My latest from The Buffalo News …

More than 30 years ago, stand-up comedian Joel Hodgson created a unique comedy show for a St. Paul, Minn., television station. “Mystery Science Theater 3000” featured Hodgson and a pair of robots forced to watch old B-movies, with only their running commentary keeping them sane. MST3K became a cult TV show, moved to cable networks like Comedy Central and Syfy, and even produced a feature film.

The brand was revived in 2015 after Hodgson helped organize one of the most successful Kickstarter campaigns ever. New episodes appeared on Netflix, and MST3K began performing live shows. The latest tour, “The Great Cheesy Movie Circus,” is Hodgson’s public farewell as he transitions to a more behind-the-scenes role. MST3K brings the gang to the area for an event at 8 p.m. Oct. 22 in the Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda.