Mystery Science Theater 3000 (often abbreviated as MST3K) is a television show which originally ran from 1988 until 1999. The show first aired locally on Minneapolis television station KTMA before going national in 1989, when it was picked up by the Comedy Channel (succeeded by Comedy Central in 1991). After seven seasons, the show moved to Sci Fi for another three seasons. In 2017, the show returned for two more seasons released on Netflix, followed by one season on dedicated streaming service The Gizmoplex in 2022.
Initially hosted by creator Joel Hodgson, the science-fiction flavored series features the sarcastic host and his two robot sidekicks, Tom Servo and Crow T. Robot, making fun of "cheesy movies" -- mainly B-movie science fiction and horror films, with the occasional barbarian epic, cop drama, or biker flick. Later hosts include Michael J. Nelson (1993-1999 and later of RiffTrax), Jonah Ray (since 2017) and Emily Marsh (since 2022). Hodgson also returned to hosting duties in 2022.
The show is known for its diverse pop-culture references, riffing on everything from philosophers and politicians to cartoons and old commercials. The rapid-fire quips included frequent references to the Muppets and Sesame Street.
The series has spawned several unofficial spin-offs hosted by talent connected to its production, most notably RiffTrax, which has also had its share of Muppet references.
References[]
- Episode 3344 of Sesame Street features a Mystery Science Theater-style presentation of the song "Bein' a Pig," with the Prince and the Pig appearing in silhouette from theater seats providing commentary.
- In a visual style similar to MST3K, the DVD audio commentary for Muppets from Space features silhouettes of Kermit the Frog, Rizzo the Rat, Gonzo, and director Tim Hill commenting on the film.
- In The Muppet Show Comic Book: Pigs in Space, Tom Servo, Crow and a human who might be either Mike or Joel are seen sitting at a table in the Café Fred.
Muppet Mentions[]
Season K[]
Picture | Episode | Description |
---|---|---|
Gamera vs Barugon #K04 (1988) |
Soldiers prepare for "Operation Rearview Mirror", to combat the effects of Barugon's deadly rainbow ray. Joel says, "I think they should call it 'Rainbow Connection'." Tom Servo sings a few notes: "Why are there so many -- oh, sorry." | |
Cosmic Princess #K10 (1989) |
When the ITC Entertainment logo appears, Tom asks, "Is it just me or whenever I see that ITC sign do you think of The Muppet Show?" Joel: "It's The Muppet Show!" Tom (adopting Kermit voice): "It's The Muppet Show with our very special guest star, Fozzie Bear!" | |
Cosmic Princess #K10 (1989) |
Upon seeing a readout that indicates a rare metal has been found, Dr. Russell excitedly calls out "Titanium!" which leads Servo to sing, "bee bee de bee bee - Titanium." | |
City on Fire #K16 (1989) |
As Maggie Grayson enters the broadcast building, Joel quips, "Gowns by Miss Piggy of Hollywood." | |
Time of the Apes #K17 (1989) |
Catherine and the kids are tied to a tree. As three apes approach, Crow says, "Let's buy these guys a tripod. What d'you say?" Tom answers, "I'll chip in." Echoing an earlier My Three Sons riff, Crow says, "Chip? Ernie?" Tom counters: "Bert?" Crow says, "Cookie Monster?" and Tom answers, "Grover". | |
Time of the Apes #K17 (1989) |
When the kids are reunited with their families, Crow and Servo start calling out names: "Mother!" "Johnny!" "Catherine!" "John Boy!" "Auntie Em!" "Mr. Whipple!" "Mr. Hooper!" "Mr. Bubble!" "Mr. Rogers!" ... | |
Time of the Apes #K17 (1989) |
The doctor explains to Catherine "I have data that corroborates your story." Servo then sings, "bee bee dee bee bee - Corroborate." |
Season 1[]
Picture | Episode | Description |
---|---|---|
Women of the Prehistoric Planet #104 (1990) |
Over a shot of the Cosmos III spaceship, Tom says, "Pigs -- in -- Spaaaace!" | |
Moon Zero Two #111 (1990) |
One of the satellite smugglers wears a green spacesuit as he travels over the surface of the moon. Joel puts on a Kermit the Frog voice: "It's not easy being green". As he reaches a white-spacesuited companion, Tom imitates Fozzie Bear from The Muppet Movie: "Ahhh! Frog and a bear, together again! Wocka wocka wocka!" | |
Moon Zero Two #111 (1990) |
A fight breaks out at the bar. One of the brawlers is thrown onto the stage, where a group of women are dancing, dressed in yellow jumpsuits with red peacock tails. "Look out, Big Bird!" Crow yells. |
