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 every ep, we’re your perfect podcast companion for a fi…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this special festive episode, all five of your S&C hosts are here: Kurt, Mark, Carl, Colin and Matt! Even Colin's daughter Elodie returns! We take a look at the iconic 80s fantasy film Labyrinth as a special Christmas treat for …

"Flicky Mint Cake"Welcome back to the Rack! The latest installment in our periodical drama takes us back to March 1993, a time when perhaps too much information about the forthcoming Series VI is being made public, Rob and Doug's relationship is definitely absolutely fine, and the elephant in Hattie Hayridge's room goes unaddressed. Join us as we w…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this special festive episode, we share a compilation of some of our bloopers/outtakes from 2024. This has clearly become an annual tradition at Christmas in the spirit of the Smeg Ups and Smeg Outs Red Dwarf VHS releases. Host: …

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 11! It’s very cool to hear his behind-the-scenes stori…

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 loved rekindling his youthful obsession for the podcast…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this episode, your regular hosts, Kurt North and Mark Adams, are joined by Matt Latham to discuss episode 6 of series 12 of Red Dwarf: Skipper. Host: Kurt North Co-Host: Mark Adams Guest: Matt Latham Editor: Kurt North Twitter: …

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 Lister and Rimmer. What’s more, he gives us not one but …

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this episode, your regular hosts, Kurt North and Mark Adams, are joined by Matt Latham to discuss episode 5 of series 12 of Red Dwarf: M-Corp. Host: Kurt North Co-Host: Mark Adams Guest: Matt Latham Editor: Kurt North Twitter: @…

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 crew relate to each other and why they say the things …

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this episode, your regular hosts, Kurt North and Mark Adams, are joined by Colin Jackson-Brown to discuss episode 4 of series 12 of Red Dwarf: Mechocracy. Host: Kurt North Co-Host: Mark Adams Guest: Colin Jackson-Brown Editor: K…

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 on continuity (who are we kidding?). We discuss Tom’s…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this episode, your regular hosts, Kurt North and Mark Adams, are joined by Colin Jackson-Brown to discuss episode 3 of series 12 of Red Dwarf: Timewave. Host: Kurt North Co-Host: Mark Adams Guest: Colin Jackson-Brown Editor: Kur…

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 influence of Kristine Kochanski in her life. Moving on…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this episode, your regular hosts, Kurt North and Mark Adams, are joined by Carl Bryan to discuss episode 2 of series 12 of Red Dwarf: Siliconia. Host: Kurt North Co-Host: Mark Adams Guest: Carl Bryan Editor: Kurt North Twitter: …

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 a first watch or a rewatch. Be warned: spoilers! Hos…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this episode, your regular hosts, Kurt North and Mark Adams, are joined by Carl Bryan to discuss episode 1 of series 12 of Red Dwarf: Cured. Host: Kurt North Co-Host: Mark Adams Guest: Carl Bryan Editor: Kurt North Twitter: @Red…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this special episode in between our coverage of series 11 and series 12 of Red Dwarf, Mark and Matt take a look at the Red Dwarf Children in Need sketch and have a chat about their other favourite Children in Need sketches over …

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this special episode in between our coverage of series 11 and series 12 of Red Dwarf, Matt welcomes Jade Gebbie from Pod In Paradise to have a look at Danny John Jules's character Dwayne Myers in Death In Paradise. Host: Matt La…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this episode, your regular hosts, Kurt North and Mark Adams, are joined by Colin Jackson-Brown to discuss episode 6 of series 11 of Red Dwarf: Can of Worms. Host: Kurt North Co-Host: Mark Adams Guest: Colin Jackson-Brown Editor:…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this episode, your regular hosts, Kurt North and Mark Adams, are joined by Colin Jackson-Brown to discuss episode 5 of series 11 of Red Dwarf: Krysis. Host: Kurt North Co-Host: Mark Adams Guest: Colin Jackson-Brown Editor: Kurt …

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this episode, your regular hosts, Kurt North and Mark Adams, are joined by Matt Latham to discuss episode 4 of series 11 of Red Dwarf: Officer Rimmer. Host: Kurt North Co-Host: Mark Adams Guest: Matt Latham Editor: Kurt North Tw…

