In an exciting development for fans of classic comedy, Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff, two pivotal figures from the original run of "Mystery Science Theater 3000" (MST3K), are officially slated to rejoin the cast for the upcoming RiffTrax-produced revival. Their involvement as both performers and writers for the new series, "Mystery Science Theater 3000: The RiffTrax Experiments," marks a significant reunion for the beloved franchise and its dedicated fanbase.
MST3K Originals Beaulieu and Conniff Join RiffTrax Revival for Final Episode
The highly anticipated return of "The Mads" – Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff – to the "Mystery Science Theater 3000" universe has been officially announced, much to the delight of long-time enthusiasts. On February 10, 2026, the news broke via the revival's Kickstarter page, confirming that Beaulieu, portraying Dr. Clayton Forrester, and Conniff, as the legendary second banana TV's Frank, will grace the fourth and concluding episode of the new series. Adding to their contribution, both actors are also set to co-write this grand finale. This exciting development follows closely on the heels of another revelation: one of the films to be subjected to their unique comedic commentary will be the 1978 cult classic, "Deathsport," featuring David Carradine.
Beaulieu and Conniff's deep roots within the MST3K legacy are undeniable. Beaulieu was an integral part of the show from its very inception, serving as a writer and bringing to life the characters of Dr. Forrester and Crow T. Robot across eight seasons and the feature film. Conniff, too, was a prolific writer for the series and famously embodied TV's Frank from Seasons 2 through 6. Following their departure from the original show, they continued their collaboration in the realm of movie riffing with "Cinematic Titanic" alongside other MST3K alumni, and later launched their own touring spectacle, "The Mads Are Back." Their comedic synergy has also seen them frequently collaborate with the RiffTrax team on various projects.
The current revival is a collaborative effort between RiffTrax and Shout! Studios, aiming to produce four brand-new episodes under the title "Mystery Science Theater 3000: The RiffTrax Experiments." The creative helm for these new installments is shared by original series veterans Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy, and Bill Corbett. Nelson will once again step into his role as Mike Nelson, while Murphy will lend his voice to Tom Servo and Professor Bobo, and Corbett will return as Crow T. Robot and Brain Guy. Additionally, Mary Jo Pehl, another cherished star from the original series, will reprise her character, Pearl Forrester.
Production for the revival is taking place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the very city where the original series was filmed, adding a nostalgic touch to the new venture. The episodes are slated for release later in 2026 on the RiffTrax website. The ambitious Kickstarter campaign that fueled this revival quickly surpassed expectations, raising an impressive sum of over $1 million within just its first day, underscoring the enduring popularity and anticipation surrounding the return of MST3K's iconic humorists.
The return of Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff to the "Mystery Science Theater 3000" universe, coupled with the involvement of other original cast members, is a testament to the timeless appeal of intelligent, satirical humor. It demonstrates how a dedicated creative team, bolstered by enthusiastic fan support, can breathe new life into beloved franchises. This revival not only promises to entertain but also highlights the enduring power of community and collaborative artistry in the entertainment industry.