Duration: 1:49

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In this very special episode of LORE, MST3K writer and actor Mary Jo Pehl recounts the humble beginnings of Mystery Science Theater 3000!

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Written by Debbie Staab

Animated by the LORE Team:
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Voiced by Mary Jo Pehl:
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https://twitter.com/MaryJoPehl




Transcript:

In the not-too-distant past, successful prop-comic and comedy upstart Joel Hodgson, unimpressed by what Hollywood had to offer, shrugged and returned home to the Midwest. While working in a T-shirt factory, he conceived a show that combined pop-culture references, puppetry and cheesy movies. Featuring a Silent Running-like hippie vibe, signature theater silhouettes inspired by the liner notes of Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, names lifted from Lost in Space and The Blob, and myriad other influences, Mystery Science Theater co-created by Trace Beaulieu, Mike Nelson, Kevin Murphy, and Josh Weinstein, who doubled as crew, premiered on St. Paul UHF station KTMA on November 24, 1988 to an enthusiastic if sometimes confused audience.

The Comedy Channel, seeing the potential of Joel, Tom & Crow to deliver laughs and fill open hours of programming, ordered 13 episodes. Convincing the execs that they couldn't possibly shoot anywhere else, the MST3K team gleefully filmed the show in Minnesota throughout its TV run. A few cast changes later, including the departure of Joel (who lost the rights), MST3K was picked up by the SciFi channel for three seasons featuring Pearl, Bobo, Observer, Mike, and the bots.

Finally in 2015, Joel reacquired the rights and went on to hold the biggest Film & Video campaign in Kickstarter history to create the 2017 Netflix incarnation, with an all-new cast! If you're wondering how they eat and breathe...well, you know the rest. La-la-la. Have fun!





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