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Mrb1

The infamous Mr. B Natural at work

My shorts are never boring
- Tom Servo


This page contains a list of all known Mystery Science Theater 3000 shorts listed in broadcast order.

"Short" refers to short films/serial chapters/TV episodes that are primarily used to beef-up/pad-out the running time of MST3K episodes. Riffed like the main experiment, many of the shorts are arguably as popular and memorable as any full movie, the best example being the infamous Mr. B. Natural.

The first shorts on the show were serial chapters from Radar Men from the Moon, The Phantom Creeps and Undersea Kingdom. But, as the series continued, they began to increasingly use newsreels and sponsored films (i.e. social guidance films, advertising films and educational films).

The majority of shorts appear before the film, but in one instance (Episode #206), the short was shown after the main film, just when the SOL crew thought they were safe.

Shorts were most frequent in the Comedy Channel and Comedy Central eras, while the various restrictions forced by the move to The Sci-Fi Channel contributed to only having three shorts in that period. Seasons K, 8, 11 and 12 are devoid of any shorts.

Shorts returned during the period in-between Season 12 and 13, with a number of one-offs. During Season 13, shorts became a series unto themselves, with thirteen shorts released throughout the season.

Unlike many of the movies on the show, the majority of shorts are in the public domain or are considered to be unprotected orphan films. This fact, and the popularity of the shorts, has led to a number of commercially released VHS tapes and DVDs of various shorts from Best Brains, Inc., Rhino Entertainment and Shout! Factory. All shorts from the original run of MST3K are available on home video in one form or another.


Season 1 (1989-1990)[]

Ep. Short Original Airdate Screenshot
102 1.01 - Radar Men from the Moon: Chapter One - "Moon Rocket" November 18, 1989 0102s1
As jet-pack-equipped scientist Commando Cody and his team prepare for the launch of their rocket ship, the government asks them to investigate reports of sabotage by spies from the Moon and their hired thugs.
103 1.02 - Radar Men from the Moon: Chapter Two - "Molten Terror" December 2, 1989 0103s1
On the Moon, Cody and Ted manage to steal the Moon Men’s gun, but are soon cornered.
105 1.03 - Radar Men from the Moon: Chapter Three - "Bridge of Death" December 9, 1989 0105s1
After Cody and his team escape, Retik sends his hired thugs on Earth to set up an ambush.
107 1.04 - Radar Men from the Moon: Chapter Four - "Flight of Destruction" December 23, 1989 0107s1
The thugs kidnap Joan and take off with her in a small plane, but Cody is in hot pursuit.
107 1.05 - Radar Men from the Moon: Chapter Five - "Murder Car" December 23, 1989 0107s2
Cody saves Joan but is shot down. The thugs blow another heist and are on the run again.
108 1.06 - Radar Men from the Moon: Chapter Six - "Hills of Death" December 30, 1989 0108s1
Krog sends the thugs to bomb a volcano, which causes widespread flooding, for some reason. Cody tracks the thugs to a diner, where a fight ensues and Ted is kidnapped. He soon escapes and Cody is after them again.
109 1.07 - Radar Men from the Moon: Chapter Seven - "Camouflaged Destruction" January 6, 1990 0109s1
The thugs have a new ray gun in a disguised truck, but Cody and Ted are after them.
109 1.08 - Radar Men from the Moon: Chapter Eight - "The Enemy Planet" January 6, 1990 0109s2
Cody and his team return to the moon and drive off with a cache of lunarium, but some moon men give chase.
110 1.09 - Radar Men from the Moon: Chapter Nine - "Battle in the Stratosphere" January 13, 1990 0110s1
Cody and Ted escape the pursuing moon men and make it back to the ship. They prepare for liftoff and...the film breaks. Final Cody short, only partially played.

Season 2 (1990-1991)[]

Ep. Short Original Airdate Screenshot
203 2.01 - The Phantom Creeps: Chapter One - "The Menacing Power" October 6, 1990 0205short

Mad scientist Dr. Zorka plans to sell his inventions to foreign powers. He fakes his death, then sabotages a plane carrying his enemies.