U&UKTVPlayG2U&Dave&KnucklesRighty dokey matey bloke flap old salty seadog amigo skip-jack jockstrap piano tuners, we're back with another in our occasional series of Dwarf-adjacent commentaries, this time covering Bottom Series 2, Episode 4, Parade. Not only is the series produced and directed by Ed Bye, this particular episode guest stars both Rob…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this episode, your regular hosts, Kurt North and Mark Adams, are joined by Matt Latham to discuss episode 3 of series 11 of Red Dwarf: Give & Take. Host: Kurt North Co-Host: Mark Adams Guest: Matt Latham Editor: Kurt North Twitt…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this episode, your regular hosts, Kurt North and Mark Adams, are joined by Carl Bryan to discuss episode 2 of series 11 of Red Dwarf: Samsara. Host: Kurt North Co-Host: Mark Adams Guest: Carl Bryan Editor: Kurt North Twitter: @R…

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 Red Dwarf, the greatest sci-fi sitcom, one episode at …

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this episode, your regular hosts, Kurt North and Mark Adams, are joined by Carl Bryan to discuss episode 1 of series 11 of Red Dwarf: Twentica. Host: Kurt North Co-Host: Mark Adams Guest: Carl Bryan Editor: Kurt North Twitter: @…

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. Have a listen to this week's ep to find out how much …

"Clifford the Big Bastard of a Dog"With apologies for the delay, it's finally time to get back on the rack! Our Smegazine odyssey reaches February 1993, a very interesting time in Red Dwarf history, as the magazine's news page documents. In this episode, we uncover the origins of Entangled, some foreshadowing of The Promised Land and the first ever…

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 Black shares some juicy TV insider knowledge, unexpected …

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this special episode in between our Maid Marian series 1 episodes and series 11 of Red Dwarf, Mark welcomes Michael Dodson from the Conversation Street podcast for a discussion about Craig Charles's character in Corrie: Lloyd Mu…

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 Field, Nicholas Ball, space mumps, and… just how clever…

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, stand-ups, stunt casting, sitcom scuzziness, and science. G…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this special episode in between our Maid Marian series 1 episodes and series 11 of Red Dwarf, Mark welcomes the returning Rob Turnbull to chat abouts series 1 of the 10%ers, a sitcom written by Doug Naylor after series 6 of Red …

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 and other sitcoms of the time. Bethany reveals how he…

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 episode 5, Dimension Jump, raises some interesting questi…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this final of six weekly special episodes in between series X and 11, Carl and Colin have a chat about episode 6 of Maid Marian and her Merry Men: The Whiteish Knight. Colin also get the perspective of his daughter Elodie as wel…

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 of Alice’s mind. Onto series 4 episode 4, White Hole, …

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this fifth of six weekly special episodes in between series X and 11, Carl and Colin have a chat about episode 5 of Maid Marian and her Merry Men: The Sharp End of a Cow. Colin also get the perspective of his daughter Elodie as …

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 knack for smuggling in psychology. Plus: the lessons kids…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this fourth of six weekly special episodes in between series X and 11, Carl and Colin have a chat about episode 4 of Maid Marian and her Merry Men: The Miracle of St Charlene. Colin also get the perspective of his daughter Elodi…

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 unravel series 4 episode 2, DNA, Garrett reveals an intere…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this third of six weekly special episodes in between series X and 11, Carl and Colin have a chat about episode 3 of Maid Marian and her Merry Men: A Game Called John. Colin also get the perspective of his daughter Elodie as well…

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 thoughtful about the factors that make British and American …

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this second of six weekly special episodes in between series X and 11, Carl and Colin have a chat about episode 2 of Maid Marian and her Merry Men: Robert the Incredible Chicken. Colin also get the perspective of his daughter El…

Welcome to SHIPWRECKED & COMATOSE, an in-depth podcast dedicated to the classic BBC science-fiction sitcom, Red Dwarf. In this first of six weekly special episodes in between series X and 11, Carl and Colin have a chat about episode 1 of Maid Marian and her Merry Men: How The Band Got Together. Colin also get the perspective of his daughter Elodie …

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, saxophones and adolescent tears, to the answer you’ve …

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? Better Than Life is the pod where comedians talk Red Dwa…

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 pod where comedians talk Red Dwarf, the greatest sci…

"Nic Farey is why we have to take off our shoes in airports"Even by the standards of the Red Dwarf DVDs, the series VI release was special and probably represents the arguable pinnacle of the original set of releases. As such, Cappsy, Danny and Ian had a marvellous time reliving an absolutely packed release of musical insight, more SFX behind the s…