June 24, 1996
Sci-Fi Channel has rescued the award-winning comedy series "Mystery Science Theater 3000" from cancellation, and will bring it safely to its original programming lineup where the series will flourish with exclusive, original episodes beginning in February, 1997, it was announced today by Barry Schulman, Vice President, Programming, Sci-Fi Channel.
Thirteen episodes of the series have been ordered for 1997. "MST3K" will also be telecast internationally for the first time, airing on USA Networks' international channels Sci-Fi Europe and as part of the Sci-Fi Channel programming block on USA Network Latin America, Schulman said.
On Sci-Fi Channel, each episode of "MST3K" will feature a full-length science- fiction (as opposed to any other genre) film with accompanying comments by the silhouetted trio of Mike Nelson, Crow T. Robot and Tom Servo, plus skits and an occasional original song.
The popularity of this series continues to grow. Last spring, "MST3K" made it to the big screen with a critically-acclaimed feature film. The series has also spawned a book, a web site, fan clubs and a national convention to be held on Labor Day weekend in Minneapolis.
"We are thrilled to offer our viewers this innovative Peabody award-winning show and pleased about keeping it alive with all new episodes. The series is a natural fit for us and has developed quite a loyal following over the years," commented Schulman.
Rod Perth, President, USA Networks, Entertainment, added, "This is a very significant step in the continued growth of Sci-Fi Channel. With unprecedented launch commitments from major cable operators including TCI, Sci-Fi Channel is now in a position to invest in exclusive original series. Combined with the White House's recent request for Sci-Fi channel, this is becoming a banner year for the network."
Jim Mallon, producer, "Mystery Science Theater 3000," summed it up: "We Are absolutely thrilled to be bringing MST3K to Sci-Fi Channel. It feels like we are home. It's warm and comfy and we noticed a nice plate of cookies and some milk for us."
"MST3K" (which completed its seventh season on Comedy Central in May) follows the exploits of Mike Nelson (played by Michael J. Nelson), who is marooned on the space ship "The Satellite of Love." As part of a diabolical experiment, Nelson is forced to watch some of the worst science fiction/fantasy films ever created. Aided by his acid- tongued robot pals -- the bubble-headed Tom Servo (voiced Kevin Murphy) and Crow T. Robot (voiced by Trace Beaulieu) -- Nelson and crew provide sarcastic and witty running commentary during the films which are monitored by the bizarre Dr. Clayton Forrester (also played by Beaulieu). Rounding out the crew is Dr. Forrester's mom, Pearl (played by Mary Jo Pehl) and Gypsy (voiced by Producer Jim Mallon), who pilots the ship.
"MST3K" is produced by the Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based, Best Brains, Inc. Jim Mallon is the producer. Mike Nelson is the head writer. Kevin Murphy is associate producer.
Sci-Fi Channel, a USA Network, is available to more than 30 million homes and features a mix of original and classic science-fiction, fantasy, horror and futuristic series, movies and specials. Sci-Fi Channel is also available internationally in Latin America, Brazil, Europe and the South African countries. The Dominion, Sci-Fi Channel's web site, is located at the following address: (http://www.scifi.com).
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