205 2.02 - The Phantom Creeps: Chapter Two - "Death Stalks the Highways" October 27, 1990 0205short
Zorka, now believed to be dead, blames the authorities for the death of his wife and plots his revenge.
206 2.03 - The Phantom Creeps: Chapter Three - "Crashing Towers" November 3, 1990 0205short
Zorka continues his plans for venegance, but is betrayed by his assistant Monk, who is captured by the authorities.
210 2.04 - X Marks the Spot December 22, 1990 0210short
Joe gets questioned in a heavenly court about road safety.
First non-serial short.

Season 3 (1991-1992)[]

Season Ep. Short Original Airdate Screenshot
3 307 Alphabet Antics July 20, 1991 0307s1
Education short where children are taught the ABCs via rhymes.
3 311 The Sport Parade: Snow Thrills August 24, 1991 0311s1
All the fun, antics and injuries of sports activities in the snow.
3 313 Speech: Using Your Voice September 14, 1991 0313s1
Educational short on public speaking teaching the importance of being heard, being understood, and being "pleasing".
3 315 Aquatic Wizards November 9, 1991 0315s1
A demonstration of waterskiing.
3 315 Catching Trouble November 9, 1991 0315s2
A wildlife trapper captures snakes, wildcats and bear cubs to send off to the zoo.
3 317 The Home Economics Story October 26, 1991 0317s1
Kay learns of value of a Home Economics degree in all aspects of a woman's life.
3 319 Mr. B Natural Novembe 30, 1991 0319s1
A physical embodiment of the Spirit of Music teaches a boy about the benefits of a musical education and the proper instruments.
3 320 Posture Pals December 14, 1991 0320s1
School competition to see who has the best posture, and the methods four children use to win the titles.
3 320 Appreciating Our Parents December 14, 1991 0320s2
A young boy learns the importance of helping his family about the house.

Season 4 (1992-1993)[]

Season Ep. Short Original Airdate Screenshot
4 406 Undersea Kingdom - Chapter One: Beneath the Ocean Floor July 18, 1992 0406s1
A Republic serial wherein a mixed Navy/civilian team discovers a mysterious land under the seas.
4 407 Junior Rodeo Daredevils July 25, 1992 0407s1
After getting caught doing a prank, two young boys stage a junior rodeo.
4 409 Undersea Kingdom - Chapter Two: The Undersea City August 15, 1992 0409s1
The submarine crew is captured and caught between the forces of Atlantis and Unga Khan.
4 413 General Hospital - Segment 1 September 19, 1992 0413s1
Nurse Jessie's husband Phil ponders an extramarital affair, while a patient gets diagnosed with a hiatus hernia.
4 415 General Hospital - Segment 2 November 25, 1992 0415s1
Jessie and Phil host an awkward engagement party.
4 417 General Hospital - Segment 3 November 28, 1992 0417s1
The engagement party ends and Phil drives Cynthia home. They kiss in his car.
4 419 Johnny At The Fair December 12, 1992 0419s1
A young boy ditches his parents at the Canadian National Exhibition and sets off for adventure, meeting some celebrities along the way.
4 421 Circus On Ice January 9, 1993 0421s1
All the fun of the Circus... but on ice!
4 422 Here Comes the Circus January 16, 1993 0422s1
All the fun of the Circus... on normal solid ground!
4 423 Hired! - Part 1 January 23, 1993 0423s1
In part 1, a manager at a Chevrolet dealership laments that his sales staff are unsuccessful at selling their product door to door.
4 424 Hired! - Part 2 January 30, 1993 0424s1
In part 2, the manager gets set straight by his father about what is wrong with his salesmen.

Season 5 (1993-1994)[]

Season Ep. Short Original Airdate Screenshot
5 503 What to Do on a Date July 31, 1993 0503s1
A young man gets ideas about where to take a girl out on a date.
5 507 The Truck Farmer (Second Edition) September 4, 1993 0507s1
Explains the vital importance of modern techniques and technology to ensure vegetables are available all year across the USA.
5 510 Body Care And Grooming September 26, 1993 0510s1
A short to explaining why bathing and good personal hygiene are worthwhile.
5 514 Is This Love? November 7, 1993 0514s1
A young college girl believes she's found her true love after a couple of months of dating and wants to marry.
5 515 Cheating November 13, 1993 0515s1
A young boy cheats in school and faces the consequences.
5 518 What About Juvenile Delinquency? December 4, 1993 0518s1
A gang member has a crisis of conscience when the other gang members unwittingly beat up his father.
5 520 Last Clear Chance December 18, 1993 0520s1
A Union Pacific sponsored short promoting traffic safety, especially at railroad crossings.
5 524 Design for Dreaming February 5, 1994 0524s1
A woman dreams of a mysterious masked man who takes her to see the future, as represented by the 1956 General Motors Motorama.

