The Supergirl Paleyfest Disaster! The Paley Center Held The Panel Before The Screening So That Fans Couldn’t Get Photos or Autographs!

Supergirl is one of my favorite new shows, I know a lot of people consider it a little cheesy and over the top but I think it’s very well done. The cast is great and it’s a wonderful popcorn series. Plus, it’s way more family friendly than the other superhero shows on the CW.

I was excited to see the series be added to the Paleyfest list, and was able to get second row seats for a friend of mine and I. Now, generally with Paleyfest events they show a clip reel or episode and then have a q and a with the cast. I’ve been going to Paleyfest since they started and I’ve never seen the format change when there’s only been one show honored.

Now, if there’s two shows they will have a panel with one and then that cast leaves and the other one takes the stage.

Last night, for the first time ever, that was reversed for the sole sake of screwing over the fans. It’s so disappointing, and of course it had to happen to the one event I was going to.

The panel itself was good, the cast was fun and while there were not spoilers or even a clear indication of whether or not the show was going to be renewed, I had a nice time.

Once the panel was over, people still headed to the stage as about 10 security guards rushed to the stage and blocked the cast from signing and greeting the fans. Melissa Benoist tried to come over and was blocked by the security. They literally held their arms out and said no, you can’t go over.

Fans from all around the auditorium booed, one lady yelled “Are you kidding me?” and Melissa Benoist looked shocked and really sad by the whole scene.

I have to tell you, people who paid good money were not happy. One longtime Paley Center member who purchased the show runners pass said, “It’s like they are going out of their way to make people not want to come anymore.”

Apparently, judging by the conversations I had with people who were longtime supporters of the festival, people this year were not happy. Even at the panel before Supergirl, the cast was allowed to sign, however another attendee said, “As soon as Anthony Anderson had a pen in his hand, security told him he had to leave before he even started to sign! Anthony Anderson looked so confused!”

Personally, I think it really sucks that an organization who advertises that you can come and see the stars, are pulling this behavior. A lot of people come to Paleyfest to get selfies and autographs. It’s what you do. When tickets at face value run for around $100 with fees and then you block people from even trying to get something signed. It’s pretty sad.

What was once a fun, fan friendly event is turning out to be a bad experience for all.

It’s a shame.

And just to clarify, I don’t blame the Supergirl cast. I was able to meet Chyler Leigh as she left the venue and I actually asked her about it. She said that it wasn’t the casts choice and it was done by Paleyfest. She said, “I know Melissa feels really bad about it, and we honestly had no idea.”
I’m not sure if any other panel is going to be like that, or if this was a one time thing, but make sure and take note before you spend any money on Paley events.

Until next time kids…