Knight Rider
The newly remodeled KITT Attack Car from "Knight Rider" made its debut at the unveiling adjacent to the convention center. (Get a look at the unveiling of the all-new KITT.) Afterwards, fans had an opportunity to interact with the car while series stars Paul Campbell, Justin Bruening and Bruce Division, and executive producers Gary Scott Thompson and David Bartis discussed the new millennium reincarnation of this classic ‘80s series. Thanks to a fan’s request, the panel also included a screening of the series’ trailer not once…but twice!
Other NBC panels:
Heroes
Fans clamored (and stood in line a LONG time) to get into the panel for this break-out hit series which chronicles the lives of ordinary people who discover they possess extraordinary abilities. (Get "Heroes" scoop from Greg Grunberg.) It was worth it as fans were treated to a coveted sneak peek at the entire first hour of the fall season premiere. Panelists included cast members Jack Coleman (H.R.G.), Greg Grunberg (Matt Parkman), Ali Larter (Niki Sanders), James Kyson Lee (Ando Masahashi), Masi Oka (Hiro Nakamura), Hayden Panettiere (Claire Bennet), Adrian Pasdar (Nathan Petrelli), Zachary Quinto (Sylar), Sendhil Ramamurthy (Mohinder Suresh), Dania Ramirez (Maya Herrera), Cristine Rose (Angela Petrelli), and Milo Ventimiglia (Peter Petrelli), creator Tim Kring, comic book artist Tim Sale and was moderated by co-executive producer/comic book writer Jeph Loeb.
Kings
Attendees of this panel became some of the first lucky fans to screen the first act of the two-hour pilot episode of NBC’s new drama series “Kings.” The new series, not slated to premiere until next year (possibly as early as February according to panelists), is the contemporary re-imagining of the timeless tale of David and Goliath, an epic story of greed and power, war and romance, forbidden loves and secret alliances, and a young hero who rises to power in a modern-day kingdom. (Get a peek inside the “Kings” panel.) “Heroes” fans in attendance were happy to get a double dose of Greg Grunberg who moderated the panel, which included creator/executive producer Michael Green, director/executive producer Francis Lawrence, executive producer Erwin Stoff, and cast members Ian McShane, Chris Egan, Sebastian Stan, Susanna Thompson and Allison Miller.
The Office
Why did a sitcom about office workers in Pennsylvania end up with a panel at Comic-Con? Who cares! The session gave fans the chance to hear from the show’s executive producer/showrunner Greg Daniels and several writers including B.J. Novak (who also plays Ryan in the series). They shared scoop on their favorite episodes, characters, and behind-the-scenes antics with the audience. (Watch Angela Kinsey introduce the writers.) None other than star Rainn Wilson moderated. We’re sure his character, Dwight Schrute would’ve have been very happy to know that Rainn was probably earning brown-noser points at “The Office” for working the convention.
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Battlestar Galactica
Last year, Battlestar Galactica took San Diego by storm. This year, the best show on television returned to Comic-Con for its anticipated panel moderated by “Clerks” director Kevin Smith. Panelists included cast members Tricia Helfer, James Callis, Michael Trucco, and Katee Sackhoff and executive producers Ronald D. Moore and David Eick who dished about the cult hit. Though the inevitable question, “Who is the fifth Cylon?” was asked, not surprisingly, it wasn’t answered. Instead Moore vaguely told the audience ‘It’s someone you’ve seen.” Guess we’ll all just have to wait and find out. In the meantime, fans were thrilled to get a sneak peek at the second half of the final season, slated to begin in January, as well as the trailer for the buzzed-about new SciFi series, “Caprica.”
Other Sci Fi panels:
Stargate: Atlantis
With new allies and new challenges, Stargate Atlantis is making big waves in its action-packed fifth season, so it’s no surprise that four thousand attendees packed the room for this panel which included cast members Joe Flanigan, Robert Picardo, and Jewel Staite, along with co-creator and executive producer Brad Wright, and Chris Sanagustin, VP of original programming for SCI FI. The show’s executive producer Martin Gero moderated the panel, which included plenty of joking around. Though the panel didn’t reveal much about upcoming episodes, writer Brad Wright did mention that the relationship between Sheppard and Teyla will be explored further.