Season 6 (1994-1995)[]

Season Ep. Short Original Airdate Screenshot
6 602 A Date With Your Family July 23, 1994 0602short
Short teaching you to supress all emotions to ensure you and your family have a pleasant and formal 1950's style family dinner.
6 603 The Selling Wizard July 30, 1994 0603short
Short explaining to grocery store owners that a new freezer isn't just for keeping stock cold, it's a sales-generating dynamo.
6 607 Uncle Jim's Dairy Farm September 3, 1994 0607short
City kids George and Betty spend the summer on their Uncle Jim's farm, learning about dairy farming.
6 608 A Day At The Fair October 1, 1994 0608short
A farming family prepares for their yearly trip to the Indiana State Fair, both to show off their wares, see the sights, and learn the benefits of the 3-H Club.
6 609 Why Study the Industrial Arts? August 27, 1994 0609short
A teen disparaging the industrial arts is set straight on its vital nature in all aspects of a 1950's man's life.
6 610 Young Man's Fancy October 8, 1994 0610short
A young girl learns how electrical appliances can help her attract a man.
6 613 Keeping Clean and Neat November 5, 1994 0613short
A short about how to become and stay clean.
6 616 Are You Ready for Marriage? November 26, 1994 0616short
A young couple learn how how to determine if their love is genuine.
6 618 Out of This World December 10, 1994 0618short
An angel and a demon vie to influence a humble hard-working bread deliveryman.
6 619 Speech: Platform Posture and Appearance December 17, 1994 0619short
Learning correct posture is essential to becoming a good public speaker.
6 621 Money Talks! December 17, 1994 0621shorta
Ben Franklin's shadow teaches a young boy about budgeting.
6 621 Progress Island U.S.A. December 17, 1994 0621shortb
A short explaining all that Puerto Rico has to offer visitors and residents.
6 623 The Days of Our Years March 18, 1995 0623short
A Union Pacific-sponsored short explaining the responsibility that workers have to avoid accidents on the job.

Season 7 (1995-1996)[]

Ep. Short Original Airdate Screenshot
701T/701 7.01 - Once Upon a Honeymoon November 23, 1995 0701short
A long delayed honeymoon causes a housewife to fantasize about new home decor.
702 7.02 - The Chicken of Tomorrow February 10, 1996 0702short
A short explaining what is being done today to produce the chicken of tomorrow.

Season 9 (1998)[]

Season Ep. Short Original Airdate Screenshot
9 906 Century 21 Calling June 13, 1998 0906short
Two enthusiastic teens learn of the amazing phone of the future and its ground-breaking, state-of-the-art features such as call waiting, call conferencing, and touch-tone dialing.
9 912 A Gumby Adventure: "Robot Rumpus" August 29, 1998 0912short
Opting to be lazy, Gumby gets some robots to do his chores, only to have the robots rebel and cause damage.

Season 10 (1999)[]

Season Ep. Short Original Airdate Screenshot
10 1012 A Case of Spring Fever August 1, 1999 1012s1
A doughy man rashly wishes all springs never existed, only to have Coily the Spring Sprite grant his wish. Quickly realizing the error of his ways, the doughy man then preaches about how important springs are in every aspect of daily life.

Season 13 (2022)[]

Shorts produced for Season 13 are presented individually as The MST3K Short of the Month Club, introduced by Pearl Forrester (Mary Jo Pehl).

