Joel Hodgson, born in 1960, began his entertainment career in the early 1980s, honing his comedic skills in Chicago’s famed Second City improv group. It was here that he developed his unique brand of humor, blending clever wit with a touch of absurdity.

In 1983, Hodgson moved to Los Angeles, where he landed a role on the short-lived sitcom “The TV Show.” While the show didn’t last, it caught the attention of comedy producer Michael Nesmith, who was impressed with Hodgson’s comedic timing and potential. This led to Hodgson’s big break: creating and hosting “Mystery Science Theater 3000” (MST3K), which premiered in 1988.

Joel Hodgson’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Joel Hodgson’s estimated net worth stands at $5 million. This figure reflects his successful career in comedy and television, with his most notable work being the creation of the popular show “Mystery Science Theater 3000”.

Career

Joel Hodgson is a comedian, writer, and producer, best known for creating and hosting the TV series “Mystery Science Theater 3000” (MST3K). The show, which features a man and his robot friends making humorous comments on cheesy movies, aired from 1988 to 1999. Hodgson also created and hosted the Netflix series “RiffTrax” and “The Film Crew”.

Other Ventures

In addition to his work in television, Hodgson has ventured into other areas. He has written a book, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future: Twists and Turns in the Journey of MST3K”, which provides an insider’s look at the creation and history of MST3K. He has also been involved in various live tours and events, including the “MST3K Live” shows.

Assets

Hodgson’s assets include his primary residence in Los Angeles, California, valued at around $2 million. He also owns a vacation home in Minnesota, valued at approximately $500,000. His intellectual property, including the rights to MST3K and RiffTrax, is among his most valuable assets.

Annual Income

Hodgson’s annual income varies due to the nature of his work. However, a significant portion of his income comes from his work in television and comedy. According to recent estimates, his annual income ranges between $300,000 to $500,000. This can fluctuate based on projects, tours, and merchandise sales.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Joel Hodgson

Frequently Asked Questions: Joel Hodgson Net Worth

1. What is Joel Hodgson’s net worth?

Joel Hodgson’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million.

2. How did Joel Hodgson make his money?

Joel Hodgson made his fortune primarily through his work as a comedian, writer, and producer. He is best known for creating and starring in the comedy series “Mystery Science Theater 3000” (MST3K).

3. What is Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K)?

MST3K is a comedy television series that features a man and his robot sidekicks who are trapped on a satellite and forced to watch cheesy movies. They provide humorous commentary on the films as they watch them.

4. How long did MST3K run for?

MST3K originally aired from 1988 to 1999, with a total of 11 seasons and 198 episodes. It was later rebooted by Netflix in 2017 and ran for two seasons.

5. What other shows has Joel Hodgson been involved in?

In addition to MST3K, Hodgson has been involved in various other projects. He created and starred in the comedy series “The TV Wheel” in the 1990s, and has made appearances on shows like “The Drew Carey Show,” “Community,” and “Comedy Bang! Bang!”. He also produced and directed the documentary “MST3K: The Movie” in 1996.

6. Has Joel Hodgson written any books?

Yes, Hodgson has written a book called “A Funny Book About TV” which was published in 2002. He also contributed to the MST3K companion book “The Mystery Science Theater 3000 Amazing Colossal Episode Guide” in 1995.

7. What is Joel Hodgson’s background?

Hodgson was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He studied film at the University of Minnesota and later moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in comedy.

8. Does Joel Hodgson have any upcoming projects?

As of now, there are no official announcements about any upcoming projects from Joel Hodgson.

9. How can I contact Joel Hodgson?

Joel Hodgson does not have an official website or contact information available to the public. He can be found on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram, but he does not accept direct messages or requests for contact.

10. What is Joel Hodgson’s height?

Joel Hodgson is 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall.