Originally a UHF independent station made to broadcast Minnesota Twins home games, KTMA became somewhat noted and known for their locally produced comedy series. Production manager Jim Mallon sought the help of local talent, such as cameraman Kevin Murphy, to create unique content for the channel. One of his other contacts was moderately well-known comedian Joel Hodgson, who had the basic concept for MST3K already in mind. Pounding out the concept with Mallon and other local comics, including Murphy, Trace Beaulieu, and Josh Weinstein, a rough pilot of the show was produced. After some additional tweaking and a thirteen-episode contract, the first episode was shot. Mystery Science Theater 3000 debuted on KTMA on November 24, 1988, Thanksgiving Day. eventually aired before the show was canc