In an effort to explore the stories that matter to the community, ATXplained invites residents to share what they want investigated. One intriguing query came from Jessie Davis, who wanted to know about the origins of Austin’s beloved comedic movie-riffing show, Master Pancake.
The concept of Master Pancake draws inspiration from the cult classic television series, Mystery Science Theater 3000, which premiered in Minneapolis in 1988. The show followed a man trapped on a spaceship, forced to watch terrible movies while his captors monitored his reactions. Despite its humor and a dedicated fan base, Mystery Science Theater 3000 was canceled in 1999 after ten seasons.
In Austin, the show’s local fans began approaching Tim League, the owner of the newly established Alamo Drafthouse, requesting reruns. However, League envisioned a unique twist: live comedians riffing off films in front of an audience. This concept ultimately led to the creation of Master Pancake.
Tim League reached out to Jerm Pollet, a local comedian and musician, to assemble a team for this new venture. Pollet recruited John Erler, a part-time stand-up comic and master’s student at the University of Texas, and Owen Egerton, a well-known figure in Austin’s improv scene. Together, they brainstormed their first show and needed a name that would resonate with fans of the original series.
They settled on “Mister Sinus Theater 3000,” a name that Erler humorously acknowledged as a blatant imitation. However, they aimed to carve out their niche by focusing on R-rated films instead of the vintage sci-fi genre typical of the original show.
The inaugural performance took place on September 24, 2000, featuring the film Nude on the Moon. The Alamo Drafthouse even offered free admission to anyone attending in the nude, which surprisingly succeeded in attracting a crowd. The event quickly gained popularity, transforming from a monthly occurrence to a four-times-a-week spectacle.
As the show grew, Mister Sinus expanded its repertoire to include not only obscure films but also mainstream hits like Top Gun and Dirty Dancing, further solidifying its reputation.
However, in 2004, they faced a challenge when the owners of Mystery Science Theater 3000 issued a cease-and-desist order, forcing them to rebrand as The Sinus Show. Undeterred, the team continued crafting their unique brand of humor, emphasizing an intimate atmosphere that encouraged audience engagement.
In 2007, creative differences led to the dissolution of The Sinus Show, with the members parting ways. Erler, however, was determined to continue the legacy and launched Master Pancake, a name he admits is “very dumb” yet memorable.
Today, Master Pancake boasts a rotating cast of comedians and has riffed on an extensive array of films and television shows. The pandemic prompted a shift to online performances, allowing them to reach wider audiences while still cherishing in-person interactions, which foster a community spirit.
Egerton reflects on the essence of Master Pancake, noting that the focus is not on hating movies but rather on creating a joyous experience for the audience. The goal is to transform bad films into occasions for laughter and camaraderie, embodying the quirky, inclusive spirit of Austin’s artistic community.
