ATX TV Festival Welcomes ‘I Love Lucy’ Script Reading Alongside Exciting Reunions for ‘Friday Night Lights’ and ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’
ATX TV Festival Unveils Season 15 Programming Lineup
The ATX TV Festival has announced its Season 15 programming, featuring a diverse array of panels and events. Highlights include discussions with the creators and cast of The Paper, as well as a screening and Q&A for Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed.
This year’s festival will honor the 75th anniversary of I Love Lucy with a live script reading, showcasing a guest cast that will be revealed at a later date.
Additionally, Lisa Katz, President of Scripted Content at NBC & Peacock, and Erin Underhill, President of Universal Television, will participate in a sit-down discussion. The festival will also see the return of the Universal Studio Group Presents: Funny AF event.
Longtime collaborators Sherry Thomas and Sharon Bialy will receive the inaugural Collaborator Award, recognizing their significant impact on television and pop culture through their creative partnership. "Collaboration is essential to the communal nature of television," festival organizers stated.
Thomas and Bialy’s notable work includes critically acclaimed shows such as Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Barry. They are set to join collaborators for a discussion during the festival.
The festival also adds new guests to previously announced panels. Friday Night Lights star Scott Porter and executive producer Sarah Aubrey will join the celebration of the show’s 20-year reunion, expected to be a highlight of the event.
Moreover, the creators and cast of Everybody Loves Raymond will hold a 30th anniversary event, featuring writers such as Tom Caltabiano and Mike Royce.
ATX TV Festival Season 15 is scheduled for May 28 to 31 in Austin, Texas.
Event Highlights
The Paper Panel: Creators and cast provide insights into the show’s fandom and expectations for Season 2.
Conversation with Lisa Katz & Erin Underhill: Discussion on the evolution of programming at NBC, Peacock, and Universal Television, coinciding with NBC’s 100th anniversary.
Funny AF Panel: A gathering of top voices in television comedy, discussing the craft and business of creating laughter.
NBC 100 Presents: A look back at the legacy of procedural dramas, featuring anecdotes from those involved in iconic shows.
Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed Screening and Q&A: Following the screening, creator David Rosen and cast members Tatiana Maslany, Brandon Flynn, and Murray Bartlett will engage with attendees.
Collaborator Award Discussion: Sherry Thomas and Sharon Bialy will explore the collaborative process of casting and their impact on various television series.
Live Script Reading of I Love Lucy: Celebrating the beloved series with guest actors stepping into its iconic roles.
Casting Procedurals Panel: Experts discuss the intricacies of casting for procedural dramas.
Indie TV Discussion: Steve Zahn and Rick Gomez will analyze their journey in producing independent television series.
Development In Progress: Creators discuss the ups and downs of developing new projects in collaboration with established institutions.
The festival promises engaging discussions and memorable reunions as it celebrates the world of television in Austin.
