(The following is a press release; its contents were not editorially vetted by The Desk.)
After a successful Comet Fest 2024, Comet — the top broadcast destination for fans of sci-fi and fantasy entertainment franchises — today announced the on-air and digital fan festival will return for a third year in Summer 2025 with a salute to the Jurassic Park franchise.
This year, Comet Fest 2024 aired from July 31-August 3, with a focus on artificial intelligence, anchored by many of the top AI, android and humanoid-themed franchises in history including The Terminator, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Westworld, Futureworld and AI: Artificial Intelligence.
For the event, Comet introduced Hailee, an AI host and digital chatbot created in partnership with D-ID, HeyGen and Midjourney. Hailee provided interactive content, engaged with viewers, and offered insights and trivia about the films being aired.
In addition, Comet hosted their first-ever live Comet Fest event at the historic Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills. Hundreds of fans attended and were treated to an immersive Comet branded experience including a panel discussion, hosted by KSNV’s Everett Cardwell, on the impact of AI in film and the real-world implications, and a special screening of Terminator 2: Judgment Day, with popcorn, prize giveaways, custom photo-ops and games.
Over 3.5 million viewers watched the multi day Comet Fest 2024, a +40% YOY growth over Comet Fest 2023. Comet Fest 2024 saw an increase in younger viewers, with double and triple digit increases across P18-49 and P25-54. P18-49 was +102% vs 2023 and +84% vs the time period, and P25-54 was +14% vs last year and +49% vs the time period.
“The success of Comet Fest marks another milestone in our commitment to bringing engaging and innovative content to our viewers, and celebrating the best in sci-fi and fantasy entertainment,” said Adam Ware, SVP Sinclair Growth Networks. “This year’s theme focused on AI and cutting-edge technology, which resonated with Comet’s passionate viewers as we saw double-digit increases in the time periods. We’re excited to continue the momentum with Comet Fest 2025 next summer.”
