New Comic-Con Channel to Launch May 7!

Getting tickets to Comic-Con is almost as difficult as becoming an astronaut, so for those of you who haven’t been lucky enough to snag passes to the world’s biggest convention, hold on to your hats: Lionsgate and CCI are launching a Comic-Con channel!

According to Variety, the new channel will launch with free beta access on May 7 (Free Comic Book Day – how apropos!) and open officially sometime in June. San Diego Comic-Con this year is July 21-24, and they hope to have everything up and running in time for the convention. Anyone can pre-register for free beta access now! Beta users can enjoy a full platform of programming starting May 7 via their browsers and iOS/Android devices. “The paid subscription service will roll out across more connected devises in the months to come such as Roku, AppleTV and Xbox One, with additional devices and distribution platforms becoming available throughout the year.”

Comic-Con HQ – an ad-free, subscription (no price yet, sorry!), video on-demand platform – will feature “original scripted and unscripted series, recurring daily and weekly entertainment commentary, live and archival programming, film and TV genre titles, and behind-the-scenes access and bonus features from genre titles”.

Included in the “original scripted and unscripted” shows are Richard Speight and Rob Benedict’s Kings of Con, which is inspired by the Supernatural stars’ real-life experiences at fan conventions; Impossible Science, a science entertainment show starring magician Jason Latimer, which explores technologies that make science look like magic; and an unscripted series hosted by Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein, which follows Her Universe SDCC fashion show contestants as they design their cosplay and couture.

But that’s not all! Former host of G4’s X-Play and gaming personality Adam Sessler “will executive produce programs on comics, science and gaming, along with hosting his own interview series”, according to Variety. Also in developtment are a pop culture news show produced by Kevin Pereira (Attack of the Show), a late-night talk show (please get Chris Hardwick! That guy really needs work), and – something I am really excited about – a show about pop culture from women’s perspectives discussed by an all-female panel.

Comic-Con HQ also intends to provide access to San Diego Comic-Con itself with livestreamed programming including the convention floor, select SDCC panels, and specific events like the Masquerade and the Eisner Awards. Members will also be able to enjoy interviews and previews available only on CCHQ in “a growing library of new and archival panels, bonus features, behind-the-scenes previews and more”.

Executive Vice President and general manager for Comic-Con HQ, Seth Laderman said:

For nearly half a century, Comic-Con has served as the definitive common ground where the fans of genre entertainment come together to express their passion for comics and pop culture.

Comic-Con HQ aspires to extend that exchange 365 days a year, bringing everything we love about Comic-Con to the world in ways never before seen and experienced. The new platform will provide a year-round destination to enjoy all facets of the community and access the vast diversity of content the world has come to expect from the largest and longest-running pop cultural celebration of the year.

What do you guys think about this news? Are you excited for Comic-Con HQ? Let us know in the comments!

Author: Jamie Sugah

Jamie has a BA in English with a focus in creative writing from The Ohio State University. She self-published her first novel, The Perils of Long Hair on a Windy Day, which is available through Amazon. She is currently an archivist and lives in New York City with her demon ninja vampire cat. She covers television, books, movies, anime, and conventions in the NYC area.

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