Join the RiffTrax Crew for a Three-Hour 'Total Riff Off' Special Tonight on the National Geographic Channel

Courtesy RiffTrax

We recently reported that RiffTrax was coming to the National Geographic Channel and that time has come...tonight. No fooling'! So we're reminding you all to tune in for some laughs on April Fool's Day and so you get all the details, we'll share the official email sent by our favorite riffers; Mike, Bill and Kevin:

Yes, today is April Fool’s Day, but there’s no joke here. Well, there will be jokes. Lots of jokes. Jokes told by us, on television. But the fact that there WILL be jokes isn’t a joke, you see... Look, we’ll start over.

We are incredibly excited to announce that RiffTrax will take over the National Geographic Channel for a special night of riffs, badass dino birds, rage-filled shrimp, demon bats, and more!
Where are you, Demon Bat?

The good folks at National Geographic have taught the world about animals, science, and fascinating cultures for years. Now, in their infinite wisdom, they’ve seen fit to have RiffTrax riffmasters Michael J. Nelson, Bill Corbett, and Kevin Murphy take on some of their wildest, strangest discoveries.

This will be the guys’ first time riffing on television since Mystery Science Theater 3000, and trust us, you do NOT want to miss it. Think of them as the kids in the back of high school science class cracking wise, except funnier, and with better skin.

So flap your wings, flex your dorsal fin, or just move your regular old boring human feet, but do whatever you have to do to get yourself in front of a TV for the rapid-fire hilarity of TOTAL RIFF OFF on National Geographic! This three-hour special airs tonight starting at 8pm/7CT.

Let us know if you'll be tuning in and get a taste of the hilarity below...



-Larissa Mrykalo

'Mystery Science Theater 3000' Crew Heads to National Geographic with RiffTrax Show

Don't let the April Fools release date fool you, because the rumors are true; "Mystery Science Theater 3000" is bringing back the laughs. Despite numerous cancellations throughout its 11-year run on television, the show has a massive cult following.

After its final cancellation from Syfy in 1999, the stars of the show went digital and created RiffTrax, a snarky and hilarious spin-off that you can play along with a DVD or shorts watched on streaming video. Zap2it has reported that the National Geographic channel is bringing back everyone's favorite space hecklers, Mike Nelson, Kevin Murphy (Tom Servo) and Bill Corbett (Crow T. Robot) in a special titled "Total Riff Off." So far, three episodes have been ordered, with the crew lending their humorous commentary to nature documentaries.

While an admittedly strange choice for the network, it appears as if National Geographic is broadening their programming and with millions of nerds aching for the return of MST3K, this could potentially bring in huge numbers. Don't forget to watch the return on April 1 and let us know what you think!

-Nowal Massari

RiffTrax Live ‘Santa Claus Conquers the Martians’ Coming December 5

Just in time to make your holidays extra cheery, riffers Michael J. Nelson, Bill Corbett, and Kevin Murphy take on that 1964 holiday classic (well, sort of) “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” in their next RiffTrax Live event. Your one-night only chance at this early holiday treat is coming to select theaters on December 5 at 8 p.m. ET thanks to Fathom Events.

Join the gang as they riff on one of the most popular titles in the “Mystery Science Theater 3000” catalogue. "I'm excited to be revisiting this gem, not only because it promises to be a lot of fun, but also because it just wouldn't be the holidays without those beloved Yuletide characters Kimar, Voldar, Hargo, and of course that shockingly stupid Martian, Droppo!” said Michael J. Nelson, RiffTrax creator and former host of the Emmy-nominated, Peabody Award-winning “Mystery Science Theater 3000.”

In case you wanted more details on the plot of the film, the press release offers these tidbits:

Martian parents Kimar and Momar become concerned that their children Bomar and Girmar have become too attached to television programs from Earth. Their solution is brilliant — if a bit of a non sequitur— they decide to kidnap Santa Claus! The nasty Martian villain Voldar captures two Earth children, Billy and Betty, along with Santa and heads off for Mars. Only the bravery of Billy and Betty and the bumbling of a stowaway and “the laziest man on Mars,” Droppo, can foil Voldar’s evil plans.

Click here to buy your tickets and let us know if you’ll be attending!

-Larissa Mrykalo

'RiffTrax Live: Night of the Living Dead' Coming to Select Theaters on October 24

For one night only, on Thursday October 24, the hilarious trio of MST3K alums, Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett, will be riffing on the granddaddy of all zombie movies. This time, George Romero's classic 1968 film, "Night of the Living Dead" will be the victim of their biting wit.

Presented by NCM Fathom Events, RiffTrax and IGN, “RiffTrax Live: Night of the Living Dead” is shambling in to select theaters for a LIVE 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT showing just in time for Halloween.

Tickets for the event can be purchased at a participating theater or online at FathomEvents.com.

“Halloween is a time to celebrate the simple things: neighbor kids begging at your door, cleaning splattered eggs off your car window, and of course, laughing along with the classic zombie movie that kick-started the genre. We’re thrilled to be riffing along with a great print of this much-loved film!” said Michael J. Nelson, RiffTrax creator and former host of the Emmy-nominated, Peabody Award-winning “Mystery Science Theater 3000.”

Shelly Maxwell, executive vice president of NCM Fathom Events, remarked, “An evening at the movie theater with RiffTrax Live is always a hilarious and fun experience. Seeing the guys fire their wisecracking commentary at ‘Night of the Living Dead’ on the big screen is a must-see for everyone’s Halloween to-do list.”

I must agree, Shelly, I’ve attended a few of these RiffTrax events and it’s always a great time. The crowd is fun and you’re guaranteed lots of laughs.

I’ll be enjoying the show at my local theater on October 24 ... will you? Let us know!

-Larissa Mrykalo