mst3k

[AllaN01Bear]

what was so special about mst3k ? not putting it down or anything like that . need insight . thanks in advance

[TlalocW]

1. Well

I think partly it was because it was one of Comedy Central's flagship shows when it started (as the Comedy Channel). Plus riffing creates a relationship not just between the movie and you, the viewer, but between you, the movie, and the riffers especially since you have to pay more attention to both the movie and the jokes being hurled at it so you're more engaged. And if you got a particularly obtuse reference, it made you feel smart. 😁

It was also absurdist humor that appeals to certain people, and then especially in the Mike years on Sci-Fi (who wanted them to create more of a plot), you got a lot of parodying of sci-fi tropes like from Planet of the Apes, aliens that are just brains, etc. that appeal to nerds. 😀

[Xavier Breath]

2. Well, let's start with the premise of the show

perfectly illustrated by the theme song* here:

In the not-too-distant future
Next Sunday A.D.
There was a guy named Joel
Not too different from you or me

He worked at Gizmonic Institute
Just another face in a red jumpsuit
He did a good job cleaning up the place
But his bosses didn't like him so they shot him into space!

"We'll send him cheesy movies!
The worst we can find! (la la la)
He'll have to sit and watch them all
And we'll monitor his mind!" (la la la)

Now keep in mind Joel can't control
Where the movies begin or end (la la la)
Because he used those special parts
To make his robot friends

Robot Roll Call (all right let's go)
Cambot! (Pan left!)
Gypsy! (Hi, girl!)
Tom Servo! (What a cool guy!)
Crooooow! (Oh, wisecracker!)

If you're wondering how he eats and breathes
And other science facts (la la la)
Then repeat to yourself, "It's just a show
I should really just relax"

For Mystery Science Theater 3000!

Now, that's a special concept!

*The theme song for the Joel years after the initial season. If you want to quote the Mike lyrics, knock yourself out.