Ghost Hunters
Is it in your head…or in your house? “Ghost Hunters International” stars Robb Demarest and Donna La Croix (who is also featured in the original “Ghost Hunters”) insist it’s the latter and shared their eerie experiences hunting down ghosts of all shapes and sizes around the world. James Hibberd of “The Hollywood Reporter” moderated the panel and also announced that “Ghost Hunters International” has been renewed for a second season.
Sanctuary
The incredible power of virtual set technology is unleashed in the all-new adventure series starring Amanda Tapping of “Stargate” fame. The “Sanctuary” panel focused on the new series, set to premiere October 3rd, and included Ms. Tapping herself (who’s also a series producer), fellow panelist executive producer Martin Wood who gave the audience a sneak peek into the unique and awe-inspiring world of “Sanctuary.”
Eureka and Stargate: Atlantis
SCI FI presented the Season 3 premiere of Eureka a full three days before it’s set to air, and debuted a new episode of “Stargate Atlantis,” along with exclusive clips from the new series “Scare Tactics.” The lucky attendees also received a mini-issue of the SCI FI Virgin Comics sensation “The Stranded.”
Eureka
SCI FI’s hit summer series returns for its triumphant third season on Tuesday, July 29th, but fans got a first-hand experience of the quirky fun of America’s smartest little town when they joined cast members Colin Ferguson, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, and Joe Morton along with co-creator and executive producer Jamie Paglia, executive producer Charlie Craig, and Tony Optican, SCI FI’s SVP of original programming who discussed this clever little show, whetting fans’ appetites for the upcoming premiere.
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Fringe
Heavyweights J. J. Abrams, beloved creator of “Lost,” Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman — the team behind “Mission: Impossible 3,” “Alias,” and the upcoming “Star Trek” feature — joined fellow Fringe executive producers Bryan Burk and Jeff Pinkner, as well as stars Anna Torv, Josh Jackson, and John Noble for a Q&A session about this drama that’s being billed as a series that will thrill, terrify and blur the line between science fiction and reality. “Television Week” deputy editor and columnist Joe Adalian moderated as Abrams admitted that he wants to mix standalones and mythology but not go so crazy with mythology as to make it tough for casual viewers to get into the show. He also confirmed he definitely did NOT leak the pilot online. Who did remains a mystery…
Other FOX panels:
American Dad
Series creator Seth MacFarlane and the cast of the Fox animated hit reunited at this panel to perform a hilarious table-read of a never-before-seen episode of the series and answered questions from the audience.
Family Guy
Stars Seth MacFarlane and Seth Green and the producers of this Fox animated fan favorite give attendeess a sneak peek at a never-before-seen episode and discussed the highly anticipated spinoff “The Cleveland Show.”
24
Star Kiefer Sutherland, who sat alongside co-star Carlos Bernard and several of the show’s writers and producers, started off by thanking the show’s die-hard fans for helping make the series the greatest experience of his career. Producers also shared the fact that Cherry Jones will play the first female vice president and Jon Voight and Janeane Garofalo will also make appearances in the upcoming season. Some fans might be slowly forgetting this show considering it's been off the air since May 2007 (!), but to help get them back in the swing of things, attendees got a first look at the prequel shot in South Africa and the upcoming 7th season of the Emmy-winning series.
Prison Break
In their first visit to Comic-Con, “Prison Break,” stars Dominic Purcell and Sarah Wayne Callies dished about the show along with producers Matt Olmstead, Kevin Hooks, and Dawn Parouse. Fans were disappointed to learn that star Wentworth Miller (who had been scheduled to appear) didn’t show due to filming commitments, but the panel made up for it by giving attendees an exclusive look at the season premiere’s entire first act. Another bonus: Olmstead revealed that next season’s plot will involve breaking in somewhere, instead of breaking out.
