On Friday, the ATX Television Festival announced the talent lineup and TV series scheduled to appear at the third annual festival, June 5 – 8. As with previous years, this incarnation will celebrate the latest hit TV shows, with a healthy dose of nostalgia.
The festival’s inaugural Achievement in Television Excellence award will be presented to none other than the Fonz himself, Henry Winkler. Boasting a career that started off on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Rhoda and The Bob Newhart Show, Winkler earned TV super stardom as fan-favorite Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli on Happy Days. Winkler has continued to entertain audiences in memorable supporting roles on shows such as Arrested Development, Parks & Recreation and Children’s Hospital.
The Fonz's appearance joins two special cast reunions, which the festival first teased in November. Prepare for an influx of nineties Nickelodeon nostalgia with a Hey Dude reunion that will bring together members of the Western comedy series — including Christine Taylor (who played Melody on the show). The cast of Everwood, a drama series that aired on The WB from 2002 – 2006, will also reunite during the event.
ATX Television Festival also announced partnerships with two new networks, including SundanceTV and BBC America. One of BBC America’s most critically acclaimed series, Orphan Black, will be featured at the festival with series creators Graeme Manson and John Fawcett screening a new episode.
Other shows and special guests include the canceled-too-soon series Men of a Certain Age, with creators Mike Royce and Ray Romano; the short-lived Austin series My Generation, with creator Noah Hawley and cast; and Comedy Central’s new hit series Review, with star Andy Daly.
And what would an Austin-based television festival be without some love for Friday Night Lights? Derek Phillips, Stacey Oristano, Dana Wheeler Nicholson and Louanne Stephens will represent the cult series and take fans back to Dillon, Texas one more time.
The complete lineup is available on the ATX Television website. Badges for the festival taking place are also available for purchase.
Henry Winkler will be honored with ATX Festival's first Achievement in Television Excellence award.