Season 2[]
Picture | Episode | Description |
---|---|---|
Jungle Goddess #203 (1990) |
"White devil" Bob fools the native girl Wanama, telling her that "dumb" is a synonym for "smart". Later, Montegreta asks Wanama if Bob knows that she's on to his betrayal. Wanama proudly says no: "Wanama dumb!" At this, the three quippers break out into a version of "Mah Na Mah Na": "Wanama dumb, doo doo de doo doo! Wanama dumb, doo doo de doo!" | |
Wild Rebels #207 (1991) |
During the movie, Rod plays Linda a love song on his guitar. Joel imitates Rod during a host segment, singing to the female robot, Gypsy. "I know what I like, and I like what I know... cause I know what I like about you... You know, I feel kinda like Mac Davis on The Muppet Show." | |
Godzilla vs the Sea Monster #213 (1991) |
In the song "Godzilla Genealogy Bop", Joel, Tom and Crow discuss Godzilla's descendants. According to them, Godzilla's son Godzooky had an affair with Lorna Luft, producing a son, Ron Perlman. Perlman and Yoko Ono then had a bunch of green children, including Kermit the Frog, Swamp Thing, the Hulk and Ernest Borgnine. |
Season 3[]
Picture | Episode | Description |
---|---|---|
Gamera #302 (1991) |
The narrator mentions the word "phenomenon", which inspires Crow to sing "Mah Na Mah Na." During a host segment, Tom and Crow meet Gamera. When they tell Joel about it, he scoffs, "You know Snuffleupagus too, right?" Tom sighs, "He doesn't believe us." | |
Pod People #303 (1991) |
A long-nosed alien approaches the poachers' campfire. Joel says, "Hey, it's Mr. Snuffleupagus!" | |
Time of the Apes #306 (1991) |
The movie's opening titles appear over still photos of monkeys in a zoo. Joel says, "It looks like a Sesame Street segment." Tom chuckles, and agrees. | |
Daddy-O #307 (1991) |
As Phil (aka Daddy-O) tangles with the geeky-looking Bruce, Crow cries "Beaker, no!" to which Servo adds several "meeps". | |
Gamera vs. Guiron #312 (1991) |
Akio and Tom ride in a spaceship to a rock-strewn, desolate planet which is obviously a model. "It looks like they're doing Fraggle Rock," Joel observes. | |
Earth vs. the Spider #313 (1991) |
The police find Carol's father, emaciated after being sucked dry by a spider. As they carry the body in a body bag, Crow asks, "Is that Statler or Waldorf?" | |
Earth vs. the Spider #313 (1991) |
At the end of the show, Tom reads a letter sent in by a young viewer; the viewer apologizes for drawing Crow like Big Bird and Joel like Ernie. | |
Mighty Jack #314 (1991) |
Hatari is trapped inside a metal dome and interrogated by agents of Q. "It's not easy bein' green," Joel observes. | |
Gamera vs. Zigra #316 (1991) |
Kenny and Helen struggle to put up the sail on their sailboat. Joel says, "Iwo Jima Babies! From Jim Henson." A moment later, Crow chimes in with "African Queen Babies." | |
Star Force: Fugitive Alien II #318 (1991) |
The episode begins with Crow and Servo in a philosophical discussion over the nature of puppets. The first line of the episode is Crow conferring with Tom: "...your point is that Big Bird cannot be considered a puppet because of his... or her... its size?" Tom says yes, and furthers his argument by saying that once a puppet has feet, it becomes a costume rather than a puppet. This "puppet vs. costume" conversation extends to Topo Gigio, Lamb Chop, H.R. Pufnstuf, and Yoda, and Señor Wences. After the commercial break, Joel plays a game in which the bots identify famous characters as puppet or costume; this set, accompanied by cue-card drawings of each, includes Rowlf the Dog (specifically labeled by Servo as a Muppet rather than a mere puppet), Meow Meow Kitty, Kukla (or Ollie, Joel would've accepted either), Spitting Image, and D.C. Follies. | |
War of the Colossal Beast #319 (1991) |
The Colossal Man's case is referred to the U.S. Department of Medical Research. Seeing a bald man sitting at the Medical Research desk, Crow says, "Fred Mertz?" Joel replies, "More like Bunsen Honeydew." | |
Santa Claus Conquers the Martians #321 (1991) |
Billy and Betty are lost at the North Pole. Spotting a light in the distance, Betty cries, "I see it! I see it! Santa's workshop!" "No, that's the Children's Television Workshop," Joel says. | |
Master Ninja I #322 (1992) |
