Why the MST3K Kickstarter Matters, Even If You’re Not a Fan
Crowdfunding comes through again
It’s one of those things: Mystery Science Theater 3000.
Either you get it, or you don’t.
For those of us who are ‘MSTies’ or ‘Mysties,’ the title brings to mind our favorite characters, episodes, and riffs.
The show probably seems a bit strange for the rest of society: a paper-thin premise, a ‘host’ dressed in an unusual jumpsuit, and some odd-looking puppets.
And, of course, it’s all centered around an idea that seems destined for failure: watching terrible old movies.
Yet, we MSTies would have it no other way.
Which is so exciting that this franchise is officially coming back. And, this time, there won’t be a network standing between the creative team and the fans.
Back on April 7, MST3K founder Joel Hodgson launched a Kickstarter campaign to bring back the show for a 13th season. I was happy to pledge $100 for the promise of some new episodes and a t-shirt.
And I wasn’t alone. Within 36 hours, supporters had pledged over $2.2 million. A month later, the total is $6.2 million, enough to fund 12 full episodes, 12 shorts, and a couple of holiday shows.
