‘Mystery Science Theater 3000’ Star Mike Nelson on His Return to the Satellite of Love

Rolling Stone

by Andy Greene

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Mike Nelson, the iconic host of *Mystery Science Theater 3000* (MST3K), is making a triumphant return to the Satellite of Love after a 27-year absence. The new season, titled *Mystery Science Theater 3000: The RiffTrax Experiments*, reunites Nelson with his original robot co-stars Kevin Murphy as Tom Servo and Bill Corbett as Crow T. Robot. This revival marks a significant chapter in the show’s history, blending its nostalgic roots with fresh energy from RiffTrax, the audio-only riffing platform Nelson cofounded in 1999. *MST3K* first aired in 1988 on a Minneapolis UHF channel and gained national acclaim during its run on Comedy Central and later on the Sci-Fi Channel. The show’s premise—where a man and his robot companions are trapped in space, forced to watch bad movies and provide witty commentary—remained consistent through its various iterations. Nelson took over as host in 1995 after Joel Hodgson left, steering the show until it went off the air in 2000. After an 18-year hiatus, *MST3K* briefly returned to Netflix in 2017 with Jonah Ray as the new host, but it didn’t last beyond three seasons. The recent acquisition of *MST3K* by Radial Entertainment has breathed new life into the franchise. The upcoming season will feature four episodes, including riffing on cult classics like the 1978 Roger Corman film *Deathsport*. Frank Conniff and Trace Beaulieu from the original cast are set to make guest appearances, adding a nostalgic touch for long-time fans. A Kickstarter campaign has raised nearly $2 million, showcasing fan enthusiasm for this revival. For decades, Nelson and his RiffTrax team have thrived by riffing on movies without visual interference, allowing them creative freedom that no traditional network could offer. This simplicity has been key to their success, as they can riff on iconic films like *Star Wars* or *Titanic* without interference from studio executives. The return of *MST3K* with Nelson at the helm is a testament to the enduring legacy of the show and its ability to connect with audiences across generations. For fans, this revival isn’t just a nostalgic trip—it’s a celebration of humor, creativity, and the power of riffing to bring people together.

Verticals

cultureentertainment

Originally published on Rolling Stone on 2/20/2026