ATX TV Festival Sets ‘Sweet 16’ Theme for 2027 Lineup With ‘Revenge’ Reunion, ‘Freaks and Geeks’ Script Reading
tags:ATX TV Festival is sharing a first look at its 2027 lineup. Set for June 3-6 in Austin, Texas, the television festival will be celebrating its 16th season with a special “Sweet 16” theme, which will both celebrate shows turning 16 and spotlight “topics and series that highlight coming-of-age stories and teen/young adult storytelling, among a wide range of past, current, and premiere TV.”
That kicks off with the cast and creator of “Revenge,” which debuted in 2011. Creator/executive producer Mike Kelley and cast members Emily VanCamp, Josh Bowman, Henry Czerny, Ashley Madekwe, Gabriel Mann, Connor Paolo and Nick Wechsler will reunite and look back at the series.
“How stoked am I for a Sweet 16 ATX TV Revenge party? Infinity x Infinity,” Kelley says in a statement. “Still amazed at how fiercely our show’s fans continue to love these diabolically messy characters after all these years. Can’t wait to reunite with the incredible actors who brought them to life and share a few stories from behind the red Sharpie! See you in Austin!”
Coming-of-age teen dramedy “Freaks and Geeks” will also be celebrated with a script reading, an event that has become a festival staple over the years. Following the reading will be “a conversation touching on the enduring influence and impact of the series, shifting formats of TV, and the importance of young adult/teen stories.” Participants will be announced soon.
The fest will celebrate the 30th anniversary of “Oz” with creator Tom Fontana and cast members Rita Moreno, Lee Tergesen, and Dean Winters, looking back at HBO’s first-ever hour-long drama.
“I’m excited about celebrating the 30th anniversary of ‘Oz at the ATX TV Festival,” says Fontana. “I’m always thrilled to be involved in the Festival, but the chance to be reunited with a number of the ‘Oz’ cast members makes this visit to Austin extra special. We will cause some fun trouble, I’m sure.”
Panelists to be revealed at a later date will also reflect on HBO’s 10-part limited series “Band of Brothers,” which debuted 25 years ago on September 9, 2001, from co-creators Tom Hanks and Stephen Spielberg.
Casting director Allison Jones — who cast everything from “Freaks and Geeks,” “Boy Meets World” and “Parks and Recreation,” to “The Good Place” and “Widow’s Bay” — will join the festival for the first time to share a look inside her process of building an iconic ensemble.
Additionally, the festival is bringing back the Indie TV Pilot Competition for the second year, with Macaroni Art Productions as strategic partners. Beginning today, submissions are open for the Indie TV Pilot Competition and ATX TV’s annual Pitch Competition & Mentorship Program. Badges and tickets for the festival are available for purchase here.