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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…