NBC and Universal Television return to San Diego Comic-Con with all-star panels for its new and returning shows, including this fall’s new action-adventure series “Timeless” and freshman comedy “The Good Place,” starring Ted Danson and Kristen Bell, along with NBC’s take-over of Gaslamp Square featuring fan activities that includes an adventure ride, socially shareable activities and giveaways.
In addition to “Timeless” and “The Good Place,” panels and screenings will be held for “Blindspot,” “Grimm,” and new midseason comedy “Powerless,” along with exclusive first-looks of freshman mid-season dramas “Emerald City” and “Midnight, Texas,” as well as Universal Television produced drama series “Bates Motel.” Plus, NBC will also host its annual invite-only party at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 23 on the Andaz Hotel rooftop.
Comic-Con attendees will be treated to three exciting NBC activations, giveaways, photo opportunities, exclusive content and more at Gaslamp Square (between the Convention Center and Hard Rock Hotel) starting Thursday, July 21 through Sunday, July 24.
- Go on a time-bending adventure with NBC’s new fall series “Timeless,” as fans get to ride on a “Gravitron” and take a shareable motion graphic photo that captures their time-travel experience. Your mission: to protect the past and save the future.
- Discover the world of “Emerald City,” NBC’s midseason drama series, as it takes over Tin Fish restaurant. Fans can take an animated sharable photo as an “Emerald City” character.
- Get a taste of “The Good Place” when you need a break from the heat with free fro-yo at the pop-up frozen yogurt shop.
In partnership with Comic-Con, the official Comic-Con App, brought to fans by NBC, offers attendees and TV fanatics a comprehensive mobile companion to the conference, including a dynamic schedule with live updates, interactive exhibit hall map, panel details and popular events. Plus you can collect your favorite moments and share with friends and sync your personal schedule on Comic-Con.org with the app. The app update will be available for download starting July 14 on the App Store or Google Play.
THE GOOD PLACE — (Thursday, July 21, 3-4 p.m., Hilton Bayfront Indigo Ballroom: Sponsored by Universal Television)
From executive producer Michael Schur (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” Parks and Recreation”) and director Drew Goddard (“The Martian”) comes a smart, unique new comedy that follows Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell, “House of Lies,” “Veronica Mars”), an ordinary woman who, through an extraordinary string of events, enters the afterlife where she comes to realize that she hasn’t been a very good person. With the help of her wise newfound afterlife mentor (Ted Danson, “CSI,” “Cheers”), she’s determined to shed her old way of living and discover the awesome (or at least the pretty good) person within. “The Good Place” premieres at 10 p.m. ET/PT Monday, Sept. 19 before moving to its regular 8:30 p.m. Thursday timeslot Sept. 22. Become a fan of #GoodPlace on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NBCTheGoodPlace/ and follow the show on Twitter @nbcthegoodplace.
POWERLESS – (Friday, July 22, 2:30-3:00 p.m., Room 6BCF: Sponsored by Warner Bros. Television)
It’s a superhero’s world. We just live in it. Join cast members Vanessa Hudgens (“High School Musical”), Danny Pudi (“Community”) and Alan Tudyk (“Suburgatory”), along with executive producer Ben Queen (“A to Z”) and executive producer/director Michael Patrick Jann (“Reno 911”), for a screening of the pilot and Q&A covering the first comedy series set in the DC universe. “Powerless” is the story of Emily (Hudgens), a young insurance adjuster specializing in regular-people coverage against damage caused when Super Heroes and Super Villains treat the city like their own personal battleground. Taking care of insurance needs one by one, Emily and her team of co-workers might not have any superpowers but they are out to make a difference in people’s lives and prove that you don’t need to have powers to be powerful! From Warner Bros. Television and based on characters from DC, “Powerless” premieres midseason on NBC. Become a fan of #Powerless on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NBCPowerless, and follow the show on Twitter at @NBCPowerless.
BATES MOTEL – (Friday, July 22 from 3:30-4:30 p.m., Room 6A: A&E Drama Series Sponsored Universal Television)
A&E’s hit drama series “Bates Motel” returns to SDCC on the heels of the pivotal season 4 finale. Join the cast: Vera Farmiga (“Norma”), Freddie Highmore (“Norman”), Max Thieriot (“Dylan Massett”) and Nestor Carbonell (“Sheriff Alex Romero”) along with creators and executive producers Kerry Ehrin and Carlton Cuse as they reveal exclusive content from the new season. Come join us and find out what’s in store for Season 5!
