Dr. Christopher J. Olson, Dickinson State University (DSU) Assistant Professor of English and Digital Media, has earned a spot in The Wall Street Journal's 2024 Holiday Gift Guide for his co-authored book, Mystery Science Theater 3000: A Cultural History. The book, published by Rowman & Littlefield, explores the enduring cultural impact of the cult classic TV series.
Olson discovered the news through an email from his publisher. “I got an email from my publisher yesterday. They said the book was featured in The Journal's Holiday Gift Guide for 2024. Sure enough, there it was," Olson shared.
A Lifelong Fascination with Cult Classics
Olson’s passion for quirky, low-budget television and movies began during his childhood in the late 1970s and 1980s. Growing up with cable TV, he was introduced to a variety of campy, low-budget horror films. "We had cable TV and local channels that would buy these packages of terrible movies,” Olson recalled. “They’d run them all the time. So, I grew up with that stuff.”
This interest was reignited when Olson first encountered Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K), an innovative show that aired from the late 1980s to the early 2000s and saw a revival in 2016. “When I saw Mystery Science Theater 3000 for the first time, they were watching movies like Gamera, a Godzilla rip-off featuring a giant turtle, and Santa Claus Conquers the Martians. That was right in my wheelhouse,” Olson said.
Unpacking a Cultural Phenomenon
Mystery Science Theater 3000: A Cultural History delves deep into the show’s comedic legacy and its cultural significance. The series captivated audiences with its satirical take on poorly made science fiction and horror films, blending humor with biting social commentary.
The show’s plot follows a man who, after being captured by a mad scientist and sent to space, is forced to watch a series of bad movies. Accompanied by his wisecracking robot companions, he delivers humorous commentary on films like Zontar, the Thing from Venus.
In their book, Olson and his co-author, Matt Foy, analyze how the series influenced modern media consumption. Olson argues that while MST3K wasn’t the direct precursor to today’s social media-driven commentary, it played a pivotal role in shaping the way audiences interact with media. "It definitely contributed to the spirit of anarchy we see when people speak back to the media," Olson explained.
Recognition and Aspirations
Being featured in The Wall Street Journal marks a milestone in Olson’s career. He views the recognition as an opportunity to reach new audiences and provide readers with a unique holiday gift option for fans of film and television.
“I’m thrilled about the feature,” Olson said. “I hope it helps more people discover the book and celebrate the quirky brilliance of Mystery Science Theater 3000.”
For film and TV enthusiasts—or anyone who appreciates a good laugh at bad movies—Mystery Science Theater 3000: A Cultural History offers both insight and entertainment, making it a standout choice for holiday gift-giving