CONversations: The Cast of Ned’s Declassified on Fandom, Nostalgia, and Why Comic Cons Matter
- Klep Napier
- Jan 1
- 2 min read
By Klep Napier| Wearecritix.com
There is something uniquely grounding about stepping off the internet and into a room full of people who genuinely love what you do. That feeling was front and center during our latest CONversations sit-down with the cast of Ned’s Declassified at Rhode Island Comic Con. Hosted by CritiX Editor-in-Chief Klep Napier as part of an Altered Reality event, the conversation brought together Devon Werkheiser, Lindsey Shaw, and Daniel Curtis Lee to reflect on fandom, nostalgia, and what it truly means to meet the people behind the usernames.
Rhode Island Comic Con proved to be a standout stop on the convention circuit for the trio. The cast shared that this was one of their most packed and energetic conventions to date, with fans showing up ready to quote lines, sing theme songs, and openly express how the show and their podcast continue to resonate years later. What surprised them most was not just the turnout, but how activated the audience was, emotionally and creatively, reminding them that Ned’s Declassified has grown into a shared cultural touchstone rather than just a nostalgic memory.
Midway through the conversation, the discussion shifted toward validation in an era where posting online often feels like shouting into the void. While numbers, comments, and downloads tell one story, meeting fans face to face told another. Hearing people say the podcast helps them through tough moments or brings comfort in everyday life hit differently. It transformed abstract metrics into real human connection, reinforcing why spaces like Comic Cons remain so vital for creatives navigating modern media.
[WATCH THE FULL CONVERSATION FROM RHODE ISLAND COMIC CON HERE]
The cast also opened up about being fans themselves. From Avatar: The Last Airbender and anime staples like Dragon Ball and Pokémon, to comfort rewatches of Grey’s Anatomy and lifelong devotion to Lord of the Rings, their fandoms were just as passionate as the ones surrounding them. That shared enthusiasm created a full-circle moment, where celebrities became fans and fans became collaborators in the experience of the convention floor.
What stood out most was the honesty around timing. The cast acknowledged that this era of conventions feels right because the audience who grew up with Nickelodeon and Disney programming now has the freedom, nostalgia, and means to engage on a deeper level. Comic Cons are no longer just about promotion. They are spaces of affirmation, creativity, and mutual appreciation, especially for artists navigating an industry where work can feel fleeting and uncertain.
As CONversations continues to explore fandom from both sides of the table, this Rhode Island Comic Con moment felt like a reminder of why these exchanges matter. And it does not stop here. CritiX Media and Altered Reality will be sitting down with the cast again this February for a follow-up interview focused entirely on the fandom experience at conventions, as part of our original collaboration series CONversations. Keep an eye out, because the dialogue between creators and fans is only getting deeper.
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