Futurama
“Futurama” creator Matt Groening and executive producer David X. Cohen appeared with series regulars Billy West (Fry, Professor Farnsworth, Dr. Zoidberg, Zapp Brannigan), Katey Sagal (Leela), and John DiMaggio (Bender), but since time was limited they went straight to audience questions. The panel revealed that Fry and Leela’s relationship will be revisited on the 4th DVD and that there might even be some kissing. In celebration, Katey and Billy kissed. Guess they just can’t wait…
The Simpsons
Matt Groening (creator and executive producer); Al Jean (executive producer and head writer); Matt Selman (executive producer); Michael Price (co-executive producer); Matt Warburton (co-executive producer); Don Payne (consulting producer); Carolyn Omine (consulting producer); Mike Anderson (supervising director) and David Silverman movie and TV series director) all attended this panel to give fan’s the scoop on what to expect during the animated series’ upcoming (and unprecedented) 20th season, and reflect back on a whopping 19 seasons. The panel included a preview of “Treehouse of Horror XIX” and the panelists revealed that Dennis Leary will be making an appearance during Season 20’s second episode. Bart will steal the actor’s cell phone and get him involve in movies he’s not even interested in.
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
This action-adventure drama introduced itself to the world at last year’s Comic-Con. This year executive producers Josh Friedman, John Wirth and James Middleton, returning series stars Lena Headey, Thomas Dekker, Summer Glau, Brian Austin Green and Richard T. Jones, and new series regulars Garret Dillahunt and musician Shirley Manson (of Garbage) all shared the stage to dish about this new series that found its premiere season cut short by the writers' strike. Wirth shocked fans AND his fellow panelists when he revealed that someone from the cast will die this season. He also revealed John Connor won't be Mr. Nice Guy anymore...so get ready for a whole new John. The panel treated fans to a look at the trailer for Season 2.
Dollhouse
This was one packed panel. Why? When news broke that Joss Whedon was returning to television with a vehicle for “Buffy” alum Eliza Dushku, legions of fans around the world rejoiced….and couldn’t wait to hear more about it. Joss Whedon, Eliza Dushku and Tahmoh Penikett all participated in the panel, giving attendees the run-down on the series slated to premiere in January.
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Lost
It came as no surprise that “Lost” was probably considered THE panel of this year’s Comic-Con. And it didn’t disappoint. Co-creator/executive producer Damon Lindelof and executive producer Carlton Cuse were on hand to answer questions and provide some much-coveted information on the upcoming season. (Go behind the scenes at Comic-Con and see a surprise interview with Matthew Fox.) In addition to handing gifts out to audience members who asked questions, (a Dharma bottle of ranch dressing was one example) attendees were treated to serious scoop including that Jin and Locke would both return to the series in some way and that “dead is a relative term.” Perhaps the best part of the panel came in the form of a surprise visit from series star Matthew Fox.
Other ABC panels:
Life On Mars
The panel for the new series "Life on Mars" wasn’t short on stars with seriously stellar resumes as cast members Jason O'Mara ("In Justice," "Grey's Anatomy," "Men in Trees") and Michael Imperioli ("The Sopranos,") joined the panel to shed some light on this new show which revolves around Sam Tyler, a modern-day police detective who, after a car crash, mysteriously finds himself transported back to 1973 and still working as a detective.
Pushing Daisies
The cast and producers of the Golden Globe Award-nominated break-out hit of last season returned to Comic-Con to treat fans to a special screening of exclusive clips from the acclaimed show’s upcoming season, as well as highlights from the first season. Stars Lee Pace, Anna Friel, Chi McBride, Ellen Greene, Swoosie Kurtz, and Kristin Chenoweth were on hand, along wit executive producer/creator Bryan Fuller and executive producers Dan Jinks and Peter Ocko. to answer audience members’ burning questions. Special guest and executive producer Barry Sonnenfeld moderated. So what's to come? The show will add several new cast members, including David Arquette who will have a recurring role as Ned's new best friend.
