ATX TV Festival Preview: Elsbeth, Duster, Animal Control, Mad Men, and More Programming We’re Excited About

The perfect event for any die-hard TV fan, the ATX TV Festival, begins in just a few days. It’s the festival’s 14th season (14th year) and includes a range of panels, retrospectives, script readings, screenings, and more. The festival will take place from May 29 to June 1, 2025, in Austin, Texas.

Here are a few of the highlights we’re looking forward to this year, and yes, our team will be there to cover several of these events!

The Four Seasons with Co-Creator/Co-Showrunner Lang Fisher and Star Kerry Kinney Silver

On Thursday, May 29th, Universal Television will present a conversation with The Four Seasons co-creator and co-showrunner Lang Fisher and star Kerri Kenney-Silver, who will dive into the critically acclaimed eight-episode comedy, currently streaming on Netflix.

Andor with Tony Gilroy & Beau Willimon

On Thursday, May 29th, Andor creator/executive producer Tony Gilroy and writer Beau Willimon will join the festival for a discussion about constructing the complex world of the series, exploring new and darker corners of the Star Wars storytelling universe, and bringing Cassian’s story full circle.

The Waterfront

The World Premiere of Netflix and Universal Television’s The Waterfront will take place during the festival on Thursday, May 29th, followed by a conversation with creator/showrunner Kevin Williamson and cast members Holt McCallany, Jake Weary, Melissa Benoist, Rafael L. Silva, and Danielle Campbell.

Late Nights, Day Drinking, and Closer Looks with Seth Meyers

The opening night marquee event on May 29th is an inside look at NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers, including recurring segments that have shaped the series, his approach to political satire, and the joys of creating comedy for late night TV.

Windy City Wednesdays: Behind-the-Scenes with One Chicago

On Friday, May 30th, Marina Squerciati from Chicago P.D. and Steven Weber from Chicago Med will join the festival for a panel that discusses the staying power of the procedural, recent seasons of their shows, and more.

Duster Screening and Q&A

Max will present an advance screening of a new episode from the new drama series Duster, from co-creators/executive producers/writers LaToya Morgan and J.J. Abrams, followed by a conversation with Morgan and stars Rachel Hilson, Keith David, and Asivak Koostachin.

Vampires, Witches, and Other Secret Societies: Inside AMC’s Anne Rice’s Immortal Universe

On Friday, May 30th, AMC/AMC+ presents a look inside the world of Anne Rice’s Immortal Universe with Dan McDermott, president of entertainment and AMC Studios for AMC Networks, and the showrunners and executive producers behind Interview with the Vampire, Mayfair Witches, and upcoming series Talamasca: The Secret Order.

Achievement in Television eXcellence Award: Christine Baranski

On Saturday, May 31st, Christine Baranski will receive the ATX TV Festival Achievement in Television eXcellence Award, which recognizes an individual whose career reflects the very best of television, through work that is thought-provoking, genuine, expansive, and entertaining.

Elsbeth

On Saturday, May 31st, Carrie Preston will be present for an inside look at the CBS series Elsbeth. Preston will discuss taking the character from fan-favorite guest star on The Good Wife and The Good Fight to leading her own New York-set series, and the ways in which the series and the character continue to reinvent the “whodunnit.”

Animal Control

Animal Control returns to the festival on Saturday, May 31st for inside look at the series and to discuss the most recent season. Panelists include Joel McHale, Grace Palmer, Michael Rowland, Vella Lovell, and Ravi Patel.

The Leftovers Reunion

On Saturday, May 31st, the creatives and cast of the acclaimed HBO drama The Leftovers will reunite to reflect on filming the “miracle” city of Jarden in central Texas, the show’s emotional three-season journey, its most resonant moments and themes more than 10 years later. Panelists include Damon Lindelof, Tom Perrott, Mimi Leder, Carrie Coon, Amy Brenneman, and Kevin Carroll.

Mad Men Revisited with Jon Hamm & John Slattery

To mark the 10th anniversary of the series finale, Jon Hamm and actor John Slattery will join the Festival on Saturday, May 31st for a Mad Men Retrospective. They’ll reflect on the series’ seven-season run, their onscreen partnership as Don Draper and Roger Sterling, and the show’s influence and legacy.

Bill Lawrence & Friends

The closing night’s marquee event is Bill Lawrence & Friends, where creator/showrunner Bill Lawrence will be joined by collaborators and friends Brett Goldstein, Zach Braff, and Josh Hopkins to discuss multiple series, including Shrinking, Ted Lasso, Bad Monkey, and Scrubs.

Texas Made Award: LANDMAN presented with Media For Texas

The Paramount+ original series Landman will receive the ATX TV Festival’s inaugural “Texas Made” Award, presented in partnership with Media For Texas, on Sunday, June 1st. Star/executive producer Billy Bob Thornton, co-creator/executive producer Christian Wallace, and cast member Jacob Lofland will accept the award on behalf of the series. Following the award presentation, they will discuss the show’s record-breaking first season, from drawing on real Texas stories and filming in state, to crafting their characters, and more.

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Head to the ATX Television Festival’s official site for more information on the event and to see a full list of panels and screenings.

You can also take a look at our coverage of last year’s festival right here.

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