When McAllister is introduced, Joel says, "He looks like a Henson rat!" | |
Master Ninja II #324 (1992) |
McAllister tells Max, "When you need to run the four-minute mile, you'll do it!" Tom adds, "You'll be a Henson rat, like me!" |
Season 4[]
Picture | Episode | Description |
---|---|---|
The Giant Gila Monster #402 (1992) |
Joel and the Bots prepare for their gig as Hee-La, a Giant Gila Monster tribute band. Reading the set list, Joel says that Tom will do his "touching and heartfelt version of 'It's Not Easy Bein' Green', kinda like the way Buddy Rich did it on The Tonight Show." | |
City Limits #403 (1992) |
Lee is surrounded by a group of Clippers, and a young man stands in front of him, holding a bat. "Hey, Ernie!" another calls, and Joel replies in Ernie's voice, "Yeah, Bert?" Then Ernie turns and says, "Fish it, Bert!" Joel says, "It is Bert and Ernie!" as Tom chuckles. They repeat the joke again later in the movie, when another character says "Hey, Ernie." | |
City Limits #403 (1992) |
Rae Dawn Chong's character has a flashback to her childhood. Seeing the young girl, Joel says, "Jim Henson's Rae Dawn Chong Babies." | |
City Limits #403 (1992) |
One of the Clippers uses scale-model airplanes to bomb the factory. Crow quips, "Jim Henson's Flying Leatherneck Babies". | |
Teenagers From Outer Space #404 (1992) |
A group of boys stare at the oddly-dressed alien, Derek. Tom Servo calls them "Jim Henson's Baretta Babies". | |
Teenagers From Outer Space #404 (1992) |
Mac and Joe are investigating the cave where the huge lobster-like gargons are growing. Mac calls to Joe to bring flashbulbs, then enters the cave. As Joe rushes to the cave, he hears Mac's screams, and the high-pitched growl of the gargons. "Grover's in there," Tom says. | |
Being From Another Planet #405 (1992) |
A baby plays with the mummy's amulet. Crow says, "Jim Henson's Baby Babies." | |
Being From Another Planet #405 (1992) |
The mummy's point of view is shown through a green filter, often moving around in a boiler room. The robots think that this is the most terrifying thing they've ever seen. Panicked, Crow cries out, "It's not easy seeing green!" | |
Attack of the Giant Leeches #406 (1992) |
Steve and Liz paddle through the swamp, looking for clues to what's behind the mysterious attacks. There's a sinister splash, and Joel cries, "Kermit, no!" | |
Attack of the Giant Leeches #406 (1992) |
Three hayseed characters are unconscious in the leeches' cave. Servo says, "Oh, look -- Jim Henson's Cracker Babies!" | |
The Killer Shrews #407 (1992) |
Joel's invention is "Jim Henson's Edgar Winter Babies". | |
The Killer Shrews #407 (1992) |
In the "Junior Rodeo Daredevils" short, Crow calls the main kids "Jim Henson's Misfits Babies". | |
The Killer Shrews #407 (1992) |
The "Junior Rodeo Daredevils" kids hang up posters for the rodeo, prompting Joel to call them "Jim Henson's Last Picture Show Babies". | |
The Killer Shrews #407 (1992) |
Thorne and Mario go into the basement, looking for shrews. Mario's flashlight plays over the stairs, where a shrew shrinks back from the light. "Ahh!" Joel cries, "There's a Muppet behind the stairs!" Crow and Tom imitate Señor Wences: "S'all right under the stairs. S'all right." Joel calls, "Honey... I think we've got puppets down here!" "Hand puppets?" Crow responds. "Yeah," Joel says. "They're under the stairs, so I don't think they're marionettes." When the shrew attacks, Tom scolds, "Bad puppet! Bad puppet!" | |
Hercules Unchained #408 (1992) |
Tom's head covers the middle initial in A.S.C. Crow says, "This movie brought to you by the letters A, B and C." | |
Hercules Unchained #408 (1992) |
The Waters of Forgetfulness pour from a carved stone that looks like an angry face. Crow mutters, "The Mighty Pavog!" (sic) | |
The Indestructible Man #409 (1992) |
In the "Undersea Kingdom" serial chapter, Unga Khan's soldiers chase Crash Corrigan and his friends on horseback. Joel says, "Oh, it's Jim Henson's Birth of a Nation Babies!" | |
Hercules Against the Moon Men #410 (1992) |
The people of Samar are forced to sacrifice their children to "the mountain of death". Joel calls the line of marching children "Jim Henson's Exodus Babies". | |
Hercules Against the Moon Men #410 (1992) |
The entrance to the sacrificial cave looks like a wizened face. Crow says, "I am the Mighty Pavog!" (sic) | |
Hercules and the Captive Women #412 (1992) |
During the Festival of Uranus, a group of robed children are led to the Mountain of the Dead to be sacrificed. "Hey!" Tom says. "It's Jim Henson's Ghandi Babies!" | |
Manhunt in Space #413 (1992) |
Rocky lands the oddly-shaped Orbit Jet. Joel shouts, "Sturgeon... in... Space!" | |
Tormented #414 (1992) |
As Sandy approaches the lighthouse in a sailor's cap, Servo comments, "She's like the Gorton's Fisherman...Babies!" | |
Tormented #414 (1992) |
When Sandy observes Tom killing the blackmailer, Joel quips, "Jim Henson's Witness Babies!" | |
Tormented #414 (1992) |
For the trifecta, as Tom takes Sandy up the spiral staircase in the lighthouse, Servo calls out "Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo Babies." | |
Crash of the Moons #417 (1992) |
Rocky Jones and Winky are flying in the Orbit Jet. Joel and the bots shout, "Pigs in Space!" | |
Crash of the Moons #417 (1992) |
Empress Cleolanta, clad in a high-collared cape, gives the order to fire on the moon Posita. She cries, "Count two... count one! Fire!" Tom says, "Oh, the Count from Sesame Street." | |
Attack of the (the) Eye Creatures #418 (1992) |
As Stan, Suzy and Mike run to their car to the sound of hurried music, Crow says, "A Muppet News Flash." | |
The Rebel Set #419 (1992) |
Joel misquotes "Movin' Right Along" over a shot of a car driving down the highway: "Travelin' along... Footloose and fancy free!" | |
The Human Duplicators #420 (1992) |
Glenn says, "Looks like this Dr. Munson was the strong man type." Joel cries, "Dr. Munson Honeydew!" | |
The Human Duplicators #420 (1992) |
A stern-faced young man watches Glenn and Gale dance. Joel says, "Jim Henson's Jack Palance Muppet Babies." | |
Monster A Go Go #421 (1993) |
Over a tight, dark shot of the "monster" fumbling about, Joel imitates Cookie Monster's trademark "Coookieee" and munching sounds. |
Season 5[]
Picture | Episode | Description |
---|---|---|
Secret Agent Super Dragon #504 (1993) |
The opening credits run over a shot of a telephone, a cigarette burning in an ashtray, and a gun. Joel points, and says, "One of these things is not like the other, one of these things just..." | |
Operation Double 007 #508 (1993) |
Every time Neil meets a mysterious girl, she's wearing a new outlandish outfit. This time, she's got a fuzzy, hot pink wig. Tom notes: "Hair by Jim Henson." | |
Operation Double 007 #508 (1993) |
Maya leads a troop of showgirls to distract a troop of soldiers, and steal their equipment. Looking at her feathery outfit, Tom says, "Now, she could be a candidate for Big Bird. Definitely." Crow agrees. | |
Lassie: The Painted Hills #510 (1993) |
Crow asks, "Hey, isn't that the song Big Bird sang about the alphabet?" | |
The Atomic Brain #518 (1993) |
Centron's "Young America Films" logo appears at the start of the short, "What About Juvenile Delinquency?" Tom announces, "Sam the Eagle presents!" Crow agrees: "Hey, it is!" | |
The Atomic Brain #518 (1993) |
Dr. Frank tells Nina about his bizarre experiments. "Let me explain," he says. Mike suggests, "ABC-DEF-GHI-JKLMNOP-QRSTUVWXYZ." | |
Village of the Giants #523 (1994) |
The Beau Brummels play for an enthusiastic teen audience. A shaggy-haired blonde woman dances in the crowd, throwing her hair around as she bounces up and down. "What is that, Animal from the Muppets in the front there?" Tom asks, and does an Animal impression: "WOMAN!" |
Season 6[]
Picture | Episode | Description |
---|---|---|
Colossus and the Headhunters #605 (1994) |
Arros, the leader of the Headhunters says, "And now you, Kermes..." Tom does an impression: "Hi-ho, Kermes here." | |
Bloodlust #607 (1994) |
Johnny and Betty watch as Jondor exits through a secret passage in the wall, next to an enormous stuffed bear. Tom says "Wocka wocka wocka!", and then turns to whisper to Mike: "Fozzie Bear." Mike nods and whispers, "Yes." | |
Code Name: Diamond Head #608 (1994) |
Mike identifies a bearded member of the coast guard: "It's Jim Henson!" The sailor's Kermit-esque voice elicits a "Hi-ho" from Crow. | |
Last of the Wild Horses #611 (1994) |
Cooper, the head of the Double C Ranch, tells Riley to inform everyone that trespassers on the ranch will be shot. Crow says, "He's the George Stephanopoulos of the ranch." Servo asks, "Snuffleupagus?" Mike agrees: "Snuffleupagus." | |
San Francisco International #614 (1994) |
Stayczek's associate waits for a crate to be unloaded from the plane. Crow says, "He's from the Land of Misfit Toys." Mike agrees: "He looks like a Henson rat!" | |
High School Big Shot #618 (1994) |
At the end of their first date, Marv walks Betty home to a brownstone. Tom observes, "This is where Mr. Hooper died." | |
Angels' Revenge #622 (1995) |
One of Burke's sidekicks shoots at the Angels. Tom shouts, "Jim Henson!" Crow gives a Kermit the Frog "Hi-ho!" The man is shot a moment later, and Crow adds a Kermit-esque "Oh!" |
Season 7[]
Picture | Episode | Description |
---|---|---|
The Brute Man #702 (1996) |
The Brute Man approaches a brownstone with a three-digit number printed above the door. Crow hums the first few bars of the "Sesame Street Theme." | |
Deathstalker and the Warriors from Hell #703 (1996) |
Deathstalker ties a furry saddle onto a horse. Mike gasps, "They made a saddle out of Grover!" | |
Deathstalker and the Warriors from Hell #703 (1996) |
Deathstalker stabs Troxartas. Mike observes, "He looks like Sam the American Eagle." Crow agrees. | |
Escape 2000 #705 (1996) |
Junior says goodbye to Strike, who's setting off on a dangerous mission. Referring to the youngster's cap, Crow says, "Jim Henson's Chairman Mao Babies". |
Season 8[]
Picture | Episode | Description |
---|---|---|
The Leech Woman #802 (1997) |
As African children run through some stock footage, Mike sings "Sunny days...sweepin' the clouds away." | |
The Mole People #803 (1997) |
Roger holds up a furry pelt. Tom gasps, "They killed Fozzie Bear!" | |
The She-Creature #808 (1997) |
Crow shows Mike the new Tickle Me Carlo Lombardi doll that he's created, based on the movie's creepy hypnotist. Crow insists that Mike tickle the doll, which emits an eerie chuckle. Also, the doll is sticky, so Mike can't put it down. Mike is thrown to the floor, struggling with the spooky doll as Crow sings the "Tickle Me Carlo Lombardi" theme song. Tickle Me Carlo Lombardi and Tickle Me Carlo Lombardi are sold separately. | |
The She-Creature #808 (1997) |
Carlo Lombardi makes a presentation to a group of scientists. Tom recognizes the bald man on the left: "Hey, Bunsen Honeydew!" | |
The Giant Spider Invasion #810 (1997) |
A hairy-legged spider attacks a scantily-clad girl, and Crow cries, "Snuffleufagus [sic], no!" | |
Jack Frost #813 (1997) |
The Hunchback Fairy's house walks around on huge bird legs. "Wow," Mike says, "Big Bird got developed." | |
The Horror of Party Beach #817 (1997) |
When the googly-eyed monster attacks Tina, Mike imitates Cookie Monster: "Coo-kie!" Later on in the film, when Elaine is attacked by another monster, Mike says: "Cookie! Me want cookie..." |
Season 9[]
Picture | Episode | Description |
---|---|---|
The Projected Man #901 (1998) |
Mike says, "She's napping on Big Bird." | |
The Pumaman #903 (1998) |
Tony jogs outside the museum in a bright yellow jogging suit. Mike shrugs, "The new Big Bird action wear." | |
The Touch of Satan #908 (1998) |
Brain Guy is humiliated when Pearl goes away for the week, and leaves him with a stern babysitter, Steffi. When he complains about her reading of Green Eggs and Ham, she asks, "Are we a little cranky, Brian?" "No, madam," he says grandly, "I am overtired. So I shall turn in now. So, if you wouldn't mind, please -- my blankie, my nookie... and my friend." Brain Guy's "friend" is a Cookie Monster doll. | |
The Final Sacrifice #910 (1998) |
Troy is chased on his bike by ski-mask wearing goons. As the goons' truck smashes into a couple of trash cans, Crow growls, "Oh, I love tra -- OWWWW! Oooohh..." |
Season 10[]
Picture | Episode | Description |
---|---|---|
Soultaker #1001 (1999) |
Natalie is in a hospital bed, with a breathing apparatus over her nose and mouth. Mike says, "She's Snuffleupagus!" | |
Girl in Gold Boots #1002 (1999) |
Mike imitates the Count, as McCabe's dour henchman watches Buz, Michele and Critter walk by: "One... ha ha haaa! Two! Ha ha ha ha!" | |
Future War #1004 (1999) |
When a character writes "ABC" on a chalkboard, Mike sings a quick chorus of "ABC-DEF-GHI." | |
Boggy Creek II #1006 (1999) |
Deputy Williams tells the story of his encounter with the swamp creature. A shaggy, floppy beast jumps onto Williams' neck, prompting Tom to narrate, "Suddenly, I was attacked by a Muppet." | |
Final Justice #1008 (1999) |
