10 Shows and Movies Similar to Red Dwarf (1988)

Description: Like 'Red Dwarf', 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' combines science fiction with British humor, satire, and absurdity. Both shows feature a mismatched group of characters navigating the cosmos, often encountering bizarre and humorous situations. The witty dialogue and irreverent take on space travel are key similarities.

Fact: Based on Douglas Adams' novel of the same name. The TV series was initially a radio drama. Features a depressed robot, Marvin, similar to Red Dwarf's Kryten.

Description: 'Blackadder' shares 'Red Dwarf's' sharp British wit and satirical tone. Both shows feature a cynical, self-serving protagonist surrounded by a cast of eccentric characters, delivering humor through clever dialogue and historical (or futuristic) absurdity.

Fact: Stars Rowan Atkinson as Edmund Blackadder. Each season is set in a different historical period. Known for its intelligent humor and wordplay.

Description: 'Lexx' is similar to 'Red Dwarf' in its dark humor, bizarre sci-fi elements, and the dynamic of a small, oddball crew on a spaceship. Both shows embrace absurdity and satire, though 'Lexx' leans more into surreal and adult themes.

Fact: A Canadian-German co-production. Features a living ship, the Lexx, akin to Red Dwarf's sentient ship. Known for its eclectic mix of genres, from sci-fi to fantasy and horror.

Description: 'Futurama' shares 'Red Dwarf's' mix of sci-fi and comedy, with a similar irreverent take on futuristic life. Both shows feature a lovable, dysfunctional crew and satirize science fiction tropes through clever writing and humor.

Fact: Created by Matt Groening. Features a cryogenically frozen protagonist, similar to Lister's backstory. Known for its scientific accuracy in some episodes.

Description: 'Farscape' shares with 'Red Dwarf' a focus on a small, dysfunctional crew aboard a spaceship, dealing with both personal dynamics and external threats. While 'Farscape' is more dramatic, it maintains a quirky, sometimes humorous tone, and features unique alien characters reminiscent of 'Red Dwarf's' diverse crew.

Fact: Created by Rockne S. O'Bannon. Features Jim Henson Company's Creature Shop for alien designs. The protagonist is an astronaut from Earth, similar to Dave Lister's outsider status.

Description: While not a space show, 'Spaced' shares 'Red Dwarf's' British humor, pop culture references, and quirky characters. Both shows excel in witty dialogue and absurd situations, though 'Spaced' is set in contemporary London.

Fact: Directed by Edgar Wright. Stars Simon Pegg and Jessica Hynes. Known for its fast-paced editing and visual gags.

Description: This workplace comedy shares 'Red Dwarf's' British humor and eccentric characters. While set in an office rather than space, the show's dynamic of a small, dysfunctional group dealing with absurd situations is reminiscent of 'Red Dwarf's' crew.

Fact: Created by Graham Linehan. Stars Chris O'Dowd and Richard Ayoade. Known for its catchphrases and quirky humor.

Description: While more action-oriented, 'Killjoys' shares 'Red Dwarf's' focus on a small, tight-knit crew in space, dealing with both personal and external conflicts. The show's blend of humor and sci-fi adventure echoes 'Red Dwarf's' tone.

Fact: A Canadian sci-fi series. Focuses on bounty hunters in space. Features strong female leads.

Description: Seth MacFarlane's 'The Orville' blends sci-fi with humor, much like 'Red Dwarf'. Both shows feature a crew navigating space while dealing with interpersonal relationships and comedic situations, though 'The Orville' often leans more towards drama.

Fact: Created by Seth MacFarlane. Pays homage to 'Star Trek'. Features a mix of episodic and serialized storytelling.

Description: This British sci-fi comedy mirrors 'Red Dwarf's' blend of space adventure and workplace humor. The show's focus on the inept crew of a spaceship and their misadventures is reminiscent of 'Red Dwarf's' comedic take on space travel.

Fact: Stars Nick Frost of 'Shaun of the Dead' fame. Features a diverse alien crew. Only ran for two seasons but has a cult following.