BLINDSPOT- (Saturday, July 23, 12:00-12:45 p.m., Hilton Bayfront Indigo Ballroom: Sponsored by Warner Bros. Television)
Following the shocking first-season finale, join “Blindspot” — last season’s # 1 new drama series on broadcast TV — as it returns to San Diego for its second appearance at Comic-Con! Sullivan Stapleton (“300: Rise of an Empire”) and Jaimie Alexander (“Thor: The Dark World”) star in this one-hour action thriller from Berlanti Productions and Quinn’s House, Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television. Stapleton stars as hardened FBI agent Kurt Weller, who is drawn into a complex conspiracy when a mysterious woman, with no memories of her past, is found in Times Square, her body completely covered in intricate cryptic tattoos. As Weller and his teammates at the FBI — Edgar Reade (Rob Brown, “Treme”), Tasha Zapata (Audrey Esparza, “Blackbox”) and the tech-savvy Patterson (Ashley Johnson, “Much Ado About Nothing”) — begin to investigate the veritable roadmap of Jane Doe’s tattoos, they are drawn into a high-stakes underworld that twists and turns through a labyrinth of secrets and revelations — with the information exposing a larger conspiracy of crime, while bringing her closer to discovering the truth about her identity.
Join us for a special video presentation followed by a Q&A with series stars Sullivan Stapleton, Jaimie Alexander, Rob Brown, Audrey Esparza, Ashley Johnson and writer/executive producer Martin Gero. “Blindspot” returns to NBC for its second season on Sept. 14 at 10 p.m., before moving to its regular timeslot of Wednesdays at 8 p.m. the following week. “Blindspot: The Complete First Season” will be released on DVD and Blu-ray Aug. 2. Become a fan of #Blindspot on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NBCBlindspot and follow the show on Twitter @NBCBlindspot.
GRIMM – (Saturday, July 23, 2:30-3:15 p.m., Ballroom 20: Sponsored by Universal Television)
NBC’s hit Friday night series returns to Comic-Con! The rivalry that has been brewing between Nick Burkhardt and Capt. Sean Renard for five seasons will come to a fever pitch and change everything when “Grimm” returns for its sixth season. As if that weren’t enough, will the subtle glimpses of Juliette derail Nick’s budding romance with Adalind? How will Monroe and Rosalee handle their impending parenthood?
Join your fellow “Grimmsters” for a panel filled with Wesen, season six themes and, of course, a Q&A session with the cast and producers: David Giuntoli, Russell Hornsby, Bitsie Tulloch, Silas Weir Mitchell, Reggie Lee, Sasha Roiz, Bree Turner, Claire Coffee, and executive producers/writers Jim Kouf and David Greenwalt. Become a fan of #Grimm on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NBCGrimm/ and follow the show on Twitter @NBCGrimm.
In addition, Adria Arjona, who stars as Dorothy, will give fans an exclusive first look at NBC’s new Oz-reimagined series “Emerald City,” followed by an exclusive sneak peak at “Midnight, Texas,” based on the hit book series from author Charlaine Harris (“True Blood”).
TIMELESS – (Saturday, July 23, 4:15-5:15 p.m., Room 6A: Sponsored by Sony Pictures Television)
From the creative minds behind “Revolution,” “Supernatural” and “The Blacklist” comes “Timeless,” a thrilling new action-adventure series in which a mysterious criminal steals a secret state-of-the-art time machine, intent on destroying America as we know it by changing the past. Our only hope is an unexpected team — a scientist, soldier and history professor — who must use the machine’s prototype to travel back in time to critical events and uncover the mystery behind this dangerous fugitive’s actions.
Preview an exclusive premiere screening of “Timeless” and join Abigail Spencer (“Rectify,” “Oz the Great and Powerful”), Matt Lanter (“Ultimate Spider-Man,” “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”), Malcolm Barrett (“Key and Peele,” “The Hurt Locker”), Goran Visnjic (“ER,” “Extant”) and executive producers Eric Kripke (“Supernatural,” “Revolution”) and Shawn Ryan (“The Shield,” “Mad Dogs”) for a Q&A session. “Timeless” premieres Monday, Oct. 11 at 10 p.m. on NBC and is produced by Sony Pictures Television. Become a fan of #Timeless on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NBCTimeless/ and follow the show on Twitter @NBCTimeless.