Deputy Geronimo visits Malta during Carnival time. He walks through a parade, which includes a float that resembles a scantily clad Miss Piggy. Mike simpers, "Oh, Kermie, take a look at my good stuff!" | |
It Lives By Night #1010 (1999) |
Servo quips that the babbling, drunken drifter "sounds like the Swedish Chef Muppet." |
Season 11[]
Picture | Episode | Description |
---|---|---|
Reptilicus #1101 (2017) |
In a shot where a jeep is pulling up to a building, Jonah, Servo, and Crow abruptly start singing "Movin' right along! Footloose and fancy free!" A few minutes later, when almost the exact same shot is repeated with a different jeep, they appropriately sing the exact same phrase again. | |
Cry Wilderness #1102 (2017) |
When Bigfoot is calling Paul from outside his boarding school, Servo asks if it's actually Sweetums in the scene. The comparison is elaborated upon later when the investigation of Bigfoot's cave ends. Jonah cries out, "Hey, guys! Guys, wait for me! I want to go to Hollywood too!" | |
Cry Wilderness #1102 (2017) |
Paul yells, "I'm not joking, my father's in great danger! Bigfoot warned me!" Tom adds, "Also Big Bird, Bob's Big Boy and Biggie Smalls!" | |
Avalanche #1104 (2017) |
The camera follows a skier downhill, as Jonah and the bots sing, "Dance your cares away! Worry's for another day! Let the music play, down in Fraggle Rock!" | |
Avalanche #1104 (2017) |
Following the avalanche, a chef scurries away from a burst gas pipe in the ski resort's kitchen. As the Swedish Chef, Crow cries, "Bork bork bork bork! Durgen sopen open open, kookin durr chicken noodle soupen!" | |
The Beast of Hollow Mountain #1105 (2017) |
Three Mexican kids throw firecrackers, including one with a colorful flowered shirt. Jonah shouts, "Jim Henson's Magnum, PI Babies!" | |
The Beast of Hollow Mountain #1105 (2017) |
The beast walks by. Jonah cries, "Big Bird!" | |
The Beast of Hollow Mountain #1105 (2017) |
The beast walks through the swamp. Jonah cries, "Earl Sinclair!" | |
Starcrash #1106 (2017) |
On a close-up of Thor, a green-skinned character, Jonah puts on a Kermit the Frog impression and remarks, "Eh, it's not easy bein' green." | |
Starcrash #1106 (2017) |
During a quick exterior shot of the spaceship, Jonah and the bots shout out “PIGS IN SPACE!” | |
Starcrash #1106 (2017) |
Upon finding a weapon, Elle informs Stella that they are in the domain of the evil Count. "Sesame Street?" Jonah asks. | |
Starcrash #1106 (2017) |
As Akton is left behind to die, Tom sings, "It's not easy being Akton, when you're the color of a wet Cheeto, and your crotch is bound up in leather, and your hair looks like Carole King, and you seem to be avoiding suffering because you pretend to know everything..." | |
The Land That Time Forgot #1107 (2017) |
Muscular cavemen appear, hidden in the long grass. Crow announces, "Jim Henson's Lou Ferrigno Babies!" | |
The Land That Time Forgot #1107 (2017) |
In a swamp, the camera passes a hollowed-out log, to reveal a dinosaur emerging from the murk. Tom sings, "Why are there so many/Songs about time forgotten?" | |
The Loves of Hercules #1108 (2017) |
A man stumbles onto the brown fuzzy tail of the Hydra, which rears up in anger. Tom cries, "Snuffleupagus?" | |
The Loves of Hercules #1108 (2017) |
As a beast attacks, Crow observes, "It's like seeing Fozzie Bear after a fire." | |
Yongary #1109 (2017) |
As the monster appears for the first time, Jonah sings, "I'm the baby, gotta love me!" | |
Wizards of the Lost Kingdom #1110 (2017) |
Simon casts a spell on a set of stone gargoyles. "Petrified Gonzo," Crow observes. | |
Wizards of the Lost Kingdom #1110 (2017) |
A guard enters, and chirps, "The king's advisors await you." Tom answers, "Thank you, Guard Kermit!" | |
Wizards of the Lost Kingdom #1110 (2017) |
Kor squares off against three demons. Crow notes, "Someone did some shopping at Jim Henson's Creature Shop outlet." | |
Wizards of the Lost Kingdom #1110 (2017) |
Kor enters Suicide Cave, as Jonah and Tom do a Statler & Waldorf riff: "I just realized why they call it a Suicide Cave!" "Why's that?" "Because I want to kill myself!" They chortle like the old codgers, and Jonah adds, "Oh ho ho! I'm depressed." | |
Wizards of the Lost Kingdom #1110 (2017) |
Simon walks through the cave tunnel. Jonah says, "Now I know what happened to that baby from Labyrinth, he grew up and wore lavender." | |
Wizards of the Lost Kingdom #1110 (2017) |
Crow takes a look at the Cyclops, and says, "He's wearing a Muppet hair toupee." | |
Wizards of the Lost Kingdom #1110 (2017) |
Kor faces the Cyclops' sister, in a bridal gown. "Oh, Kermie!" Crow coos. | |
Wizards of the Lost Kingdom II #1111 (2017) |
In prison, Tyor faces a pig creature. "Miss Piggy's gone feral!" Tom cries. A moment later, the creature turns on a prisoner, as Tom says, "Oh, Kermie!" | |
Wizards of the Lost Kingdom II #1111 (2017) |
Jonah asks, "Why is Donar dressed like a Skeksi?" "He's bringing Skeksi back!" answers Tom. | |
Carnival Magic #1112 (2017) |
Stuck in a vivisection lab, Alex the chimp jumps up and down on a table. Crow yells, "Not the mama, not the mama, not the mama!" | |
Carnival Magic #1112 (2017) |
A blonde nurse tells Markov to wait outside. Tom identifies the nurse: "Janice, from The Muppets?" | |
The Christmas That Almost Wasn't #1113 (2017) |
Mr. Prune sneers as he walks downstairs, informing Santa Claus that this isn't Prim's Department Store anymore -- it's Prune's! He spells out, "P! R! U! N! E!" Crow says, "He's like the Count von Count, but for letters." | |
The Christmas That Almost Wasn't #1113 (2017) |
Mr. Prune notes with delight, "The clock is striking twelve!" As the Count, Servo says, "I love to count!" Servo chuckles as Prune counts: "Three!" "Ah ha ha!" "Four!" "Ah ha ha!" "Five!" "Ah ha ha!" "Six!" "You get the idea." | |
At the Earth's Core #1114 (2017) |
Jonah tries to interest Tom and Crow in Growler, the piano-playing robot. "Come on, he's basically Rowlf the Dog," Jonah says, "and who doesn't love Rowlf the Dog?" | |
At the Earth's Core #1114 (2017) |
As a Mahar makes its first appearance, Crow quotes Sam the Eagle: "Does this film have socially redeeming value?" | |
At the Earth's Core #1114 (2017) |
A puppet monster attacks the captives. Tom says, "Jim Henson's Muppet Atrocity!" | |
At the Earth's Core #1114 (2017) |
The heroes are amazed to see a Mahar, who has a familiar-looking fringed collar. "Kermit the Mahar here, hi-ho!" Tom says. "We've got a great sacrifice for you tonight." | |
At the Earth's Core #1114 (2017) |
Tom asks, "Is it too soon to do another Sam the Eagle reference?" | |
At the Earth's Core #1114 (2017) |
Doug McClure sneaks past a nest of sleeping Mahars. Crow does an impression of Kermit sleeping: "Hey, it's The Mahar Show (snore) and our special guest Doug McClure... (snore) yaaay..." |
Season 12[]
Picture | Episode | Description |
---|---|---|
Mac and Me #1201 (2018) |
Aliens inspect a rover, which has a trunk-like tube. Jonah announces, "Snuffleupagus 2020: the year we make contact!" | |
Mac and Me #1201 (2018) |
The alien is bleary eyed as it exits the closet. Jonah remarks, "Frank Oz really phoning it in that day." | |
Mac and Me #1201 (2018) |
As Eric opens the bathroom door, Jonah says, "Jim Henson's The Shining Babies." | |
Mac and Me #1201 (2018) |
Jonah refers to a disguised Mac as "coming from the Jim Henson Creature Shop dumpster." | |
Lords of the Deep #1203 (2018) |
Tom complains about the movie's ending: "They don't even have a toilet! In 12 hours, that Muppet brain they're in is going to smell like the men's room at Lambeau Field after the game." | |
The Day That Time Ended #1204 (2018) |
As the monster, Crow announces, "There's a monster at the end of this scene, and it's me!" | |
Ator, the Fighting Eagle #1206 (2018) |
As the High Priest of the Spider prays to the Ancient Ones, Jonah quips, "So they worship Sam the Eagle?" | |
Ator, the Fighting Eagle #1206 (2018) |
Ator sees a frog-faced suit of armor as he enters Griba's cave. Jonah croaks, "Hi-ho, Kermit the Knight here!" A moment later, when there's another close-up on the armor, Jonah continues as Kermit, "Call the police!" | |
Ator, the Fighting Eagle #1206 (2018) |
Behind a giant web, a puppet spider wobbles unconvincingly. Crow remarks, "Huh, Snuffleantula." |
Season 13[]
Picture | Episode | Description |
---|---|---|
Santo in the Treasure of Dracula #1301 (2022) |
Count Dracula enters a house swinging a cane. Tom shouts in the style of Count von Count, "One! Singular sensation! Ah ah ah!" |
Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie[]
- The 2013 Blu-ray release of the 1996 movie Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie features concept art with Bunsen and Beaker at a Mad Scientist convention.
