The robots are back. Mystery Science Theater 3000, the cult classic known for riffing on spectacularly bad movies, is returning for four new episodes, with original stars Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy, and Bill Corbett at the helm. The revival is being spearheaded by RiffTrax and Shout! Studios, and was quickly and overwhelmingly funded by fans via a Kickstarter campaign that surpassed its $1 million goal in a matter of hours.
For those unfamiliar, MST3K originally aired from 1988 to 1999, and gained a devoted following for its unique blend of comedy, sci-fi, and cinematic torture. The premise was simple: a hapless human test subject is forced to watch terrible movies by mad scientists, and provides running commentary alongside a cast of robot companions. The show’s enduring appeal lies in its clever writing, quick wit, and ability to find humor in the most unlikely of places.
This isn’t the first attempt at a MST3K revival. Previous iterations appeared on Netflix, but this latest effort feels different, largely due to the return of the core trio who defined the show for so many years. As Murphy explained to Variety, the focus is on recapturing the spirit of the original series. “Our eyes are on films that are more like the ones that we used to do — sort of corny, nothing too absolutely current. Sort of classic bad, if that makes any sense, rather than modern bad.”
The decision to focus on “classic bad” is a deliberate one. The team recognizes that the landscape of bad movies has changed. While there’s no shortage of poorly made films being released today, the charm of MST3K often came from lampooning the earnest failures of a bygone era – the low-budget sci-fi flicks, the over-the-top action movies, and the unintentionally hilarious horror films of the mid-20th century. Finding that sweet spot of “so bad it’s good” is proving to be a key part of the selection process.
The Kickstarter’s success speaks volumes about the enduring affection for the show and its creators. Corbett described the response as “great and vindicating and exciting and a little terrifying,” acknowledging the pressure to deliver episodes that live up to fan expectations. The team is acutely aware of the legacy they’re inheriting, and are approaching the project with a mix of enthusiasm and caution.
Interestingly, this revival comes on the heels of a significant shift in ownership. Just weeks ago, original creator Joel Hodgson sold his interest in the series to Shout! Studios parent company Radial Entertainment. While details of the sale remain largely undisclosed, it marks the beginning of a new chapter for the franchise. However, the core creative team – Nelson, Murphy, and Corbett – remain firmly in control of the comedic direction.
The trio’s experience with RiffTrax, the live and recorded riffing service they’ve been running for the past 20 years, will undoubtedly inform their approach to these new episodes. As Nelson pointed out, RiffTrax has allowed them to hone their skills and refine their comedic timing. “We’ve learned to take our time, let the movie be the straight person, and set up the jokes for us better. So we have a lot of punch lines.”
But riffing, as they readily admit, isn’t easy. It requires a unique blend of writing, improvisation, and a deep understanding of comedic structure. “What we have is very technical writing,” Nelson explained. “It’s hard. And people often go like, ‘This sounds like fun!’ Then they do it for two minutes and they go ‘Wow, this is really hard.’” Corbett echoed this sentiment, describing the process as “almost an element of masochism.”
Despite the challenges, the team is clearly energized by the opportunity to revisit the world of MST3K. They emphasize the importance of maintaining the show’s signature style – the in-camera effects, the handmade props, and the focus on letting the movie itself provide the comedic fodder. “We want to do it old school,” Murphy said, recalling the advice of their former director of photography. “We need to do this old school the way that we did it then.”
The decision to release the new episodes directly through RiffTrax, rather than partnering with a streaming platform like Netflix, is also noteworthy. Murphy explained that this allows them to maintain creative control and avoid potential interference from outside forces. “Once someone like Netflix is involved…you’ve got more people maybe wanting to tell you what to do with it, rather than just us.” Corbett added that the financial arrangements with streaming platforms can be unpredictable, and they prefer to have more direct control over their revenue stream.
As they prepare to embark on this new adventure, Nelson, Murphy, and Corbett are acutely aware of the expectations placed upon them. But they also seem confident in their ability to deliver episodes that will delight longtime fans and introduce a new generation to the joys of riffing on terrible movies. The Kickstarter’s success is a clear indication that the audience is ready and waiting. And as Murphy put it, “People still have a fondness for the show, the way we did the show.”
The four films selected for this revival will be revealed throughout the Kickstarter campaign. For now, fans can rest assured that the team is committed to finding the perfect blend of “classic bad” to skewer, and that the robots are once again preparing for liftoff.
