Dave has renewed hit sci-fi comedy Red Dwarf for two more seasons, the show’s eleventh and twelfth. The UKTV owned and operated channel has ordered a further 12 episodes which will be evenly split across Red Dwarf XI and Red Dwarf XII. Production begins this summer, with Red Dwarf XI eyed for a 2016 premiere and Red Dwarf XII following in 2017.
Series co-creator Doug Naylor is returning to pen the new episodes for Red Dwarf XI and Red Dwarf XII, both of which are being co-produced by Grant Naylor Productions and Baby Cow Productions. Cast members Chris Barrie, Craig Charles, Danny John-Jules and Robert Llewellyn are on-board to reprise their roles. Richard Naylor and Kerry Waddell are the series producers, while Simon Lupton and Henry Normal will executive produce.
Red Dwarf originally began its life on the BBC, where its aired from 1988 to 1999. After UKTV set their sights on a push into scripted originals, Dave ordered three-parter Red Dwarf: Back to Earth which aired on the channel in 2009. That was later followed by a full series, Red Dwarf X. Both were big hits for Dave, with Back To Earth attracting some 2.6 million viewers, while Red Dwarf X peaked with 2 million viewers and never dipped below 1.6 million across the season.
UKTV’s original Red Dwarf commission back in 2009 was a significant one as it was the start of the channel’s push into scripted, something which, several years on, is now bearing fruit with the likes of the upcoming Undercover, starring Big School alum Daniel Rigby; and David Hasselhoff mockumentary Hoff The Record, which has already been renewed for a second season.
“Red Dwarf is a really important show for us and I’m delighted that we are bringing more new episodes to our viewers”, said Dave General Manager Steve North, who commissioned the new seasons alongside Above all else it’s a really funny show and one that is held in great affection by millions of people, including the Dave team. We’ve built up a great relationship over the years with Doug and the cast and it’s a privilege to be working with them again.”
The two season renewal also comes more than two years after Red Dwarf X wrapped its six episode run on Dave in late 2012. As TVWise previously reported, UKTV execs have been keen for the comedy to return and have been developing a new run of episodes since as far back as December 2012.
“Steve North and everyone at UKTV have been so supportive of Red Dwarf from the start of their involvement with the show”, said series co-creator Doug Naylor. “Steve originally asked for more shows back in 2012 but frustratingly it’s taken until now to get our ducks in a row and all the boys available at the same time. Now they are, we’re all absolutely delighted.”
“Red Dwarf has superb talent attached; writing, directing and acting plus an expert team who absolutely know what they are doing when it comes to delivering a stand-out piece of television”, added UKTV Commissioning Editor Simon Lupton. “It has a universal appeal that manages to touch long-standing fans and recruit new ones. It is fantastic to be collaborating with them again on the next phase of the Red Dwarf adventure.”
