San Diego Comic-Con is right around the corner, and MeTV is making a splash this year with a spectacular weekend lineup. From jaw-droppingly bad animation history to a star-studded celebration of pop-culture collecting and a full-costume return of broadcasting’s most iconic horror host, the network is bringing some of its absolute best programming to life for the fans.
If you are mapping out your convention schedule for Thursday, July 23 through Saturday, July 25, here are the panels, exclusive giveaways, and autograph sessions you absolutely cannot miss.
Thursday, July 23
Worst Cartoons Ever!
- Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm PDT
- Location: Room 5AB
Kick off your SDCC weekend with a laugh, even if it is out of pure horror at what’s on the screen. Making its 21st annual appearance at Comic-Con, ASIFA-Hollywood and esteemed animation historian Jerry Beck (CartoonResearch.com, MeTV Toons) return to showcase a curated selection of the most terribly written, poorly drawn, and unintentionally hilarious animated films ever made.
This year’s lineup includes notorious crowd favorites like Mighty Mr. Titan (the physical-fitness superhero whose form-fitting costume leaves very little to the imagination) and Chris Welkin (widely regarded as the worst sci-fi comic strip adaptation in existence). They are all real, they are all horrifying, and you have officially been warned!
Friday, July 24
Collector’s Call with Lisa Whelchel and MeTV
- Time: 10:00am – 11:00am PDT
- Location: Room 6DE
Pop-culture fanatics and treasure hunters, this one is for you. Lisa Whelchel—beloved for her role as Blair on the classic sitcom The Facts of Life– is bringing the magic of her hit MeTV series Collector’s Call straight to Room 6DE. Currently celebrating its seventh season, the panel will dive deep into the fascinating world of collecting and share exclusive behind-the-scenes stories from the show. Whelchel will discuss the unexpected traits and shared passions she has discovered among the incredibly diverse collectors featured on the series.
An incredible lineup of Collector’s Call experts will join Whelchel on stage, including:
- Rob Klein (Professional Archivist)
- Jennifer Klein (Screen-Used Costume Historian)
- Matt Weinhold (Toy Collecting Authority and Comedian)
- Neal Sabin (Weigel Broadcasting Vice Chairman)
Actor, podcaster, and avid collector Ralph Garman will moderate the conversation, during which Whelchel is slated to make an exclusive announcement regarding her next big MeTV programming event. As an added bonus, everyone who attends the panel will receive a Comic-Con exclusive Collector’s Call lenticular collectible!
Saturday, July 25
MeTV’s Svengoolie Returns: Camera Ready
- Time: 10:00am – 11:00am PDT
- Location: Room 6DE
The crew is back, and this time, they are fully transformed! MeTV’s legendary horror host Svengoolie (Rich Koz) and the beloved Sven Squad—Nostalgiaferatoo (Bill Leff), Gwengoolie (Sarah Palmer), and IMP (Scott Gryder), return for their second consecutive Comic-Con appearance. Unlike last year, the team will be entirely “camera-ready,” appearing on stage in full character costume and makeup.
Joined by executive producer Jim Roche, the panel will explore the past, present, and future of the rich horror-hosting tradition. As the last nationally broadcast horror host on the air, Svengoolie has kept this unique slice of television history alive since the 1970s (and on MeTV since 2011) by masterfully blending classic monster movies, campy comedy, and relentless fan engagement.
Two-time Emmy Award-winning producer, writer, and comedian Dana Gould (Hanging with Dr. Z, The Simpsons) will moderate. Svengoolie will also be dropping major announcements regarding this October’s upcoming “BOO-Nanza” programming block. Attendees will walk away with an exclusive Svengoolie and The Sven Squad collectible magnet.
Exclusive Autograph Session: MeTV’s Svengoolie Returns
- Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm PDT
- Location: Sails Pavilion (Autograph Area AA04)
Immediately following their panel, the entire camera-ready cast will head up to the Sails Pavilion for an exclusive signing session. Rich Koz, Bill Leff, Sarah Palmer, Scott Gryder, and executive producer Jim Roche will all be on hand to meet fans in full costume.
Important Access Note: Please note that this is a cleared event; only fans who have received an Exclusive Portal Wristband will be permitted to enter the signing queue. Make sure to check your Comic-Con Exclusives Portal account ahead of time to secure your spot!
