Full Breakdown
New Episodes of "Mystery Science Theater 3000" in Production
2/2/2026, 8:35:38 PM
Revival of a Classic Series
RiffTrax and Shout! Studios are collaborating to produce four new episodes of the iconic series "Mystery Science Theater 3000," officially titled "Mystery Science Theater 3000: The RiffTrax Experiments." The creative team includes "MST3K" alumni Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy, and Bill Corbett, who will reprise their roles alongside original series star Mary Jo Pehl as Pearl Forrester. Production is set to take place in Minneapolis, where the original show was filmed, with episodes scheduled for release later this year on RiffTrax's website.
Funding and Production Details
To support the new episodes, RiffTrax has launched a Kickstarter campaign with a goal of raising $20,000, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of RiffTrax. However, the episodes will be produced regardless of the fundraising outcome. The specific films to be featured in the new episodes will be announced throughout the campaign. Nelson expressed enthusiasm about revisiting "MST3K," stating, “Getting a chance to revisit ‘MST’ after all this time has really energized all of us at RiffTrax.”
Historical Context and Previous Revivals
"Mystery Science Theater 3000" originally premiered in 1988 on a Minneapolis UHF station, later moving to Comedy Central and concluding its original run on the Sci-Fi Channel in 1999 after 197 episodes. The series became known for its unique format of providing humorous commentary on low-budget films. Joel Hodgson, the original creator, revived the series in 2015 through a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised approximately $6.3 million, leading to an 11th season on Netflix and subsequent seasons on the streaming platform The Gizmoplex.
Official Statements and Responses
Matt Arsulich, associate vice president of product management at Shout! Studios, remarked on the partnership, stating, “This partnership reinforces our dedication to growing valuable entertainment properties by serving their fandoms with high-quality storytelling.” The return of Nelson, Murphy, and Corbett to the "Satellite of Love" has been met with excitement from fans and creators alike.
Criticism and Opposition
While the revival has garnered enthusiasm, some fans may express concerns regarding the direction of the series following the sale of Joel Hodgson's joint interest in "MST3K" to Shout! Studios' parent company, Radial Entertainment. The implications of this change on the creative control and future of the series remain to be seen.
What's Next
As the Kickstarter campaign progresses until March 16, 2026, fans can anticipate updates on the films selected for the new episodes. The production team aims to maintain the original show's charm, utilizing practical sets and props reminiscent of the classic series.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Getting a chance to revisit ‘MST’ after all this time has really energized all of us at RiffTrax,” — Michael J. Nelson, RiffTrax Co-Founder
- “This partnership reinforces our dedication to growing valuable entertainment properties by serving their fandoms with high-quality storytelling.” — Matt Arsulich, Shout! Studios
