ATX TV Festival returns to Austin for 15th year

What they're saying: "We joke that we were unemployed and couldn't face starting over again as assistants, but that is just the lore," McFarland tells Axios.

• "In reality, we were just up for an adventure and thought TV deserved a place to be celebrated."

Between the lines: Their focus on television helps the festival stand out as Austin's festival calendar has become increasingly crowded, McFarland says.

• "There are still very few TV festivals, and no other ones in Austin," she says.

Reality check: A lot has happened in television since the duo founded ATX TV Festival, including the pandemic and the 2023 Hollywood writers and actors strikes.

• "In some ways, the strikes were harder on us than COVID and honestly the year after the strikes were even harder," McFarland says.
• "TV was upended ... it was very hard to plan, and it was the only year we truly shrunk," McFarland says.

By the numbers: Last year's festival saw the highest revenue and highest attendance, with over 4,800 attendees, per McFarland.

• Organizers expect to meet or exceed last year's turnout.

What to expect: The festival mixes fan-focused events with industry conversations, screenings and reunions.

• McFarland and Gipson call it "TV camp for adults," with cast reunions during the day and parties at night.

Zoom in: This year's biggest draw is likely the "Friday Night Lights" reunion and homecoming celebration to mark the iconic Austin-filmed show's 20th anniversary.

• Cast members including Kyle Chandler, Connie Britton, Adrianne Palicki, Jesse Plemons and Aimee Teegarden are expected alongside creator Jason Katims.
• Other headline events include a 30th anniversary reunion for "Everybody Loves Raymond" and a conversation with "Ted Lasso" creator Bill Lawrence.

If you go: Badges start at $150 for a "TV Pass," which includes access to four general programming events and one marquee programming event.