Charles called Will Duggan a “wazzock” on BBC radio - in this ep, he tells us why! Will came to Red Dwarf at a random episode of series 8 (that’s not why Craig dissed him on 6 Music). Over several years, he caught episodes out of sequence, before finally learning the backstory of this...
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13 - "Backwards" with Vix Leyton
Vix Leyton has waited years to be asked about Red Dwarf! She shares her journey as a fan - from growing up in a space opera loving household, to abusing her pre-standup day job by engineering a working lunch with Robert Llewellyn. Vix also muses on how Rimmer’s grown on her as she’s gotten older,...
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Series 2 Wrap-up: The Lost Episode - "Dad"
Before we get to series 3, we need to talk about what the smeg happens after Parallel Universe. We find a missing episode that would have dealt with Lister’s pregnancy. And a ‘story-so-far’ that’s the ‘story-so-fast’ you might not be able to take it in. So we’ve done the work for you. Get prepped...
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12 - "Parallel Universe" with Stuart Goldsmith
Stuart Goldsmith hates Duane Dibbley. There’s your clickbait opener! In fact, the inventor of ‘comedians talking about comedy’ proves to be massively in love with classic Dwarf - and hugely insightful about its craft and appeal. He talks about the influence and resonance each character has had on...
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11 - "Queeg" with Sarah Mills
Sarah Mills greets us with her own version of the Red Dwarf theme tune - and it’s the perfect start to an especially bantery ep. Sarah talks about not being a sci-fi fan, yet wishing she’d come up with the concept of Red Dwarf. She shares her enduring love for a classic ep from series 4. And she...
About this show
Comedians talk Red Dwarf.
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BTL POD
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