Red Dwarf 30th Anniversary: All the ways you can watch the cult sci-fi sitcom online

Exactly 30 years ago, cult sci-fi sitcom Red Dwarf first aired on the BBC – and geeks have been obsessed ever since. As the show celebrates its 30th anniversary and looks ahead to a potential new series, we reveal all the ways you can watch Red Dwarf online and get yourself ready for Red Dwarf season 13.

Take a look on Twitter today and, amidst the usual slurry of rants about the sorry state of the world, you’ll see something altogether more cheery trending: #RedDwarf30.

Yes, on February 15 1988, the first ever episode of Red Dwarf aired on BBC Two, making 2018 the 30th anniversary of the decidedly off-piste science fiction show.

Indeed, such is the enduring popularity of Red Dwarf that a new run was commissioned by Dave in 2009 and – unlike many a rehashed TV show – released to critical acclaim.

Whether you’re a diehard smeg-head looking to revisit your favourite episodes, or a total noob looking to dip your toes in one of British comedy’s all-time greats, now’s the perfect time to jump on the spaceship.

Best of all, there’s loads of easy ways to watch Red Dwarf old and new – in the spirit of nerdy camaraderie, a massive H/T goes to the official Red Dwarf site for informing our guide through its own comprehensive rundown of on-demand Red Dwarf options.

Probably the easiest places to find everything Red Dwarf are Amazon Video, iTunes and YouTube. All three feature the entire Red Red Dwarf catalogue (series 1-12), with complete seasons available to purchase from just £6.99 (or £9.99 if you want the newer seasons in HD). Individual episodes also up for grabs, and the erstwhile English literature student in this writer can’t help but recommend the Samuel Beckett-inspired ‘Waiting for God’ (episode 4, season 1).

• Get Red Dwarf seasons 1-12 from Amazon Video
• Get Red Dwarf seasons 1-12 from iTunes
• Get Red Dwarf seasons 1-12 from YouTube

However, there are also free ways to watch Red Dwarf online. UKTV Play, for instance, will let you stream Red Dwarf seasons 10, 11 and 12 on the house, which is great if you’re new to the show (or just a fan of the revival).

• Watch Red Dwarf on UKTV Play

Netflix users will also find that they can stream the original Red Dwarf (seasons 1-8) through their subscription, though note that due to the rotating nature of Netflix content, we can’t promise this will always be the case.

• Find Red Dwarf on Netflix

And our US readers can get their dose of Red Dwarf via BritBox.

• Watch Red Dwarf via Britbox (US-only)

That’s all there is to it, goit out of here and watch some Red Dwarf already!

Alternatively, scroll down for a look at what we know so far about Red Dwarf season 13.

Red Dwarf Season 13: What’s the release date for the new series of Red Dwarf?

Sadly, there isn’t a release date for Red Dwarf season 13 and its current TV home, Dave, hasn’t even confirmed it will be commissioning one – but we’ve got every reason to believe it will.

Writer Doug Naylor told Radio Times in late-2017 that the likelihood of a 13th season of Red Dwarf was  “high to certain,” while actor Craig Charles added: “I think we’re going to do one.” Moreover (and without giving anything away to new fans), the ending of season 12 would be easy to follow on from, plus the show continues to receive critical acclaim. As a network that doesn’t boast a staggering array of quality exclusives, it would seem like a no-brainer for Dave.

Given Red Dwarf season 12 only aired in autumn 2017, though, we could be in for a bit of a wait. With no tangible news on Red Dwarf season 13 beyond the odd off-the-cuff comment, it’s safe to say it’s unlikely to arrive in 2018, meaning 2019 is probably the earliest we’ll start space-hopping again.

But on the bright side, between Game of Thrones season 8, Stranger Things season 3, and Red Dwarf season 13, 2019 could be quite a blockbuster year on the ol’ telly box!

Share your favourite Red Dwarf memories by tweeting us @TrustedRevivews.