SDCC 2017 brings exclusive footage of TV’s best to excited geeks 

Each year, San Diego Comic Con brings fans exclusive previews and screenings of their favorite (and soon to be favorite!) shows. Network, cable, and internet services roll out everything from behind-the-scenes footage to entire episodes in order to treat devoted TV fanatics and press alike.

We know it’s hard to keep track of all the newest sneak peeks from SDCC, so we’ve rounded up some of the most anticipated panels and screenings for this year. From Marvel’s superheroes (and boy are there a few this year) to a new wave of Starfleet officers in space, here’s some of the top exclusives we’re looking forward to.

1. MARVEL’S THE DEFENDERS (NETFLIX)

SATURDAY, JULY 22ND AT 5:15PM | HALL H

Luke Cage. Jessica Jones. Matt Murdock. Danny Rand. Together, they make up Netflix’s ultimate superhero team-up (yeah, even Danny), and they’re coming to SDCC in a big way. With series stars  and executive producer Jeph Loeb, fans will get their first look at The Defenders in action with a special preview and Q&A.

2. BLACK LIGHTNING (CW)

PREVIEW: WEDNESDAY, JULY 19TH FROM 6-10PM | BALLROOM 20
PANEL + PREVIEW: SATURDAY, JULY 22ND AT 4:50PM | BALLROOM 20

The CW brings another DC hero to the small screen with Black Lightning. Cross Williams stars as Jefferson Pierce, a retired superhero  who gets pulled back into the fray in order to protect his family. Black Lightning has two previews at SDCC: Wednesday at the WB’S preview night, and Saturday at its official panel. We don’t know if we’ll be treated to two different previews, so stay tuned to our Comic Con coverage for more!

3. MIDNIGHT, TEXAS (NBC)

SATURDAY, JULY 22ND AT 4PM | ROOM 6BCF

NBC brings True Blood novelist Charlaine Harris’ next novel to life with Midnight, Texas. In addition to an interactive fan experience that includes exclusive Snapchat filters, NBC is screening the entire first episode of the show at Comic-Con. Catch episode 1 of Midnight, Texas at the show’s panel with the cast and crew on Saturday.

4. STRANGER THINGS (NETFLIX)

SATURDAY, JULY 22ND AT 3PM | HALL H

The gang is back! Everyone’s favorite scrappy nerds are heading to SDCC to preview the hit show’s second season. Stranger Things brings some strange things to the table with a panel stocked with the series cast, as well as never-before-seen footage from the upcoming season. This curiosity door is definitely unlocked.

5. MARVEL’S INHUMANS (ABC)

THURSDAY, JULY 20TH AT 6:15PM | BALLROOM 20

TV history is set to be made with the introduction of Marvel’s Inhumans. Shot entirely on IMAX cameras and actually screening on IMAX screens later this summer, Inhumans is coming to SDCC with a special preview of its premiere season. Join the cast and crew for some footage and a Q&A session on Thursday!

6. DECEPTION (NBC)

PREVIEW NIGHT: WEDNESDAY, JULY 19TH FROM 6-10PM | BALLROOM 20

ABC doesn’t have a panel set for their newest drama, Deception, but that isn’t stopping them from bringing the show to SDCC.  Following the life of a disgraced magician who turns to the FBI to help them solve cases, Deception could prove  to be a good hour of odd entertainment up for preview. Who doesn’t like seeing what weird twist networks will put on procedural dramas to get us to tune in? Check out the entirety of Deception’s pilot during the WB’s preview night.

7. TWIN PEAKS (SHOWTIME)

FRIDAY, JULY 21ST AT 10PM | ROOM 6A

Obsessed with the return of Twin Peaks? Dying for more small-town weirdness? You can catch a very special screening of “Part 11”  at SDCC, hosted by Showtime (or watch it live on July 23rd). Move fast! The showing is a first-come, first-served situation.

8. PEOPLE OF EARTH (TBS)

FRIDAY, JULY 21ST AT 6PM | ROOM 6A

The oddball alien comedy that could is back at SDCC for a look at its next season. Focusing on a group of alien aficionados who are hell bent on finding out “the truth,” People of Earth is coming to SDCC for a star-packed panel and an exclusive first look at its second season premiere. A Q&A will follow.

9. NETFLIX SURPRISE SCREENING

THURSDAY, JULY 20TH AT 10PM | HORTON GRAND THEATRE

Netflix has a surprise planned — the catch is, no one really knows what it is. On Thursday, head to the Horton Grand Theatre to see an exclusive screening of a Netflix original film before it hits the streaming service. Hang around to check out some fun interactive elements, too, including prop displays and autograph signings. By who? Who knows! We’ll have to find out.

10. LEGION (FX)

THURSDAY, JULY 20TH AT 5PM | BALLROOM 20

We’ve saved the coolest for last. Legion is coming back to Comic Con this year, but the sneak peek at season 2 isn’t just contained to the show’s panel on Thursday. An interactive “mixed reality experience” called Sessions: The Legion Mixed Reality Experience will mix VR with live actors to give fans a glimpse at what it’s like to be in the mind of the show’s main character, David Haller. In addition to footage from season 1, fans will see snippets from season 2 as they move around inside Legion’s virtual world. Make sure to make your experience reservations early, though — slots will start filling up starting on July 17th.

Catch Even More at Your Favorite Show Panel!

Even though we’ve outlined ten standouts here, there’s always more to see at SDCC. Your favorite show might bring a little something to help hold you over until it starts again, whether it’s a sizzle reel, behind the scenes footage, or a teaser trailer. Keep an eye on Nerdeek for updates on everything SDCC!