We've Got Merch Sign!!!

End Theme Announcement!
3 months ago – Thu, Mar 12, 2026 at 10:30:40 AM

Hi everyone, Bill here.

A few people have asked what we're doing with the traditional MST3K closing theme played at the end of each show — the instrumental piece known as "Mighty Science Theater," written by Charlie Erickson along with Joel.  

First of all: I love this piece of music. It always felt like the perfect ending to the show, and I'm not even sure I can explain why. It's a bit solemn, a bit sad - unlike the show itself (I hope!). But in its final moments it's also kind of majestic, even pompous. Definitely church-y, pointedly so in its nickname. To younger fans for whom this might be ancient history, look up the kid's religious show DAVEY AND GOLIATH - created by Art Clokey, of Gumby fame - which used as its theme the hymn "A Mighty Fortress is Our God." 

Somehow this worked perfectly for the show, especially when followed by the opening theme's guitar twang and the very quick, silly stinger scenes from the episode's movie.

All that said! We now have an answer to the question:

Like the opening theme for MST3K: The RiffTrax Experiments, "Mighty Science Theater" will be covered by the great Jonathan Coulton - but this time along with his longtime partners (and also friends o' RiffTrax) Paul and Storm.  

How will they do it? Stay tuned and see! And hear. Heck, use all your senses if you want to.

Thanks for all the support and kind words! We can't wait to start making these shows.

-Bill

P.S. Some quick housekeeping!

Those of you who pre-ordered the Launch Crew shirt, a sizing chart is now available! We will be printing those shirts on Gildan Softstyle (Men's 6000 and Women's 6000L) which is 100% pre-shrunk, ring spun cotton. It fits true to size and the men's style does not have side seams. Click here for a size chart (we are using "Classic T-shirt" garments), and contact us at [email protected] for any issues or if you need to change your size. We'll close pre-orders on Monday to place the actual order for shirts, so this is your last chance to get one!

(NOTE: Kickstarter Exclusive BACKER SHIRT recipients: you will be able to select your shirt size in the coming weeks via the Backer Survey we send you from BackerKit. Stay tuned!)

Lastly, the Dumb Industries VODs we added to the $100 Blu-ray package and higher will now ALSO be added to the $75 ALL FOUR EXPERIMENTS reward tier. Fans of digital bonuses who do not want physical items, rejoice!

As always, we truly appreciate the support and feedback. We read every comment - but if you have an important question or issue, please consult the FAQs first as most things are answered there. Otherwise, please send us a message on Kickstarter.

Back with more tomorrow!

-The RiffTrax Team

Hang out with RiffTrax today + The Mads Signed Scripts!
3 months ago – Wed, Mar 11, 2026 at 09:49:24 AM

This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read.

Pin Design Reveal!
3 months ago – Tue, Mar 10, 2026 at 10:18:51 AM

Since we're six days away from putting the metaphorical pin in this campaign, we thought it was only fitting to show off the cool new pins we'll be giving to backers. BEHOLD!

This design has Crow and Servo donning their best Deathsport cosplay, and pretty soon, you can have them compete in motorcycle-based, dystopian combat in your very own home! Note that some details may change slightly as we move into production.

Nikol King (PRIMÆVEL PRESS) who has handled our pin designs for past campaigns also crafted this wonderful little tribute to this future RiffTrax Experiment! They'll be approximately 1.5" - 1.75" in diameter, cast in black metal with soft enamel colors and black rubber clasps for maximum staying power. What do you think?

All backers at the $125 PIN SET reward tier and above will be getting these two enamel robot friends as part of their Rewards. These will be exclusive to this Kickstarter campaign, so if you need these Tom Servos and Crows T. Robot in your life, now's your best chance!

I want to buy these little guys as Add-ons. How do I do that?

Currently you can add the whole set in Kickstarter by clicking "Manage your pledge" at the top of this page (or from the Kickstarter mobile app menu) and then "Change your pledge." Make sure you have selected a Reward Tier in order to get Add-Ons (the "NO REWARD" option will not let you purchase any add-ons, but you'll be able to do so later on at BackerKit; the same is true for anyone in the higher levels whose rewards have sold out.)

Once this Kickstarter ends and we've sent out Backer Surveys from BackerKit, you'll be able to make further additions and upgrades to your rewards if you so choose.

THIRD MOVIE REVEAL!
3 months ago – Mon, Mar 09, 2026 at 11:00:04 AM

Teens partying at a jellyfish research lab never imagined they'd encounter a half-man, half-jellyfish monster. It's STING OF DEATH!

(Click here if the video doesn't load)

The storied history of Mystery Science Theater includes many, MANY cheap rubber monster suits... and somehow, some way, Sting of Death may have the worst so far.

MSTies might recognize director William Grefé as the director behind the MST3K Season 2 experiment Wild Rebels. You'll be happy to know he made Sting of Death first, so Wild Rebels was a movie he made as an even more experienced filmmaker.

As an added bonus, this movie also features the aptly titled "Do The Jellyfish" by Songwriting Hall of Fame inductee Neil Sedaka. Does this tune warrant TWO extended dance sequences? Probably not, but it is an earworm that will still be drilled into your head long after the credits roll.

We love "guy in a rubber suit" films, and Sting of Death is a gem that we can’t wait to get in front of Mike and the Bots. What do you think?

And this is the part of the update where we usually let you know we'll be revealing another movie next week. But — for the fourth film of The RiffTrax Experiments, we'd like to do something different and keep it under wraps until the episode is released. 

That's not because it's a huge, well-known film. Quite the opposite! Most of you have probably never heard of it. So, in the spirit of how MST3K movies were revealed during the original run, and how RiffTrax releases things now, we'll be keeping the final film on the down-low until the episode is actually released. We think that, for this one at least, part of the fun will be the surprise. 

We can tell you for sure that it will be great riffing fodder for Mike and the Bots, just like the other three films we've revealed so far - even if we can't promise this one will feature a song by Neil Sedaka, or that kid from Over The Top on a spaceship, or David Carradine running around in a furry loincloth (for that last one, at least, one movie is probably plenty).

Anyway, until the episode comes out, let the speculation continue! Thanks again for your support, folks. 

REWARD UPGRADE: Two Free Dumb Industries VODs!
3 months ago – Fri, Mar 06, 2026 at 11:25:20 AM

Hey, who doesn't love some free stuff?

We're happy to announce that we're adding TWO free Dumb Industries VODs to the rewards of this campaign and backers at the $100 Blu-ray package tier and above will get them FREE as part of their rewards.

Star Odyssey is a cheesy Italian sci-fi flick riffed by Dumb Industries producers Chris Gersbeck, Matt Reiser, and Emmy Martian; while The Mary Jo Pehl Clip Show is a "best of" from Mary Jo's eponymous online show! 

Thank you to our pals over at Dumb Industries for providing this hilarious riff for our backers! Like all rewards, this download will be available to applicable backers after this campaign concludes.