Meaning: "Mystery Science Theater 3000" (MST3K) is a cult classic television show that first aired in 1988. Created by Joel Hodgson, the series is known for its unique format, in which a human and his robot friends are forced to watch and mock B-movies. The quote "Mystery Science Theater is really a postmodern show, it's really derived of many influences" by Joel Hodgson, the show's creator, highlights the diverse and eclectic nature of the program.

At its core, "Mystery Science Theater 3000" can be considered a postmodern show due to its self-awareness, intertextuality, and deconstruction of traditional storytelling and entertainment conventions. Postmodernism in the context of television and film refers to a departure from modernist principles and a rejection of traditional narrative structures, embracing instead a fragmented, self-referential, and often ironic approach to storytelling.

The show's postmodern nature is evident in its self-referential humor and constant breaking of the fourth wall. The characters openly acknowledge the fact that they are watching a movie, and they interact with the on-screen action, often making meta-commentary on the film itself. This self-awareness and meta-humor contribute to the show's postmodern sensibility, as it blurs the lines between reality and fiction, challenging the audience's expectations and creating a unique viewing experience.

Additionally, "Mystery Science Theater 3000" is "derived of many influences," as Hodgson states. The show incorporates elements from various genres, including science fiction, comedy, and parody. The format of the series, with its mix of live-action segments and puppetry, draws from classic children's television programs, while the incorporation of B-movies and the characters' mocking commentary reflects the tradition of late-night movie riffing.

Furthermore, the show's use of intertextuality, referencing and incorporating elements from other media and popular culture, adds to its postmodern nature. The characters frequently make references to a wide range of cultural touchstones, from literature and music to television and film, creating a multi-layered viewing experience that rewards audiences familiar with the referenced material.

In essence, "Mystery Science Theater 3000" can be viewed as a pastiche of different influences, blending and reinterpreting elements from various sources to create a wholly unique and self-referential form of entertainment. This approach aligns with the postmodernist tendency to embrace pastiche and parody as a means of critiquing and recontextualizing existing cultural artifacts.

Overall, Joel Hodgson's description of "Mystery Science Theater 3000" as a postmodern show derived from many influences encapsulates the show's innovative and boundary-pushing nature. By embracing self-awareness, intertextuality, and a diverse range of influences, MST3K has carved out a distinct place in television history, garnering a dedicated fan base and influencing subsequent generations of comedic and genre-bending programming.