“Mufasa: The Lion King” is a visually stunning addition to the beloved Lion King franchise, offering a fresh and emotionally resonant take on the origins of one of Disney’s most iconic characters. The film beautifully explores Mufasa’s journey, balancing heartfelt moments with touches of comedy that lighten the mood and make the story accessible to audiences of all ages. The animation is breathtaking, capturing the vibrant landscapes and lush environments of the Pride Lands, adding depth to Mufasa’s character and his relationships.
The storytelling is compelling, effectively pulling at the heartstrings while providing insights into Mufasa’s character before he becomes the legendary king. However, the setup for Scar’s betrayal feels somewhat underdeveloped, lacking the deeper motivation that could have enriched their complex brotherly relationship. This missed opportunity leaves a slight gap in understanding Scar’s actions, which could have elevated the dramatic stakes.
The musical score is impressive, featuring memorable songs that enhance the emotional impact of pivotal scenes. While there are several standout tracks, one song, in particular, resonates deeply and is sure to linger in viewers’ minds long after the credits roll. Overall, “Mufasa: The Lion King” is an amazing film and a worthy addition to the Lion King lore that manages to deliver both laughter and tears, offering a rich tapestry of storytelling that fans will appreciate.
“Kraven the Hunter,” directed by J.C. Chandor, aims to introduce a beloved Spider-Man villain to the big screen, but unfortunately, it falls short of expectations. The film suffers from noticeable issues, notably an overuse of ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement), which detracts from the authenticity of the characters’ interactions and contributes to an uneven audio experience. This technical flaw is compounded by rough storytelling that feels disjointed and lacking in coherence, leaving viewers struggling to connect with the narrative.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson delivers a commendable performance as Kraven, showcasing the character’s gritty nature and complex motivations. His portrayal has potential, and it’s evident that he could elevate the character far beyond what is presented with a stronger script and direction. However, the absence of Spider-Man, a central figure in Kraven’s lore, leaves a void that the film struggles to fill. Without this critical connection, the plot meanders and fails to create the tension or stakes that fans of the superhero genre crave.
Additionally, including Rhino as a villain feels like a missed opportunity; he is presented more as a gag character with limited screen time, undermining any sense of threat or depth. For the average moviegoer, “Kraven the Hunter” might entertain but ultimately feels like a mediocre viewing experience. Comic book fans, however, may find disappointment in this lackluster attempt to create a solo character film. Instead of an exhilarating dive into Kraven’s world, the film presents a watered-down version, leaving audiences wishing for a more cohesive vision that honors its comic book roots.
A Year Without a Santa Claus, the 1974 stop-motion holiday classic produced by Rankin/Bass, is a heartwarming and whimsical tale that has cemented its place in holiday traditions. Based on Phyllis McGinley’s 1956 book, the story revolves around a disheartened Santa Claus who, feeling unappreciated, decides to take a year off from his Christmas duties. It’s up to Mrs. Claus and a pair of well-meaning elves, Jingle and Jangle, to reignite the Christmas spirit and show Santa the world’s unwavering belief in him.
The movie is beloved for its unforgettable characters, especially the bickering Miser Brothers, Snow Miser and Heat Miser. Their catchy, vaudeville-style musical numbers, “Snow Miser Song” and “Heat Miser Song”, are so iconic they’ve become cultural touchstones, often parodied and celebrated decades later.
Directed by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass, the film continues the duo’s tradition of stop-motion magic, blending heartfelt storytelling with quirky humor. The voice cast, featuring Mickey Rooney as Santa and Shirley Booth as Mrs. Claus, delivers standout performances. Booth’s warm narration was her final acting role before retirement, adding a layer of poignancy to the film.
Initially released on December 10, 1974, on ABC, the special didn’t immediately achieve the legendary status of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. However, it gained a dedicated following through annual holiday airings, nostalgic appeal, and its distinct charm.
The film’s themes of hope, unity, and rekindling joy remain timeless, making it a perennial favorite for audiences of all ages. Its blend of humor, catchy songs, and a touching message about believing in magic and goodwill ensures its enduring legacy during the holiday season.
For fans of holiday classics, A Year Without a Santa Claus is a must-watch that never fails to warm hearts and spread cheer.
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