Do the characters on Mystery Science Theater 3000 know that they are on a TV show?

Do the characters on Mystery Science Theater 3000 know that they are on a TV show? - Big Cinema Screen on Stage

I saw a behind-the-scenes special of Mystery Science Theater 3000 where Joel Hogsdon said that the original premise of the show was that Joel was running a "pirate TV station" or something that would hack into airwaves to show what he wanted. While the premise didn't last, I'm wondering if the idea that Joel and the other characters knew they were on a TV show stuck into final version of the show.

The most suggestive evidence of this is the "commercial sign" that comes on every once in a while. It's not clear to me if that means that the characters know they are on a TV show or if there is something more convoluted going on, like it is part of the mad scientists' schemes to make money.

Do the characters actually know they are on a TV show? Is there any episode where they say that they are?






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Is Mystery Science Theater 3000 scripted?

20 There's A Script While it's tempting to assume that everyone involved with Mystery Science Theater 3000 is an improv genius, making up withering one-liners on the spot, there's actually a script for each episode, and it's meticulously timed -- to the second.

Is MST3K a kids show?

Parents need to know that Mystery Science Theater 3000 is the very definition of a cult show: It's not for everyone, but those who like it really like it. Because the show's premise relies on an old movie being played as the main characters watch, iffy content can vary depending on which movie is the focus.

Why did Joel leave Mystery Theater?

Joel Hodgson infamously left "Mystery Science Theater 3000" in 1993 due to his discomfort on camera, and his repeated arguments with the show's producer Jim Mallon over who should have creative control over the enterprise (per A.V. Club). Since his departure, affection for "MST3K" only grew.

What is the point of MST3K?

While MST3K has changed cast members several times over its run, the premise has remained the same: a trapped human host is subjected to an endless stream of cheesy movies at the whim of their mad scientist overlords.



Mystery Science Theater 3000 - You Think You Know TV?




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