As Thanksgiving approaches, fans of cult classic cinema and witty commentary have something extra to be grateful for this year. The beloved series Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K) is serving up a feast of laughter with its annual Turkey Day Marathon, set to air on November 28th, 2024. This year’s event, aptly named the “2024 Turkey Day Potluck of the Stars Marathon,” promises to be a cornucopia of comedic delights, featuring a mix of fan-favorite episodes and celebrity guest appearances that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning MSTie’s appetite for humor.
A Tradition Reborn
The Turkey Day Marathon has become a cherished tradition for MST3K fans, harking back to the show’s early days. This year, the celebration kicks off bright and early at 5 AM ET on Shout! TV and The MST3K Channel, inviting viewers to start their Thanksgiving with a hearty helping of hilarity. Hosted by the charismatic Jonah Ray, the marathon features an impressive lineup of MST3K stalwarts and celebrity fans, each sharing their favorite episodes with fellow enthusiasts.
Star-Studded Guest List
The 2024 marathon boasts an impressive roster of guests, including MST3K veterans and Hollywood celebrities alike. Fans can look forward to appearances by Joel Hodgson, the show’s creator and original host, alongside other MST3K favorites such as Felicia Day, Emily Marsh, and Mary Jo Pehl. But the star power doesn’t stop there. The event will also feature celebrity MSTies, including David Dastmalchian, Mike Flanagan, Bryan Fuller, Mark Hamill, Matthew Lillard, and Kumail Nanjiani, each bringing their unique perspective and love for the show to the marathon.
A Smorgasbord of Cheesy Cinema
The marathon’s schedule is a carefully curated selection of MST3K classics, each chosen by one of the guest stars. Here’s a taste of what viewers can expect throughout the day:
- 5:00 AM ET: “The Killer Shrews” (Emily Marsh’s pick)
- 7:00 AM ET: “Overdrawn at the Memory Bank” (Kumail Nanjiani’s choice)
- 9:00 AM ET: “Werewolf” (Bryan Fuller’s selection)
- 11:00 AM ET: “The Castle of Fu-Manchu” (Matthew Lillard’s favorite)
- 1:00 PM ET: “Space Mutiny” (Mary Jo Pehl’s pick)
- 3:00 PM ET: “Hobgoblins” (Mike Flanagan’s choice)
- 5:00 PM ET: “Samson vs The Vampire Women” (David Dastmalchian’s selection)
- 7:00 PM ET: “Gamera vs Jiger” (Mark Hamill’s favorite)
- 9:00 PM ET: “The Final Sacrifice” (Joel Hodgson’s pick)
- 11:00 PM ET: “Manos: The Hands of Fate” (Felicia Day’s choice)
- 1:00 AM ET: “The Mask” (Jonah Ray’s selection)
This diverse lineup showcases the range of MST3K’s humor, from sci-fi blunders to fantasy follies, ensuring there’s something for every fan to enjoy.
The Return of “The Final Sacrifice”
One of the most exciting aspects of this year’s marathon is the long-awaited return of the fan-favorite episode “The Final Sacrifice” to the world of streaming. This beloved installment, featuring the adventures of the unforgettable Zap Rowsdower, has been a sought-after gem for MST3K enthusiasts. Its inclusion in the marathon at 9:00 PM ET, presented by none other than Joel Hodgson himself, is sure to be a highlight of the event.
Accessibility and Rebroadcasts
Understanding that not everyone can dedicate their entire Thanksgiving Day to watching MST3K (though many would if they could), the organizers have ensured that the marathon will be available on various platforms. For those unable to catch the live broadcast, fear not! The entire marathon will be rerun on The Mystery Science Theater 3000 channel and Shout! TV throughout the holiday weekend, allowing fans to enjoy the riffing festivities at their convenience.
The Legacy of MST3K
As we celebrate this year’s Turkey Day Marathon, it’s worth reflecting on the incredible journey of Mystery Science Theater 3000. Since its premiere on November 24, 1988, MST3K has become one of the most beloved cult TV shows of all time, running for 11 seasons in its original incarnation. The show’s premise is deceptively simple: a human host, trapped by mad scientists, is forced to watch terrible movies alongside his robot companions. To maintain their sanity, they provide running commentary, or “riffs,” on the films, turning cinematic disasters into comedy gold.
This formula struck a chord with audiences, creating a devoted fanbase that has kept the spirit of MST3K alive through cancellations and network changes. In 2015, nearly two decades after the last episode of the classic series aired, fans rallied behind a Kickstarter campaign to bring the show back. The effort was a resounding success, leading to a new 14-episode season on Netflix in 2017.
The revival continued with two seasons on Netflix before the show faced cancellation once again. However, the MST3K community proved its dedication once more in 2021 with an even more successful Kickstarter campaign. Raising over $6.5 million, this effort not only funded a thirteenth season but also allowed for the creation of the Gizmoplex, a direct-to-fans streaming service that has given the show unprecedented creative freedom.
The Future of MST3K
As we look forward to the 2024 Turkey Day Marathon, it’s clear that MST3K’s future is bright. The show continues to evolve while staying true to its roots, now featuring not one but three hosts: Jonah Heston, Emily Connor, and the return of original host Joel Robinson. This expansion of the MST3K universe allows for even more diverse and entertaining riffing sessions.
The upcoming season promises to push the boundaries of what fans expect from MST3K, including the show’s first-ever Halloween special, its first 3D movie, and a holiday special finale so ambitious that it requires all three hosts to riff simultaneously. These innovations demonstrate that even after decades, MST3K continues to find new ways to celebrate and satirize the wonderfully weird world of B-movies.
Conclusion: A Thanksgiving Tradition Like No Other
The 2024 Turkey Day Potluck of the Stars Marathon is more than just a TV event; it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the enduring power of laughter. For longtime fans, it’s a chance to revisit beloved episodes and share the experience with a new generation of MSTies. For newcomers, it’s an opportunity to discover why this quirky show has captured the hearts of so many for over three decades.
As we gather around our screens this Thanksgiving, whether we’re tuning in at the crack of dawn or catching a rerun over leftover turkey sandwiches, the MST3K Turkey Day Marathon reminds us of the joy of shared experiences and the unifying power of humor. In a world that can often feel divided, there’s something heartwarming about coming together to laugh at cheesy movies and clever quips.
So this Thanksgiving, as you prepare to dive into your feast, consider making room for a serving of Mystery Science Theater 3000. After all, there’s always room for seconds when it comes to laughter, and MST3K is serving up a buffet that’s sure to leave you satisfied, amused, and grateful for the creative minds that keep this beloved series alive and thriving.
