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The CW Twin Cities Presents,
23rd Annual New Year's Eve Melon Drop Extravaganza Golden Jubilee
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The KTMA Melon Drop was a cult-classic Twin Cities New Year's Eve television tradition (roughly 1986–1989) on Channel 23, featuring Jim Mallon and Kevin Murphy (as Bob Bagadonuts). It centered on a fake, chaotic live broadcast culminating in dropping a watermelon from the station rooftop, featuring early sketch comedy from future MST3K creators.
Key Aspects of the KTMA Melon Drop:
Production & Personnel: Produced by Jim Mallon and starring Kevin Murphy (later of Mystery Science Theater 3000 fame), the specials featured satirical sketches and a deadpan newsroom vibe, often promoting the self-deprecating slogan: "Team23 - It's the Best We Can Do".
The "Tradition": While occurring in the late 80s, the specials were jokingly advertised as the "23rd Annual" event, parodying official, high-budget holiday broadcasts.
Content: The specials included local satire, interviews, and appearances from Joel Hodgson and Josh Weinstein, contributing to its status as a precursor to MST3K, which originated at the same station.
Legacy: Following the station's transition away from KTMA, the tradition ceased but was remembered fondly. WUCW (WB23) has previously made recordings of the 1987-1989 specials available online.