Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe “$1.8 million” figure was an early February 2026 snapshot, not the final result. The four-episode The RiffTrax Experiments campaign closed with $2,743,736 from 22,604 backers, according to Kickstarter and RiffTrax. The project reunites Mike Nelson with many familiar Mystery Science Theater 3000 performers and contributors, but “almost everyone” is a headline shorthand—not a claim that the entire former cast and crew returned.
Why the headline says $1.8 million
Ars Technica reported on February 13, 2026, that the campaign had raised roughly $1.82 million. That was the amount pledged at that point in the fundraiser, not its closing total. Kickstarter’s campaign page now lists $2,743,736 pledged by 22,604 backers. The distinction matters: the headline captures the campaign’s progress when the story was written, while the larger figure is the final campaign tally.
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| 1 |
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Those figures describe money pledged through Kickstarter. They are not a per-backers estimate of what an episode cost, nor do they establish the project’s total production budget or how much the producers ultimately retain after costs and platform fees.
What the Kickstarter is funding
The RiffTrax Experiments is a four-episode collaboration between Mike Nelson’s RiffTrax and MST3K’s classic-era cast and crew. Ars Technica names returning figures including Nelson, Kevin Murphy, Bill Corbett, Trace Beaulieu, Frank Conniff, and Mary Jo Pehl. The project is limited to these four episodes; the announcement is best understood as a reunion-oriented chapter rather than a promise of a full series or a return by every person who worked on the original show.
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That makes the project distinct from the 2010s revival, which Ars describes as featuring a new cast and mostly new writers. The RiffTrax collaboration looks back to familiar performers, but it does not erase or replace the franchise’s later versions.
When and where to watch
RiffTrax’s official site currently advertises new MST3K episodes beginning October 9 and offers preorders for all four. Because release pages can change as a launch approaches, check the RiffTrax site for the latest date and availability. The available information establishes the preorder and release announcement, but not a specific retail listing or price for the new project.
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- Extensive Movie Collection: Features 50 classic science fiction movies spanning multiple genres including space adventures, monster films, and mythological epics
- Convenient Storage Format: Twelve double-sided DVDs provide an instant library of entertainment in a compact and organized format
- Diverse Film Selection: Includes iconic titles such as Santa Claus Conquers the Martians, Gamera the Invincible, Hercules Unchained, and many other cult classics from the golden age of sci-fi cinema
RiffTrax also maintains MST3K and RiffTrax catalog sections, as well as DVD and Blu-ray categories. Those make the official site a useful place to look for related viewing options. A specific Amazon listing for The RiffTrax Experiments has not been verified, so check that any retailer result matches the title and edition before buying. The franchise’s physical-media options have prompted some individual fans to mention Blu-ray, but those comments are anecdotes, not evidence of a broader audience preference.
How this compares with the 2015 campaign
The 2026 total is substantial, but comparing it directly with the franchise’s earlier Kickstarter requires context. The 2015 “Bring Back MST3K” campaign raised $5.7 million from 48,270 backers, according to Kickstarter. Kickstarter described it at the time as the platform’s most-funded Film project. Its campaign page says the backing enabled fourteen episodes, shot in 2016, and the show’s 2017 return on Netflix.
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| Campaign | Amount and backers | What the campaign supported |
|---|---|---|
| Bring Back MST3K (2015) | $5.7 million; 48,270 backers (Kickstarter, 2015) | Fourteen episodes shot in 2016 and the 2017 Netflix return, according to the campaign page. |
| The RiffTrax Experiments (2026) | $2,743,736; 22,604 backers (Kickstarter campaign, 2026) | A four-episode collaboration with RiffTrax. |
The projects differ in scale and purpose: one helped launch a revival season, while the other funds a four-episode collaboration. The totals therefore do not measure equivalent seasons or production packages.
Who owns MST3K now?
Radial Entertainment acquired full ownership of MST3K from Alternaversal and Shout! Studios in January 2026. The purchase price was not disclosed. Media Play News, in a report republished by Bytes Europe, said Radial’s stated growth strategy includes developing new content, merchandise licensing, and syndication to international territories. Joel Hodgson remains involved as brand ambassador and consultant.
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In the report, Shout! Studios senior vice president of marketing and product management Michael Ribas said: “As fans ourselves, we’re eager to continue developing growth opportunities for ‘MST3K’ and look forward to taking the Satellite of Love into the future.” The ownership change gives the reunion a broader business context, but it does not by itself establish a schedule for future episodes, products, or licensing deals.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the funding total does—and does not—tell fans
The final Kickstarter tally confirms that thousands of people backed this particular four-episode project. It does not, on its own, show why each person pledged, how many fans prefer physical media, or whether the campaign signals demand for a full new season. Individual community comments about Blu-ray rewards illustrate one kind of fan interest, but there is no representative preference survey in the available reporting.
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For viewers deciding what to do next, the practical choices are straightforward: check RiffTrax for the announced release and preorders, browse its catalog for older MST3K or related RiffTrax titles, and verify the exact format and edition before purchasing from another retailer.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
