Over its 11 seasons, MST3K experienced many changes. These changes were always reflected in the opening theme. Here is an overview of the various incarnations of the intro sequence and theme song.
KTMA INTRO
This was the show's infant beginnings on a local Minnetsota UHF public access channel. Many elements are different than they would be later:
- Joel works in a satellite loading bay rather than Gizmonic.
- The robots and the interior sets are in their most primitive forms.
- The Satellite of Love itself is a completely different design.
COMEDY CENTRAL RUN - SEASONS 1-5
This theme would last until Episode 512 - Mitchell, when Joel left. His singing has improved slightly in this version, the Gizmonic backstory is established, and the robots have (more or less) achieved their final appearances.
COMEDY CENTRAL RUN - SEASONS 5-6
The theme that lasted from Mike's first episode, 513 - The Brain That Wouldn't Die, until the end of Season 6.
The music has been re-recorded and souped up a little and the vocals are now performed by Mike.
This version also mentions Frank by name and establishes the Mads' new base, Deep 13, after Joel requested the removal of all Gizmonic references upon his departure. Cambot has also achieved his final design.
COMEDY CENTRAL RUN - SEASON 7
This version lasted through Season 7, which ran for only six episodes. Slight changes are made to show that Frank is no longer present and Dr. Forrester's mother, Pearl, has joined the cast.
SCIFI CHANNEL RUN - SEASONS 8-9
The first of the SciFi themes. Changes have been made to show that the SoL crew is now wandering through time and space while continually tormented by Pearl Forrester.
SCIFI CHANNEL RUN - SEASON 10
The final version. Changes are made to indicate that Pearl is now based in her ancestral home of Castle Forrester.