Ep. Short Original Airdate Screenshot
- 13.01 - Pipeline to the Clouds March 18, 2022 PipelinetotheClouds
An overview of the water supply in America.
- 13.02 - Let's Make a Meal in 20 Minutes May 12, 2022 LetsMakeaMealin20Minutes
Sally Gasco makes a meal on a deadline by using proper techniques, canned foods, and her gas stove.
- 13.03 - Court Case May 13, 2022 CourtCase
A look at the process of manufacturing tennis balls.
- 13.04 - Sleep for Health July 8, 2022 SleepforHealth
Children learn about the importance of sleep for a healthy lifestyle.
- 13.05 - The Wonder of Reproduction August 5, 2022 TheWonderofReproduction
A shop owner shows some children his fish tank and explains how the fish reproduce.
- 13.06 - Cavalcade September 16, 2022 Cavalcade
Short vignettes on a variety of subjects are presented.
- 13.07 - Balance Beam for Girls October 14, 2022 BalanceBeamforGirls
Techniques for the gymnastics balance beam are demonstrated.
- 13.08 - Bicycling Visual Skills December 13, 2022 BicycleVisualSkills
A group of children learn about bicycle safety.
- 13.09 - The Bicycle Driver December 14, 2022 TheBicycleDriver
A group of young bicyclists and motorists learn about sharing the road.
- 13.10 - Let's Keep Food Safe to Eat January 6, 2023 LetsKeepFoodSafetoEat
Proper techniques for cleaning and storing food are demonstrated.
- 13.11 - Mr. B Natural January 6, 2023 MrBNatural2023
A physical embodiment of the Spirit of Music teaches a boy about the benefits of a musical education and the proper instruments. Previously used in Episode 319.
- 13.12 - Better Breakfasts, U.S.A. January 20, 2023 BreakfastsTitle
An exploration of what makes a good breakfast, with an emphasis on grains and cereal.
- 13.13 - Doing Things for Ourselves in School February 10, 2023 DoingThingsTitle
Young Steve demonstrates good behaviors in his school and personal life.

Additional Shorts[]

Appears in Short Original Release Screenshot
Assignment: Venezuela and Other Shorts / stand-alone Assignment: Venezuela 2001 Ven
Social Distancing Special Circus Day May 3, 2020 CircusDay
2nd Annual Puppet Camp / stand-alone A Busy Day at the County Fair October 30, 2020 BusyDayTitle
2nd Annual Puppet Camp / stand-alone Behind the Scenes at the Supermarket October 30, 2020 BehindScenesSupermarketTitle
Turkey Day '20 / stand-alone Behind the Scenes at the Supermarket November 26, 2020 BehindScenesSupermarketLIVETitle
unreleased What's It to You? - WhatsIttoYou




Shorts edit
Season 1 Radar Men from the Moon, Chapter 123456789
Season 2 The Phantom Creeps, Chapter 123X Marks the Spot
Season 3 Alphabet AnticsSnow ThrillsSpeech: Using Your VoiceAquatic WizardsCatching TroubleThe Home Economics StoryMr. B NaturalPosture PalsAppreciating Our Parents
Season 4 Undersea Kingdom, Chapter 1Junior Rodea DaredevilsUndersea Kingdom, Chapter 2General Hospital, #1#2#3Johnny at the FairCircus on IceHere Comes the CircusHired!, Part 12
Season 5 What to Do on a DateThe Truck FarmerBody Care and GroomingIs This Love?CheatingWhat About Juvenile Delinquency?Last Clear ChanceDesign for Dreaming
Season 6 A Date with Your FamilyThe Selling WizardUncle Jim's Dairy FarmA Day at the FairWhy Study Industrial ArtsYoung Man's FancyKeeping Neat and CleanAre You Ready for Marriage?Out of this WorldSpeech: Platform Posture and AppearanceMoney Talks!Progress Island U.S.A.The Days of our Years
Season 7 Once Upon a HoneymoonThe Chicken of Tomorrow
Season 9 Century 21 CallingRobot Rumpus
Season 10 A Case of Spring Fever
Season 13 Pipeline to the CloudsLet's Make a Meal in 20 MinutesCourt CaseSleep for HealthThe Wonder of ReproductionCavalcadeBalance Beam for GirlsBicylcing Visual SkillsThe Bicycle DriverLet's Keep Food Safe to EatMr. B NaturalBetter Breakfasts, U.S.A.Doing Things for Ourselves in School
Additional Assignment: VenezualaWhat's It to You?Circus DayA Busy Day at the County FairBehind the Scenes at the Supermarket
Compilations Shorts, Volume 1Shorts, Volume 2Shorts, Volume 3Mr. B's Lost Shorts??!!Assignment: Venezuela and Other ShortsThe MST3K Festival of Shorts
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