Rob Grant, the co-creator of the iconic science fiction satire series Red Dwarf, passed away suddenly yesterday afternoon (Wednesday February 25th, 2026). He was 70. The news was originally reported on the British Red Dwarf fan site “Ganymede and Titan”:

With much sadness, we have to announce that Rob Grant, co-creator of Red Dwarf, passed away suddenly yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 25th February 2026), a great loss to his family, friends and comedy fans across the world.

We are sorrowful for the loss of this remarkable creative spirit who brought so much joy to so many, and offer our sympathies and love to Rob’s family, friends, colleagues and fans.

Grant was instrumental in Red Dwarf‘s early history, collaborating with co-creator Doug Naylor (including their work on two unaired Red Dwarf USA pilots – one of which starred Star Trek: DS9‘s Terry Farrell). Red Dwarf as an evolution of a sketch called Dave Hollins: Space Cadet, with the show going on to enjoy a 12-season run (interrupted by some hiatuses), and a TV special. Grant left the show, citing creative differences in the 1990s, and expressed a desire to not have Red Dwarf be the only thing he was remembered for. Unfortunately for Grant’s aims and desires, we don’t think he’ll likely be forgotten for it.

Grant’s passing happened within a week of his first Red Dwarf novel for thirty years being officially announced. You can pre-order here – more purchase options should be added automatically as the retailers’ listings go live.

The book is a prequel starring younger versions of series leads Arnold Rimmer and Dave Lister in an adventure set before the Red Dwarf disaster that wiped out the entire crew. It has been seen in the wild, with some bookstores misunderstanding the release embargo and having put it on shelves early.