The ATX TV Festival is officially gearing up for its 15th “Season,” and the newly announced programming for 2026 reflects exactly why this festival continues to matter in the television space.
Blending legacy reunions, literary adaptations, industry conversations, and socially conscious panels, ATX once again proves it’s not just about celebrating television — it’s about examining the impact of the medium itself.
Here’s what’s been added to the 2026 lineup.
30 Years of Everybody Loves Raymond
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Everybody Loves Raymond, creator and showrunner Phil Rosenthal and star/executive producer Ray Romano will reunite with the show’s writers for an evening of comedy and conversation.
Originally debuting on CBS in 1996, the Emmy Award-winning sitcom earned 15 wins and 69 nominations during its run. More importantly, it became a cultural touchstone by transforming real-life family dynamics into relatable television storytelling.
The anniversary event promises an inside look at the personal stories that inspired the series’ most memorable moments, with additional panelists still to be announced.
BritBox Presents The Other Bennet Sister
First-time festival partner BritBox will host an advance screening of its upcoming original series, The Other Bennet Sister, based on the novel by Janice Hadlow.
The period drama centers on Mary Bennet, the often-overlooked middle sister from Pride and Prejudice, offering a fresh perspective within one of literature’s most beloved universes.
Following the screening, star Ella Bruccoleri will participate in a Q&A discussing the show’s reimagining of Austen’s world and its place within the growing wave of literary adaptations for television. The series is a co-production between BritBox and the BBC and will premiere in North America later this year.
BritBox will also partner with ATX on additional fan activations throughout the four-day festival.
Friday Night Lights 20th Anniversary Reunion Expands
The 20th Anniversary Reunion for Friday Night Lights continues to grow, with Gaius Charles, Jesse Plemons, and Aimee Teegarden joining previously announced cast members Kyle Chandler, Connie Britton, and Adrianne Palicki, along with showrunner Jason Katims and key members of the creative team.
The series will also receive the Festival’s 2026 “Texas Made” Award, presented with Media for Texas, recognizing productions that have strengthened the state’s film and television industry while showcasing its distinctive storytelling voice.
Conversations on Impact and Responsibility
Beyond reunions and premieres, ATX 2026 will spotlight television’s broader cultural influence.
The The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health will host a panel focused on medical accuracy in television, examining how on-screen portrayals influence viewers’ understanding of healthcare, prevention, and personal well-being.
Additionally, the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) will present “A Nuclear Renaissance on TV,” a discussion exploring how atomic storylines shape public perception, policy conversations, and the intersection between fiction and real-world global security.
Industry Insight & Community Engagement
Pluto TV returns as the presenter of the Festival’s official Badgeholder Lounge, offering daily events, themed photo opportunities, and complimentary pedicab transportation for badgeholders throughout the weekend.
ATX will also partner with the Television Critics Association for “Around the TV Set,” an interactive roundtable examining industry trends and the evolving role of television criticism.
Rounding out the programming, showrunner Melinda Hsu will host a live recording of her “Lead with Kindness” vodcast, offering an inside look at Hollywood workplace culture and the process of bringing a series to air.
Looking Ahead to Season 15
As ATX TV Festival celebrates its 15th Season, the additional programming reinforces the festival’s unique position within the television landscape. It continues to honor legacy series, champion new storytelling, and create space for meaningful industry dialogue.
With more announcements still to come, Season 15 is shaping up to be both reflective and forward-looking — a fitting milestone for a festival dedicated to the art and evolution of television.
