The ATX TV Festival is set to make a vibrant return from May 29 to June 1 in downtown Austin, marking its 14th season with an exciting lineup of reunions, world premieres, exclusive panels, live performances, and fan events.
Founded in 2012 by Caitlin McFarland and Emily Gipson, the festival has become a premier destination for television enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, celebrating the past, present, and future of the TV medium.
McFarland and Gipson, who first crossed paths while working as assistants at Fox Studios, were inspired to create the festival upon realizing a lack of community-driven events celebrating television.
“We felt very strongly that festivals needed to be destinations,” McFarland explained, highlighting Austin’s vibrant culture as the perfect backdrop for such a celebration.
This season promises to feature notable events, including the prestigious Achievement in Television eXcellence Award presented to Christine Baranski, acknowledging her remarkable television career with memorable roles in productions such as
Cybill, The Good Wife, The Good Fight, and The Gilded Age.
Fans will also be treated to a special retrospective on
Mad Men, where Jon Hamm will join in to reflect on the Emmy-winning role that solidified his career as Don Draper a decade ago.
Another highlight will be the reunion of the beloved animated series
King of the Hill, where creators and cast will revisit the classic show and offer a sneak peek of its upcoming revival on Hulu, followed by a backyard-style party featuring Texas-themed food and activities for Camp Badgeholders.
The history of the hit series
The Leftovers will also be revisited, with stars Justin Theroux and Carrie Coon, as well as showrunner Damon Lindelof, sharing insights into the show’s impactful three-season journey.
In addition, a compelling panel featuring Tony Gilroy and Beau Willimon will delve into the intricate world-building of
Andor, the acclaimed Star Wars prequel series.
Seth Meyers is set to make his debut at the festival with a special Opening Night event of
Late Night with Seth Meyers, providing attendees with an inside look at the Emmy-nominated show.
The ATX TV Festival has successfully balanced industry-led discussions with content that appeals to fans, fostering a unique community connection that television inherently nurtures.
Gipson remarked, “Television is something that you watch so much in your living room and you know these people so well and have invited them so much into your life that it feels that it’s more community-driven…”
This emphasis on a welcoming atmosphere is echoed by McFarland, who noted their commitment to avoiding the overwhelming elements that some larger festivals can have.
As viewing habits evolve, the festival continues to stress the significance of in-person gatherings, creating a shared viewing experience among attendees.
Gipson stated, “When you come to the festival, you can talk about it as if you just watched it,” emphasizing the timelessness of storytelling through television.
Beyond the star-studded panels, the festival remains devoted to discovery, urging attendees to explore new programming.
McFarland remarked, “Go to something you know nothing about. That’s usually where the magic happens.”
Festival badges and tickets are now available, featuring options such as the all-access Camp Badge for $535, the General Programming Badge for $335, the TV Pass for $150, and select single tickets for events at the Paramount Theatre at atxfestival.com.
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