The highly anticipated Season 12 of the ATX TV Festival concluded on Sunday, June 4th, in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas. Often referred to as “TV Camp for Grownups,” the festival brought together fans and industry professionals to celebrate the world of television through panel discussions, Q&A sessions, screenings, and special events. With a lineup featuring beloved shows and their cast and creators, Season 12 offered attendees a truly memorable experience. Let’s dive into the highlights of this extraordinary television celebration.
Opening Night Premiere: Justified: City Primeval
Kicking off the festival with a bang, FX’s “Justified: City Primeval” had its world premiere during the opening night event. The cast, including Timothy Olyphant, Boyd Holbrook, Adelaide Clemens, Vivian Olyphant, and executive producer Sarah Timberman, took the stage for a captivating Q&A session following the premiere, giving fans an exclusive insight into the series.
A Conversation with James Burrows
Esteemed director and co-creator of iconic sitcoms such as “Cheers,” James Burrows, was honored with the Achievement in Television eXcellence Award. In a fascinating discussion, Burrows delved into his remarkable career, which includes directing over 1,000 episodes of television and being the creative force behind beloved shows like “Friends,” “Frasier,” and “Will & Grace.”
“Cheers” Reunion and Script Reading
Fans of the classic sitcom “Cheers” were treated to a special script reading and reunion with cast members Ted Danson, John Ratzenberger, and George Wendt. Joined by co-creators James Burrows, Les Charles, and Glen Charles, the event highlighted the show’s enduring legacy, as the cast and creatives reminisced about their favorite memories and the impact the series had on their careers.
Exclusive Screening: Manifest Season 4 Part Two
ATX TV Festival offered a sneak peek of season four, part two of the popular series “Manifest” ahead of its debut on Netflix. After the screening, a panel discussion ensued, featuring cast members Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas, J.R. Ramirez, Luna Blaise, Parveen Kaur, Matt Long, Holly Taylor, and Daryl Edwards, providing fans with insights into the thrilling storyline.
A Glimpse of the Future: grown-ish Season 6
The cast of Freeform’s “grown-ish” took the stage to share insights about the show and present an exclusive first look at the upcoming sixth season. Marcus Scribner, Trevor Jackson, and Daniella Perkins engaged in a lively conversation, giving fans a taste of what’s to come in this beloved spin-off.
WGA Strike Discussion and Amazon’s Jury Duty Panel
The festival also delved into significant industry topics with a WGA Strike Conversation featuring Zoanne Clack, Greg Iwinski, and Julie Plec. Attendees had the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge about the issues at stake. Additionally, a surprise guest conversation with Ronald Gladden from Amazon’s “Jury Duty” shed light on the experiences of the cast and creatives involved in the production.
Closing Night Spectacle: Righteous Gemstones
The grand finale took place at ACL Live, where HBO’s “Righteous Gemstones” was presented by MAX. The sold-out event featured directors David Gordon Green and Jody Hill, alongside the notorious Danny McBride and fellow cast members Cassidy Freeman, Edi Patterson, Adam Devine, and John Goodman. It was a night filled with laughter and excitement as the cast discussed their experiences working on the hit series.