Scenes from Comic-Con 2016: Ted Danson, 'Community' Reunion and Pokemon

How many times did I flatter American Treasure Ted Danson? Enough to make it funny -- but hopefully not enough to make it weird.

Moderating the panel for NBC's upcoming comedy "The Good Place," starring Danson and Kristen Bell, was clearly the highlight of this summer's Comic-Con in San Diego. It was my first for IndieWire -- but with our TV team in place and in town, we didn't miss a beat. A few highlights from this year's journey:



Other panels I moderated included NBC's "Powerless," starring Vanessa Hudgens, Danny Pudi, Alan Tudyk and Ron Funches. The panel was way too short -- they cut off our microphones when we went a touch over! But it was still a fun one.



On stage with the aforementioned treasures Danson and Bell, plus Mike Schur and Drew Goddard.



Spotted in town: Mr. Robot.



Speaking of Danny Pudi! We caught up backstage.



One of my favorite things about the Comic-Con green rooms: Impromptu reunions! Here, "Lost" masterminds Carlton Cuse, Eddy Kitsis and Adam Horowitz run into each other. Carlton was there for "Colony" and "Bates Motel," while Eddy and Adam were back for "Once Upon a Time."



My third panel -- WGN America's "Salem," starring Janet Montgomery.



Among the highlights covering panels: Prankster Andrew Lincoln tried to get back at his "The Walking Dead" co-star Norman Reedus by blowing glitter in his face. Instead, it ended up straight back in his beard. D'oh!



Large-sized Kobe, seen on the floor.



Another green room reunion! "Community's" Yvette Nicole Brown and Danny Pudi meet up!



Hanh and I tour the 20th anniversary "South Park" activation. Yep, good ol' Mr. Hankey the Christmas Poo.



The rowdy cast of "Archer" read an episode on a yacht deck.



Snoopy at his booth!



NBC Universal cable-themed cocktails.



This guy's gonna have to take a good, long shower.



Friday morning live on "Kevin & Bean" with Ralph Garman and Kevin Ryder!



Gotta catch 'em all!



Pretty realistic wax Negan and his "Walking Dead" prey.



Conan, back in San Diego for a second year.



Conan ad.



Who ya gonna call?


The crowded floor.



Spotted around San Diego: "Mulder? It's Me!"

FREE L.A.: Snoopy Ice Show in Pershing Square

Downtown on Ice

As we mentioned in the blog post below (and our flurry of posts over the years), we love the Downtown on Ice skating rink in Pershing Square. Next Tuesday, the rink goes extra kid-friendly as the cast of Knotts Berry Farm's "It's Christmas Snoopy" ice revue does a free show.

Here are some details:

With festive music and colorful costumes, the special “mini” showcase presentation features the famous skating beagle and his friends as they look for the true meaning of Christmas. “It’s Christmas, Snoopy!” premieres at Knott’s “Merry” Farm with performances at select times from November 24, 2011 through January 1, 2012.

Free to the public, the outdoor showcase is part of a community outreach program in partnership with the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks and Knott's Berry Farm. Immediately following the performance, Snoopy and friends will be available for a meet & greet with fans.

The free show takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 4 p.m. Then stay around to skate: Admission is just $6, plus $2 for skate rental.

Good Griefing It At The "Peanuts" Museum

Charlie Brown welcomes you.

Growing up, I went through my obsessive "Peanuts" phase, collecting the comic strips, stuffed animals, TV specials, etc. Charles Schulz even inspired me to dream of a comic strip career -- too bad I couldn't draw. And let's face it, as a 10 year old, I just wasn't very funny. (Some would argue that hasn't changed. Bastards.)

That's why last month, as we spent a few days up in Santa Rosa, I made sure we stopped by the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center.

You've probably read in recent reviews for the new biography Schulz and Peanuts, which depicts Schulz as a rather bitter figure. I've always figured that Schulz had a glass-half-empty view toward life -- just read the strip! -- so that doesn't really bother me. And indeed, a visit to the museum (built next to the studio where he worked, and the ice rink he erected in the 1970s) shows that Schulz was mostly set in his ways: He ate lunch at the rink snack bar every day, and watched the ice skaters in the afternoon in between drawing that day's strip.

The museum itself is well-done, offering a history of "Peanuts" (a name Schulz always hated -- but his syndicate forced on him) as well as a rotating gallery of strips themed to different topics and events. There are exhibits for kids (including an art room, where young ones can design their own comics), a screening room where "Peanuts" specials are shown, a garden shaped like Snoopy's head, and more.

The visit was well worth the trip. I was amazed at Blogger Toddler, who somehow had figured out already who Charlie Brown and Snoopy were, and who was excited to go see "Snoopy's house." If a 2 1/2-year-old pretty much discovers Charlie Brown and Snoopy just by being alive, then "Peanuts" is truly universal.


Charlie Brown and Snoopy at the entrance


Museum exhibit


Comic strips, even at the bathroom urinal!


Comic strips, turned into a larger Charlie Brown and Lucy mural


Parade of 95 Snoopy "Joe Cools" -- which will be auctioned for charity after being displayed at the museum. (These initially sat in front of businesses this summer around Santa Rosa.)