Lisa Whelchel Will Host MeTV’s Broadcast Premiere of ‘The Wizard of Oz’

MeTV is bringing The Wizard of Oz back to broadcast television this October as part of a full month of themed programming. During two panels at San Diego Comic-Con, Lisa Whelchel, Svengoolie and the Sven Squad gave fans an early look at the network’s fall schedule.

The announcements included MeTV’s broadcast premiere of the classic film, a new Oz-themed episode of Collector’s Call, this year’s Halloween BOO-nanza movie lineup and Garbage Pail Kids cards featuring the Sven Squad. Let’s go over all of this exciting news!

Lisa Whelchel will host The Wizard of Oz on MeTV

Everett Collection

Whelchel will host MeTV’s broadcast premiere of The Wizard of Oz, which will kick off a month of themed programming and specials. During the broadcast, MeTV will also present “The Wonderful World of Oz,” a series of original vignettes featuring rare stories about the film, museum-quality memorabilia and people who have helped bring the world of Oz to the screen, stage and page.

“Being part of San Diego Comic-Con for our very first Collector’s Call panel, and celebrating the nostalgia of bringing back family television events like The Wizard of Oz, was so much fun. I’m always fascinated by collectors and the passion they have for the things they treasure. Meeting fans during the autograph session was especially meaningful, and experiencing the excitement and energy of the Comic-Con floor in person was truly unforgettable,” Whelchel said during the show’s first San Diego Comic-Con panel, according to the MeTV press release.

Collector’s Call visits an Oz expert

Courtesy of MeTV

MeTV will premiere a new episode of Collector’s Call in October featuring Tori Calamito, whom the network describes as one of the country’s leading authorities on The Wizard of Oz. Her collection spans more than a century and includes a first-edition Oz book, stage-worn costumes from the musical Wicked and autographs from stars of the 1939 film.

Svengoolie & the BOO-nanza

Courtesy of MeTV

During a separate panel, Svengoolie star Rich Koz, executive producer Jim Roche and the Sven Squad announced that Svengoolie will showcase The Wizard of Oz in a special episode. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) will also be part of the October movie lineup. Meanwhile, House of Svengoolie will present Berserk (1967), Revenge of the Creature (1955) and Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark (1973).

The Sven Squad gets Garbage Pail Kids cards

@realsvengoolie Talk about a grossly awesome reveal! The Sven Squad is officially getting their very own Garbage Pail Kids cards, fresh off their big debut at San Diego Comic-Con! See where to get yours in October! #svengoolie #metv #svensquad #garbagepailkids #SDCC2026 #tradingcards ♬ original sound – Svengoolie

The Sven Squad also revealed that Gwengoolie (Sarah Palmer), IMP (Scott Gryder) and Nostalgiaferatoo (Bill Leff) are getting their own Garbage Pail Kids cards. Each collectible features a gross and funny version of the character. The cards are expected to be released in October, but information about where fans can find them has not yet been announced.

MeTV’s Halloween BOO-nanza will return for its fifth consecutive year with a month of classic horror movies and spooky television favorites. The network has not yet announced the complete October schedule or the exact airdate for The Wizard of Oz, but stay tuned!