Red Dwarf: Every Series Ranked From Worst To Best

11. Red Dwarf: Back To Earth

Whilst largely successful in ratings (which resulted in series 10 being commissioned), Back to Earth was by far the worst series in the show's history. The critical failing of Back to Earth was the largely self-indulgent plot, which saw the Dwarfers transported to real-life Earth and come to realise that their existence was just a work of fiction. Hilarious meta-gags and fourth-wall breaking did not follow.

Because on paper, such an idea might seem interesting and fun. But in reality, it was a laboured affair that simply didn't translate to the screen. At best, it's a cloying fan-made tribute to the show. At worst, it's a cringe-inducing three episodes of poor jokes, hammy acting, and sub-standard writing. And let's not get us started with one of the worst Blade Runner homages in the history of Blade Runner homages; even a hardened replicant would feel embarrassment at this a particular attempt at a parody.

In essence then, Back to Earth is the total smeghead of the whole Red Dwarf canon.