Comic-Con: 11 things to expect from the big TV panels
While several film studios are skipping San Diego Comic-Con this week, the TV side is busier than ever with not one but two Walking Dead panels, scores of new cable and broadcast shows as well as staples including Once Upon a Time, Big Bang Theory and the returns of Heroes and The Muppets.
With a jam-packed schedule, The Hollywood Reporter takes a look at what to expect from 11 of the biggest TV panels set to take place during the July 9-12 pop culture geek-fest.
READ MORE: Comic-Con 2015: The Complete TV Lineup
1. Doctor Who and Sherlock.
While it's unclear if there will be any announcements at either panel, expect a double-dose of showrunner Steven Moffat, with fans hanging on every word out of the beloved producer's mouth. (Both panels on Thursday.)
2. The Big Bang Theory
The writers take center stage again this year to share behind the scenes tales from some of the nerdiest moments from the CBS comedy. As in years past, expect a few special guests to pop in. (Friday)
3. The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead
AMC will offer a double-dose of the undead with back-to-back panels featuring trailers and premiere dates for both series. Also expect flagship showrunner Scott M. Gimple preview what to expect from season six as creator Robert Kirkman will be forced to follow along on Twitter. (Friday)
4. Game of Thrones
While the panel may be light -- author George R.R. Martin, showrunners D.B. Weiss and David Benioff as well as stars Kit Harington and Lena Headey are all skipping Comic-Con -- that won't matter if moderator Seth Meyers gets the cast to confirm that Jon Snow is coming back (in one form or another). (Friday)
5. Agents of SHIELD and Agent Carter
While Marvel's film side is sitting out SDCC, the ABC dramas will each introduce new allies and villains. Also expect SHIELD to preview what to expect from its upcoming Inhumans and Secret Warriors storylines. While it's too early for footage from either show, expect a video surprise as in years past. (Friday)
6. Once Upon a Time
Fresh off Emma turning dark in the season four finale, creators Adam Horowitz and Eddy Kitsis and the cast will tease what comes next while also unspooling a few exclusive videos. (Saturday)
7. The Simpsons
Now that Harry Shearer's future with the series has been solidified, expect the panel to focus on the "misunderstanding" between showrunner Al Jean and the actor who voices Mr. Burns and more. Now, about those rumors about Homer and Marge's split. (Saturday)
8. Outlander
A year after Starz launched the breakout hit at Comic-Con, showrunner Ron Moore, author Diana Gabaldon, stars Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan return with a first look at season two. (Saturday)
9. Hannibal
What's it like for a canceled show to attend Comic-Con? Showrunner Bryan Fuller will likely come armed with the latest updates after Amazon and Netflix passed on picking up the series for a fourth season. (Saturday)
READ MORE: Comic-Con 2015: THR's Full Guide to Parties in San Diego
10. DC TV block: Arrow, The Flash, Gotham, Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow
All eyes will be on CBS' anticipated Supergirl pilot, but villains should rule the massive, three-hour bladder buster that will also feature Fox's Gotham as well as CW's Arrow, The Flash,Legends of Tomorrow and digital series Vixen. The Flash has yet to announce any season two villains or reveal how Reverse-Flash (Tom Cavanagh), who appeared to die in the finale, will continue to factor into the series. Gotham season two will focus on The Joker's mysterious past, a risky proposition rarely attempted even in the comics -- and one that should be expounded upon during the panel. (Saturday night)
11. American Horror Story and Scream Queens
Stars from the FX and Fox anthologies -- including Jamie Lee Curtis, Lea Michele, Emma Roberts, Matt Bomer and Kathy Bates -- share the stage to compare horror stories and preview what to expect from the new season of Hotel and Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk's Heathers homage. (Sunday)
Look for Comic-Con coverage from all of the above panels -- and around 30 more TV events -- on THR's The Live Feed over the coming days. To sign up for Live Feed TV alerts for news and scoop on your favorite shows, please go to THR.com/FeedNews.
Marisa Roffman and Aaron Couch contributed to this report.
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