San Diego Comic-Con 2026 is about to get a masterclass in television leadership. Collider is launching its first-ever "Showrunners on Showrunning" panel, bringing together three of the most influential minds in the industry: Greg Daniels (The Office, Parks and Recreation), Damon Lindelof (Lost, Watchmen), and Katie Dippold (Widow's Bay). The trio will pull back the curtain on what it really takes to steer a series from concept to screen.
What exactly does a showrunner do? According to the panel description, they're the creative engine, problem-solver, tone-setter, and final decision-maker—all rolled into one. In this candid conversation, moderated by Collider's editor-in-chief Steven Weintraub, the showrunners will share war stories from the writers' room, the set, and everywhere in between. Expect deep dives into breaking stories, casting characters, protecting creative vision, and navigating the chaos of production.
Meet the Showrunners
Greg Daniels: From Springfield to Scranton
Daniels is an Emmy-winning writer, director, and producer whose career spans some of TV's most beloved comedies. He started on Saturday Night Live, The Simpsons, and Seinfeld before co-creating King of the Hill with Mike Judge—a show that ran 13 seasons and recently got a Hulu revival. He then developed NBC's iconic The Office, co-created Parks and Recreation, and created Prime Video's Upload. His ability to blend humor with heart has made him a legend in the comedy world.
Damon Lindelof: Master of Mystery and Meaning
Lindelof needs no introduction to anyone who's debated the ending of Lost. That series put him on the map, and he followed it with HBO's haunting The Leftovers and the groundbreaking Watchmen miniseries. He also co-created Peacock's Mrs. Davis and co-wrote Prometheus and Star Trek Into Darkness. Next up, he's involved in HBO Max's Lanterns, starring Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler. Lindelof's work consistently pushes boundaries across drama, sci-fi, and superhero genres.
Katie Dippold: Comedy Veteran Turned Genre-Bender
Dippold has spent over two decades in comedy, writing for Parks and Recreation and penning screenplays for The Heat, Haunted Mansion, and the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot. But she made her showrunning debut with Apple TV+'s Widow's Bay, a genre-blending horror-comedy starring Matthew Rhys that became one of the year's most talked-about series. The show has already been renewed for a second season, and Dippold is also working on a Hello Kitty movie. For more on the show's future, check out our interview with her on the finale twist and Season 2 plans.
What to Expect from the Panel
The panel promises to cover everything from building iconic comedies to crafting eerie new worlds. Whether you're a fan of The Office, Lost, or Widow's Bay, you'll get an inside look at how these creators balance vision with the realities of production. They'll discuss how shows evolve, how creative voices are protected, and what happens when the plan meets the budget. It's a rare chance to hear from three showrunners who have navigated everything from network sitcoms to prestige streaming dramas.
Comic-Con will announce the panel's time, location, and date soon, so keep an eye on SDCC's schedule updates. This is a must-attend for anyone who's ever wondered how their favorite shows get made—or who dreams of running one themselves.
