The Return of Mystery Science Theater 3000 after 18 years

The cult classic TV show Mystery Science Theater 3000 has returned to a much larger audience than when it last aired 18 years ago. Thanks to a kickstarter campaign in 2015 to revive the show, the reboot was met with very positive reviews from fans and critics alike. Netflix picked up the show after an impressive final day of fundraising, earning over $5 million from fans, enough to have 14 episodes in its first season.

The show revolves around the main character, Jonah, who has been trapped on a spacecraft by his mad scientist bosses, who force him to be their test subject as they observe him watching terrible and cheesy movies. In an attempt to remain sane while being subjected to terrible movies, robot companions Crow, Tom Servo, Gypsy, and Cambot join in the viewings. The vast majority of the show features the silhouettes of Jonah, Crow, and Tom Servo as they sit and riff on the movies they are forced to watch. They cope by exchanging in some of the funniest banter you will ever hear.

If I have any criticisms for the show, it’s that occasionally the segments outside of the movie theater can seem to fall a little flat. When Jonah is called to converse with the mad scientists, the banter seems more contrived than funny. Even Patton Oswalt, who plays one of the scientists, can’t even seem to liven.

The impact that Mystery Science Theater has had on movies, television, and comedy as a whole is invaluable. Countless comedians, actors, and people of all stripes have been influenced by the show in some way or another. I am very glad that it is returning and I cannot wait to see what this show will go on to do in the future.

4.5/5 stars