JamesG
06-30-2026, 06:28 PM
"South Park" Creators, Jean Smart, Ted Danson and Ted Sarandos Among Seven to Be Inducted into TV Academy Hall of Fame
by Scott Feinberg
June 30, 2026
Legendary TV comedy performers Ted Danson and Jean Smart, irreverent "South Park" creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, current Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, former HBO Documentary Films chief Sheila Nevins and the late "60 Minutes" correspondent Ed Bradley will be inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame, the organization announced Tuesday.
The seven, who constitute the 28th class of inductees since the establishment of the Hall of Fame in 1984, will be feted at a ceremony on the opening night of Televerse, the Television Academy’s official festival, on Thursday, Aug. 13.
“These visionary performers, creators, executives and storytellers have made a profound and enduring impact on the television industry,” Cris Abrego, chair of the Television Academy, said in a statement.
“Through their innovation, talent and dedication to their craft, they have helped transform and enrich the medium, influencing generations of audiences and professionals alike. We are proud to induct these distinguished individuals into the Hall of Fame and celebrate their extraordinary contributions to the growth and advancement of television.”
Trey Parker and Matt Stone are animators, writers, producers, directors and songwriters best known for co-creating the animated series "South Park" and the musical The Book of Mormon.
"South Park", which has garnered 18 Emmy nominations and five wins for Outstanding Animated Program, is currently preparing for its 29th season. Since its 1997 debut, the Comedy Central series has remained a dominant force in both viewership and cultural relevance.
Alongside award-winning songwriter Bobby Lopez, they developed the hit Broadway musical The Book of Mormon, which premiered in 2011 and celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. It is now the tenth longest-running show in Broadway history with nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical, as well as the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/tv-academy-hall-of-fame-class-of-2026-1236633596/
by Scott Feinberg
June 30, 2026
Legendary TV comedy performers Ted Danson and Jean Smart, irreverent "South Park" creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, current Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, former HBO Documentary Films chief Sheila Nevins and the late "60 Minutes" correspondent Ed Bradley will be inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame, the organization announced Tuesday.
The seven, who constitute the 28th class of inductees since the establishment of the Hall of Fame in 1984, will be feted at a ceremony on the opening night of Televerse, the Television Academy’s official festival, on Thursday, Aug. 13.
“These visionary performers, creators, executives and storytellers have made a profound and enduring impact on the television industry,” Cris Abrego, chair of the Television Academy, said in a statement.
“Through their innovation, talent and dedication to their craft, they have helped transform and enrich the medium, influencing generations of audiences and professionals alike. We are proud to induct these distinguished individuals into the Hall of Fame and celebrate their extraordinary contributions to the growth and advancement of television.”
Trey Parker and Matt Stone are animators, writers, producers, directors and songwriters best known for co-creating the animated series "South Park" and the musical The Book of Mormon.
"South Park", which has garnered 18 Emmy nominations and five wins for Outstanding Animated Program, is currently preparing for its 29th season. Since its 1997 debut, the Comedy Central series has remained a dominant force in both viewership and cultural relevance.
Alongside award-winning songwriter Bobby Lopez, they developed the hit Broadway musical The Book of Mormon, which premiered in 2011 and celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. It is now the tenth longest-running show in Broadway history with nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical, as well as the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/tv-academy-hall-of-fame-class-of-2026-1236633596/