Shout! Factory has acquired the long-running cult comedy series Mystery Science Theater 3000 from Best Brains Inc. for an undisclosed sum. Shout! Factory now owns proprietary rights, including all brand assets and global intellectual property.

Shout! Factory plans to support the Mystery Science Theater 3000 brand with a long-term growth strategy that entails new content development, digital media initiatives, live events, merchandise licensing programs, and content syndication to international territories.

Shout! Factory is partnering with original series creator and writer Joel Hodgson and his company, Alternaversal, LLC, who will work together on future endeavors for the property.

Created by Hodgson and produced by Jim Mallon, Mystery Science Theater 3000’s first season aired on KTMA-TV in Minneapolis. Its national broadcast life began in 1989 on the Comedy Channel (later to become Comedy Central), where it ran for seven seasons. The show’s final three seasons aired on the Sci-Fi Channel.

Hodgson originally played stranded host and B-movie victim Joel Robinson; when he left in 1993, series head writer Mike Nelson replaced him and continued in the role for the rest of the show’s run. The format proved to be popular, and during its 11 years and 198 episodes (including one feature film), Mystery Science Theater 3000 attained a loyal fan base and critical acclaim.

Hodgson just kicked off a new kickstarter campaign today to help bring back his baby for a new season of up to 12 feature-length episodes.

The deal was negotiated by David McIntosh for Shout! Factory.