ATX TV Festival is turning sweet 16, and the celebration is already underway! The beloved Austin festival is giving television fans an early look at its 2027 lineup, featuring iconic reunions, milestone anniversaries and a little high school nostalgia.
ATX TV Festival founders and co-presidents Caitlin McFarland and Emily Gipson joined Sierra Waggoner and Trevor Scott on We Are Austin to share what’s ahead for Season 16, happening June 3–6, 2027, in downtown Austin.
ATX TV Festival founders and co-presidents Caitlin McFarland and Emily Gipson joined Sierra Waggoner and Trevor Scott on We Are Austin to share what’s ahead for Season 16, happening June 3–6, 2027, in downtown Austin.IMG_0426.JPG
“We’re leaning into it. We like a theme,” the founders shared about the festival’s Sweet 16 celebration.
And while the birthday theme will bring plenty of nostalgic programming, they promise there’s something for every kind of television fan.
Iconic reunions and milestone anniversaries
One of the first major announcements is a Revenge reunion, celebrating the drama’s 16th anniversary alongside the festival’s own milestone year.
The founders recently reunited with members of the cast in Los Angeles and knew they wanted to bring that excitement to Austin.
“We’ve announced most of the Revenge people. I’m not saying that more people don’t join them,” they teased.
ATX TV Festival founders and co-presidents Caitlin McFarland and Emily Gipson joined Sierra Waggoner and Trevor Scott on We Are Austin to share what’s ahead for Season 16, happening June 3–6, 2027, in downtown Austin.
Another major celebration will honor 25 years of Band of Brothers, the acclaimed HBO miniseries whose cast members have maintained close friendships long after filming.
“They really are brothers in real life,” the founders shared, explaining that the cast has continued gathering around D-Day over the years.
The festival will also recognize the 30th anniversary of Oz, the groundbreaking HBO drama that helped redefine television storytelling.
EGOT-winning actress Rita Moreno is among the announced guests, bringing even more excitement to the anniversary celebration.
“Oz was really on the forefront of all of that,” the founders said while discussing how HBO changed expectations for television.
Freaks and Geeks returns with a special script reading
The Sweet 16 theme continues with a special Freaks and Geeks script reading, bringing the cult-favorite high school series back to life in a new way.
ATX TV Festival has hosted script readings for approximately a decade, revisiting beloved shows including I Love Lucy, The Golden Girls, Dawson’s Creek, The O.C. and Cheers.
“We wanted to do a Freaks and Geeks reunion for a very long time,” the founders shared.
While additional participants will be announced later, the festival hopes to welcome original cast members and incorporate the perspective of casting director Allison Jones, who originally cast the series.
“We thought it might be fun to have her input. How would she recast some of the roles?”
Celebrating the art of casting
Speaking of Allison Jones, the festival is also dedicating a special conversation to the celebrated casting director and her influence on television.
Her impressive credits include Freaks and Geeks, The Office, Parks and Recreation and Veep, among many others.
The founders emphasized that casting plays a crucial role in creating unforgettable television.
“You can have an amazing script and the most talented team in place, and that will make a great show. But there’s really just something about finding the right person for the right role.”
The conversation will highlight Jones’ career and the impact she has had on some of television’s most memorable characters and ensembles.
Four days of television, community and unforgettable experiences
ATX TV Festival is more than a series of panels and screenings. The four-day celebration also includes karaoke, trivia, lounges and opportunities for fans to connect with the people behind their favorite shows.
For those planning to attend, several badge options are available, including the all-access Camp Badge, a four-day programming badge and the TV Party Pass.
The TV Party Pass offers a more flexible experience, allowing attendees to select five events throughout the weekend, including four general programming events and one marquee event.
“It’s basically a choose-your-own-adventure,” the founders explained.
And this is only the beginning! The festival typically features more than 40 pieces of programming, with many more announcements expected in the coming months.
“We just announced a small handful. So there’s so much more to come over the next few months.”
ATX TV Festival Season 16 takes place June 3–6, 2027, in downtown Austin.
For festival badges, programming announcements and more information, visit ATXFestival.com.
ATX TV Festival Season 16 takes place June 3–6, 2027, in downtown Austin.
For festival badges, programming announcements and more information, visit ATXFestival.com.