Shout! Factory Picks Up Mystery Science Theater 3000

LOS ANGELES: Shout! Factory has acquired the long-running cult comedy series Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K) from Best Brains.

Under the deal, Shout! Factory now owns proprietary rights to MST3K, including all brand assets and global intellectual property. The company plans to support the MST3K brand with a long-term growth strategy that encompasses new content development, digital media initiatives, live events, merchandise-licensing programs and content syndication to international territories. The acquisition follows Shout! Factory’s home entertainment, digital and VOD distribution endeavors for MST3K-branded content since 2008. Shout! Factory is partnering with original series creator and writer Joel Hodgson and his company, Alternaversal, to collaborate on future MST3K endeavors. 

“Mystery Science Theater 3000 is a true cult-classic comedy series that continues to attract fans till this day,” commented Shout! Factory’s founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos in a joint statement. “This is a momentous acquisition for us. We’ve been pursuing this deal for many years, and we’re thrilled that it’s finally coming to fruition. We see that there’s still tremendous untapped potential for the MST3K brand. We’re looking forward to the next phase of MST3K with Joel.”

Hodgson added: “I am thrilled to team with Shout! Factory—one of MST3K’s greatest supporters—to once again pick up the creative mantle. It’s been a long time coming and I feel ready for the show’s reboot and hopefully lots of new iterations in different media. I’m also looking forward to working with both creative pros and the loyal fan base who have been inspired by our humble show over the years. Actually, I’m not sure if there really is such a thing as a humble show. Let me check on that.”

Jim Mallon, the president of Best Brains, remarked: “Fans of MST3K can celebrate as Shout! Factory begins a new MST3K adventure with the Crow, Tom Servo and Gypsy reuniting with Joel Hodgson. Shout! Factory is perfectly placed for this next chapter as they have been our partner and excellent stewards of MST3K for the past seven years.”