Atlanta’s entertainment scene is getting a major spotlight this winter as the 14th annual SCAD TVfest rolls into Midtown from February 4–6 at the newly renovated SCADshow theater. The event is once again poised to bring big-name talent, industry heavyweights, and rising stars to the heart of the city — underscoring Atlanta’s growing influence as a national hub for television, streaming, and creative media.
From breakout creators to veteran performers, SCAD TVfest blends celebration with craft, offering screenings, panels, talks, and honors that draw Hollywood’s current and next generation of storytellers.
Big Names, Bigger Impact
The official honoree list reads like a who’s-who of modern television:
- Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary) will receive the Variety Creative Showrunner Award, recognizing her groundbreaking work shaping contemporary sitcom culture.
- Aldis Hodge (Cross) is slated for the Luminary Award, celebrating his rising prominence across drama and action genres.
- Jeff Probst, the longtime host of Survivor, will be honored with the Legend of Television Award for his show’s enduring cultural footprint.
- Lili Reinhart (Hal & Harper) takes home the Spotlight Award for her critically acclaimed work both in front of and behind the camera.
- Jackson White (Tell Me Lies) earns the Rising Star Award — spotlighting a new generation of television talent.
Additional honors include ensemble awards for casts from The Pitt, Bridgerton, and Scrubs, reflecting the festival’s broad scope spanning drama, comedy, and streaming hits.
“TV lovers, prepare to swoon! At this year’s SCAD TVfest, SCAD students and alumni will bask in the limelight alongside the industry’s brightest stars, on screen and on set,” said SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace, emphasizing the festival’s dual role as both celebration and classroom for aspiring creatives.
Cutting-Edge Panels and Insider Access
More than red carpets and awards, SCAD TVfest is structured as an industry immersion experience — with programming designed to give local fans, students, and professionals an insider’s view of how TV is made today. Panels will span topics like genre building in sci-fi and fantasy, the business of casting, comedy writing, behind-the-scenes production roles, and even deep dives into iconic shows like Saturday Night Live.
“We are truly living in a golden era of television — one where the bar continues to rise and storytelling grows bolder and more ambitious every year,” said Christina Routhier, Senior Executive Director of SCAD TVfest. “There is something for everyone… and most importantly, for our SCAD students specializing in film and television, who are gaining a front-row seat to learn directly from their mentors and future collaborators.”
Atlanta’s Role in the TV Ecosystem
SCAD TVfest’s return highlights Atlanta’s meteoric rise as a creative capital beyond film production. While the region’s booming studios and soundstages are well known, TVfest strengthens the city’s identity as a place where creative careers are launched and nurtured. SCAD’s Midtown campus and the cutting-edge SCADshow theater offer a natural stage for blending academic talent with professional clout.
Atlanta actors, producers, and students will find extra resonance in this festival — with opportunities to network, learn from seasoned executives, and connect directly with decision-makers from networks, streamers, and production companies.
What’s On Tap
Across three days, SCAD TVfest will host a rich mix of:
- Screenings and premieres from buzzy series and specials across broadcast and streaming platforms.
- Expert panels and workshops featuring showrunners, casting directors, writers, and behind-the-scenes talent.
- Red carpet celebrations and awards ceremonies honoring both industry legends and emerging innovators.
Tickets range from day passes to full-festival options, making this accessible to students, local creatives, and Atlanta’s entertainment community.
What This Means for Atlanta
SCAD TVfest underscores a broader cultural trend: Atlanta is no longer just a backdrop for productions — it’s a destination for television culture itself. By anchoring high-level industry conversations and spotlighting creative excellence in Midtown, the festival enriches the city’s cultural calendar and connects local talent with global opportunities.
From Abbott Elementary to Survivor and Bridgerton, the lineup captures the scope and diversity of modern TV storytelling — and it all converges in Atlanta this February.
