What is riffed?

Riffed is a term used in the entertainment industry to describe the act of adding humorous commentary over a film or television show. This commentary is often referred to as a riff. The origins of riffing date back to the 1980s, when cult classic shows such as Mystery Science Theater 3000 gained a following for their use of comedic commentary during movies.

Riffing can be done professionally, as in the case of shows such as Mystery Science Theater 3000 and RiffTrax, or by amateur comedians who create their own comedic commentary to share online. Riffing is often done with the intent of poking fun at the plot, acting, or special effects of a film or show. It is a form of satire that can be enjoyed by fans of the original source material, as well as those who delight in watching something to see what the riffers will say next.