[Commlist] New book: Mystery Science Theater 3000: A Cultural History

Christopher J. Olson
Subject line: New book announcement: /Mystery Science Theater 3000: A 
Cultural History/
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*A fun and fascinating deep dive for "devoted and loyal MST3K fans" 
/(Library Journal)/ that reveals the impact and creation of the cult-hit 
television series /Mystery Science Theater 3000/.*
Few television shows can boast the long-term cult popularity and 
cultural influence of /Mystery Science Theater 3000/—or MST3K to its 
legions of devoted fans, known collectively as MSTies. Created by quirky 
standup comic Joel Hodgson and producer Jim Mallon, /Mystery Science 
Theater 3000/ was a low-budget and altogether unconventional comedy 
series about a man trapped in space and forced to watch the worst movies 
ever made alongside a pair of homemade, wisecracking robots named Tom 
Servo and Crow T. Robot.
In Mystery Science Theater 3000/: A Cultural History/, Matt Foy and 
Christopher J. Olson explore the vast cultural influence of the cult 
television series, charting how the show’s aesthetics, style of humor, 
and distribution innovations heralded shifts in popular culture and 
media production and criticism. The show also engaged viewers in the 
do-it-yourself media subculture of the 1980s that blurred the lines 
between media producers and consumers and introduced the art of media 
“riffing” into popular culture.
Beginning with the humble origins of MST3K, Foy and Olson dig into 
everything from the show’s journey across networks to the must-watch 
episodes. Also discussed are the endeavors of cast members after the 
show’s cancellation, including RiffTrax, Cinematic Titanic, and the Mads 
Are Back, as well as the show’s second life through a Kickstarter 
campaign and a Netflix revival. This is an essential guide to all things 
MST3K for fans both new and old.
/"Mystery Science Theater 3000/ is known for its alchemical magic, 
spinning golden comedy from junk movies. In this delightful book, Foy 
and Olson riff spectacular on the origins, success, and influence of the 
highly memetic show, proving their thoughtful, accessible, and 
meaningful book is gold from the start. Highly recommended, and you can 
push that button, Frank!"  - *Paul Booth, professor of media and popular 
culture, DePaul University*
"Sharp, smart, engaging, and comprehensive. A must read for /Mystery 
Science Theater 3000/ fans and pop culture scholars alike. Hi-Keeba!" 
-* Blair Davis, author, /The Battle for the Bs: 1950s Hollywood and the 
Rebirth of Low-Budget Cinema/*
"This wonderful book chronicles one of the essential cultural products 
of the past few decades and tells the story of /Mystery Science Theater 
3000/, showing its enormous influence on popular media from broadcast 
and cable TV to streaming and social media. Riffing as we know it starts 
here. Thanks to Matt Foy and Christopher J. Olson for giving us this 
great gift!" - *Michael Z. Newman, professor, University of 
Wisconsin-Milwaukee; and author, /The Media Studies Toolkit/*
Thoroughly researched and thoughtful, this is an absolute must-read for 
MSTies, media-studies scholars, and others who do not sit passively 
while the world tries to break them. - *Shelley E. Barba, coeditor, /In 
the Peanut Gallery with Mystery Science Theatre 3000/*

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