‘MP3’ stars Paul F. Tompkins, Skye Townsend, and Aparna Nancherla on improv, ‘TRL,’ and ‘kisses’

Dropout has built its brand on a string of sensational improvisational television shows, like Game Changer, Dimension 20, and Very Important People. Their latest, MP3, breaks from this formula, as it’s the first scripted show the streaming platform has debuted in seven years.

Playing like a parody of MTV’s long-canceled Total Request Live, MP3 — short for Music Presentation 3 — offers quirky VJs and three new music videos each episode. Saturday Night Live’s Jeremy Culhane plays former boy bander/current MP3 host Dane Cartel, who’s joined by newly minted VJs Dr. Muse-Tina (Skye Townsend) and Chia (Aparna Nancherla). And if he’s got beef about sharing the spotlight, he’ll have to take it up with his director/daddy, Thomas Cartel (Paul F. Tompkins)

As teased in the show’s trailer, these music videos feature songs written by MP3 creators Zach Reino and Jess McKenna, and fictional bands like Truth Summons, Boys Who Read, Sheepish, and Every Place I Cry. Each band features familiar faces from Dropout’s growing web of comedy stars, like Anna Garcia, Lily Du, Jacob Wysocki, Katie Marovitch, Sam Reich, and more.

This week on Say More, Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko sat down with Townsend, Nancherla, and Tompkins to learn how MP3 came together, how much improv does come into play, and if there’s a chance for more Very Important People crossover. After all, Fanoli got a mention in episode 1, and the trailer teases the return of Princess Emily of Maroon 5? Could Tompkins reprise the role of midnight louse David Hoyle Jr.? The cast considers how!

How to watch: The first episode of MP3 is now streaming on Dropout. New episodes will roll out every two weeks through the season finale on Dec. 2.