Mystery Science Theater 3000 The Comic[]
- In Issue #2, Growler is shown to be living in a trash can just like Oscar the Grouch. Growler says he is doing it as a tribute to Caroll Spinney.
- In Issue #6, John Darlington remarks his surgeon didn't tell him that he lives in Sesame Street as Growler is still living in a trash can.
Connections[]
- After leaving MST3K, Joel Hodgson and his brother Jim worked with the Jim Henson Company to produce a show for broadcast on Noggin. The show was never produced.[1]
- In November 2015, Hodgson announced that Mystery Science Theater 3000 would return via a public funding campaign. Nell Scovell was announced to be one of the show's guest writers, while Bobby Lopez would be creating new music for the show. Grant Baciocco would puppeteer Crow T. Robot (which he had done previously in the 2014 Turkey Day Marathon on YouTube) in the revival.[2][3] Beginning in season 13, Kirk Thatcher joined the show's writing staff.[4]
- For the 2017 Netflix series, a few Muppet relevant performers participated.
- Tim Blaney puppeteered Gypsy
- Mark Hamill played P.T. Mindslap in Carnival Magic, episode #1112
- Neil Patrick Harris played Neville LaRoy in Avalanche, episode #1104
- Joel McHale played Doug McClure in At the Earth's Core, episode #1114
- Patton Oswalt played Max ("TV's Son of TV's Frank")
- Wil Wheaton played Drake in episode Reptilicus, episode #1101
In addition, many cast and crew members for films showcased on Mystery Science Theater 3000 also worked in Muppet/Henson productions:
- Werner Abrolat played Melnik in The Castle of Fu Manchu, episode #323
- Francis Ford Coppola wrote the English-language screenplay for the US dub of The Magic Voyage of Sinbad, episode #505
- Billy Crystal played David in SST - Death Flight, episode #K13
- Eddie Deezen played Froggy in Laserblast, episode #706
- Clint Eastwood played Jennings the lab tech in Revenge of the Creature, episode #801
- Henry Fonda played Fire Chief Albert Risley in City on Fire, episode #K16
- George Gaynes played the mission director in Space Travelers, episode #401
- Arthur Godfrey appeared as himself in Angels' Revenge, episode #622
- Joyce Gordon played a data supervisor in Overdrawn at the Memory Bank, episode #822
- Lorne Greene played Cole in SST - Death Flight, episode #K13, and narrated the short film Johnny at the Fair, episode #419
- Ron Howard played Genius in Village of the Giants, episode #523
- Kathy Ireland played Wanda Saknussemm in Alien from L.A., episode #516
- James Earl Jones played Albert in City Limits, episode #403
- Raul Julia played Aram Fingal and Rick Blaine in Overdrawn at the Memory Bank, episode #822
- Richard Kind played Wamthool in in Quest of the Delta Knights, episode #913
- Martin Landau played Commander Koenig in "Cosmic Princess" (from Space 1999), episode #K10
- Michael Landon played Tony Rivers in I Was a Teenage Werewolf, episode #809
- Hal Linden dubbed the lead actor in Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster, episode #213
- Chris Makepeace played Ring in The Last Chase, episode #K20
- Bill McCutcheon played Dropo the Martian in Santa Claus Conquers the Martians, episode #321
- Kim Milford played Billy Duncan in Laserblast, episode #706
- Leslie Nielsen played Mayor William Dudley in City on Fire, episode #K16
- Joseph O'Conor played Professor Hendricks in Gorgo, episode #909
- Stuart Pankin played Sam Tate in Hanger 18, episode #K19
- Regis Philbin played Harry Carter in SST - Death Flight, episode #K13
- Little Richard appeared as himself in Catalina Caper, episode #204
- William Schallert played Professor Mills in Hanger 18, episode #K19; Marshall Scott Hood in Gunslinger, episode #511; and a newscaster in Invasion U.S.A., episode #602
- Tom Selleck played quarterback Jim McCauley in Superdome, episode #K15
- Nick Tate played Alan Carter in in "Cosmic Princess" (from Space 1999), episode #K10
- Sugith Varughese played a Transcorp reporter in Overdrawn at the Memory Bank, episode #822
- David Warner played Lord Vultare and Baydool in Quest of the Delta Knights, episode #913
- Hugh Webster played Fetch in in The Last Chase, episode #K20
- John Williams composed the score for Daddy-O, episode #307
- Uschi Wolff played a minor part in Hamlet, episode #1009
- Trudy Young played Mrs. Hart in The Last Chase, episode #K20