This was an attempt to syndicate MST3K several years ago.
(Frankly, it's the only way I was ever able to see MST3K.)
Although breaking the show into hour segments was annoying, especially when they would start with a short subject, then start the movie and and end the show about 20-30 minutes in to be continued next week, or one would tune in to the second half of a movie.

The shows would usually start with an old man, supposedly some kind of professor, who would introduce the show and occasionally act out little things. I assume this guy was added to fill out some time or explain what had happened in the previous part.

Any thoughts or comments on this attempt to syndicate MST3K?

I think that that old guy was Mike Nelson.
If they do syndicate it some time in the future, I would definately prefer it in two hour chunks.

That old guy was indeed Mike Nelson. He was supposed to be made up to look like Jack Perkins from the cable channel A&E.

I think I'd like to have the regular two hour format for syndication compared to this.

While I liked Mike as the Jack Perkins parody, the extra time needed for these bits meant that some stuff got cut from the movie itself.
I prefer the originals uncut.

Someone should make a list of all the characters Mike Nelson played on the show before he took over the role as himself. I know the amazing colossal man was one.

Steve Reeves was another.

Torgo!

J.C., from the planet Five the Hard Way, Bbbbbbaaaaaaabbbbyyyyyy!

Cooch, I want you to get him for me. I want you to get Rommel. Can you do that for me, baby?

I will.

I will get him.

I will get him.

I will get him.