Red Dwarf: Every Series Ranked From Worst To Best

5. Red Dwarf V

Red Dwarf
BBC

The fifth series saw series director from day one, Ed Bye, departing the show. His unique vision for Red Dwarf would get lost in the process as Grant and Naylor attempted to take over direction after Bye's replacement, Juliet May, left production halfway through shooting. Triumph was created out of this crisis though, as series five ended up a great one.

Like series six, half the episodes of this run weren't exactly classics. But once again, some dynamite episodes saved the day. We had a psychotic Rimmer (and Mr. Flibble) in ' Quarantine'. And in 'Back To Reality', Red Dwarf delivered one of its finest sci-fi stories ever. A complex study of characters, depression, and life itself. With hints of philosophy and Timothy Spall added for good measure, all wrapped up in a funny 30 minute sitcom. It was an incredible piece of television.

And whilst series five may have been the series that began the full transition for the show in becoming a more gag-orientated sitcom, it still showed audiences that Red Dwarf could do more than just jokes. It's all in the microdot...

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Writer. Proud owner of a 1950-2000 Grays Sports Almanac. Has never created a dystopian alternate timeline (yet).