Excitement is mounting for fans of "Mystery Science Theater 3000" (MST3K) as the cult classic television show nears the end of its Season 14 crowdfunding campaign. The series, known for its humorous commentary on cheesy films, aims to raise $4 million for the upcoming season after reducing the target from the initial $4.8 million. The fundraising drive, featuring a Mega Turkey Day Marathon Telethon with a 48-hour showcase of MST3K favorites, concludes on November 26.

Joel Hodgson, the creator of MST3K, shared insights into what the new season will bring, including a return to building physical sets for host segments. Season 13 had to adapt with smaller, COVID-19 safe productions, often using green screens. Hodgson is looking forward to going back to in-camera work. Hodgson also announced he would again retire his red jumpsuit, passing the hosting torch to Jonah Ray and Emily Marsh.

Remarkably, MST3K is set to take on "Plan 9 from Outer Space," famously regarded as the worst movie ever. Hodgson avoided this film in the past, focusing on discovering other rarely seen cinematic disasters instead. Beyond bringing such notorious features to their audience, the MST3K team plans to take the show into the future by handing over more responsibilities to a new generation of talent.

Other films slated for riffing in Season 14, if the goal is met, include the post-apocalyptic "Deathsport" and "Star Wars" imitation "Battle Beyond the Stars," plus three more titles revealed on a recent live stream: "Ballistica," "Abraxas, Guardian of the Universe," and "Battletruck." MST3K aims to start production by January and potentially release new episodes by the late summer or early fall of 2024.

The MST3K Mega Turkey Day Marathon Telethon offers a chance to celebrate the series before funding ends. Fans can check out MST3KTurkeyDay.com for details on where to stream the marathon. This event serves not only as entertainment but as a critical moment for the series to secure its 14th season, perpetuating the show's legacy of humorously tackling cinema's most questionable endeavors.