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Samurai Girl
Stars of this ABC Family mini-series, Jamie Chung ("Dragonball"), Brendan Fehr ("Roswell"), and Stacy Keibler ("Dancing with the Stars") joined the panel to reveal details about “Samurai Girl,” which is based on a series of popular young-adult novels. The show follows the journey of 19-year-old Heaven, the sheltered adopted daughter of one of Japan’s wealthiest and most powerful families who is raised in opulent but confined surroundings, with every detail of her life tended to and extravagantly provided for in the tradition of Japan’s hierarchal society. When Heaven finds herself in San Francisco for her arranged wedding to the son of one of her father’s business associates, she has no idea that her protected life is about to be shattered and that her past is linked to an ancient secret prophecy which both good and evil forces will fight to the death to control.
Other ABC Family panels:
The Middleman
Attendees of this panel, which included participants Javier Grillo-Marxuach (the show’s creator and executive producer) and stars Matt Keeslar and Natalie Morales, were treated to a sneak peek of clips from upcoming episodes of this series which follows the surreal life of twenty-something Wendy Watson as she gets recruited by a top secret agency to fight comic book-esque criminals under the guidance of her straight-laced boss. Grill-Marxuach also revealed that the season finale will take place in a kind of bizarro-world where Matt is actually the bad guy and that the episode will include the largest amount of bleeped profane language to date. Are they trying to tie Gordon Ramsay’s record?
Kyle XY
Kyle XY actors Matt Dallas and Jaimie Alexander and producer Julie Plec gave fans a sneak peek at the exciting new season, in which lives are saved, secrets are exposed, and hearts are broken, as Kyle discovers that being a hero doesn’t come without a price.
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Smallville
Comic-Con favorite Smallville returned with a panel that included series stars Allison Mack, Justin Hartley and new showrunners Kelly Souders, Brian Peterson, Todd Slavkin and Darren Swimmer. “Smallville” alum Jeph Loeb ('Heroes') moderated the session, which gave attendees a peek at scenes from next season and gave the panelists a chance to answer audience questions. The panelists revealed plenty: "Justice Society" and "Green Lantern" writer Geoff Johns will be write an episode during the eighth season and actress Allison Mack (who plays Chloe) may step behind the camera to direct. Mack also revealed her character Chloe will come into her own this season and become a lot less fearful about what she's now able to do. The panel also introduced two new characters: Sam Witwer, who will play Davis Bloom/Doomsday, a paramedic and all around nice guy, while Cassidy Freeman has been cast as Tess Mercer, who has a mysterious backstory similar to Green Arrow. The panel also revealed another DC Comics hero will make an appearance on the series. Start guessing...
Other CW panel:
Supernatural
Hunky “Supernatural” stars Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki were on hand — along with creator/executive producer Eric Kripke, co-executive producers Ben Edlund and Peter Johnson, and supervising producer Sera Gamble — to present exclusive sneak peek footage from the highly anticipated fourth season premiere of this thrill-ride series. In addition to discussing the sci-fi series with fans, the panel screened some special features from the upcoming third season’s DVD.
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Dexter
The panel for this acclaimed Showtime hit included stars Michael C. Hall, Julie Benz, Clyde Phillips, and Melissa Rosenberg and was moderated by Kristin Dos Santos of E! The panel premiered the trailer for the anticipated upcoming season. (Get a sneak peek at Season 3.) Panelists discussed some notable aspects to the upcoming season including the addition of Jimmy Smits as a D.A. and Dexter’s first actual friend.
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Spaced
Actor/creator Jessica Hynes (Shaun of the Dead), actor/creator Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead), and director Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz) took a walk down memory lane as they discussed “Spaced,” the clever and edgy comedy series that started it all for the award-winning team behind “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz.” Fans were also treated to a special “Spaced” screening later that night.
Other BBC America panel:
Torchwood
Writer Russell T Davies (Doctor Who), executive producer Julie Gardner (Torchwood), writer Steven Moffat (Doctor Who), and actors John Barrowman, Gareth David-Lloyd, Naoko Mori and Burn Gorman discussed their creative process and experiences on working on BBC America’s highest-rated show ever…that would be “Torchwood,” of course!
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