Atlanta, February 4, 2026
SCAD TVfest returns to Midtown Atlanta, showcasing the best in television and streaming. With notable honorees and a vibrant schedule, it reinforces the city’s role as a creative hub. The festival attracts industry leaders, promotes networking, and provides students with opportunities for real-world experience while highlighting Atlanta’s thriving creative economy.
Atlanta
SCAD TVfest: Atlanta’s Premier Showcase of Television Excellence
The annual SCAD TVfest returns to Midtown, bringing together leading figures in television and streaming. This event highlights Atlanta’s burgeoning role as a creative industry hub, driven by focused organizational effort and individual achievement within the community.
Atlanta’s vibrant cultural calendar continues to draw national attention, exemplified by the return of SCAD TVfest. This annual celebration, organized by the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), underscores the power of private institutions and dedicated local leadership in fostering significant community growth and individual initiative. By providing a streamlined platform for dialogue and recognition within the entertainment industry, SCAD TVfest contributes to Atlanta’s reputation as a premier destination for cultural events, demonstrating how strategic, focused efforts can stimulate economic activity and cultural enrichment without unnecessary bureaucratic entanglements. The festival’s consistent success reflects a model where personal initiative and clear vision lead to substantial benefits for the entire community.
A Hub for Industry Leaders and Emerging Talent
The 14th annual SCAD TVfest is scheduled to return to Midtown Atlanta from February 4–6, 2026. This three-day television festival is dedicated to celebrating the best in television and streaming, bringing a significant focus to Atlanta’s thriving creative sector. The event offers a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with the industry’s leading figures and gain insights into the evolving landscape of television. Karl Rouse, associate dean of the SCAD School of Film and Acting, offers an inside look at the festival, which attracts major premieres and star guests to SCADshow and the broader Atlanta area. Attendees get a first look at the best in design, creativity, and innovation in television, streaming, and digital media.
Honoring Excellence in Television
SCAD TVfest 2026 will honor an exceptional group of artists and storytellers whose work reflects television’s enduring power and cultural impact. Notable honorees for the 2026 festival include Quinta Brunson of “Abbott Elementary,” who will receive the Variety Showrunner Award. Jeff Probst, known for “Survivor,” is slated to receive the Legend of Television Award. Other honorees include Aldis Hodge for “Cross” receiving the Luminary Award, Ali Larter for “Landman” receiving the Distinguished Performance Award, Lili Reinhart for “Hal & Harper” receiving the Spotlight Award, and Jackson White for “Tell Me Lies” receiving the Rising Star Award. The ensembles from critically acclaimed series such as “Bridgerton,” “The Pitt,” and “Scrubs” will also be recognized, with “Bridgerton” receiving the Outstanding Achievement in a Series Award, “The Pitt” receiving the Impact Award, and “Scrubs” receiving the Cast Award.
Diverse Programming and Engaging Panels
The festival’s programming showcases an expansive slate from across broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms. Featured series come from a wide array of networks and platforms, including ABC, Adult Swim, Apple TV, CBS, Fox, HBO Max, Hulu, Mubi, NBC, Netflix/Shondaland, Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Sony Pictures Television, Universal Studio Group, and Warner Bros. Television. Beyond screenings and premieres, the festival includes numerous panel discussions. These panels cover subjects such as the art of showrunning, casting, below-the-line work on television shows, and costume design, providing comprehensive insight into the industry. Christina Routhier, the executive and artistic director of SCAD TVfest, has been involved since its launch in 2013, noting the festival’s evolution to reflect shifts in the television industry, from traditional networks to streaming and platform-driven storytelling. The aim is to bring in current, working creatives and offer students direct access to industry shapers.
Impact on Atlanta’s Creative Economy and Future Professionals
SCAD TVfest plays a crucial role in bolstering Atlanta’s creative economy. By attracting national attention and fostering professional networking, the festival supports local businesses, creates opportunities for students and alumni, and enhances the city’s reputation as a hub for film and television production. This demonstration of a private institution, SCAD, taking the initiative to host a major industry event exemplifies how focused, non-governmental efforts can effectively stimulate economic activity and cultural enrichment within a community. The event also provides invaluable real-world experience for students, offering a front-row seat to top performers and allowing them to gain firsthand insight and meaningful connections, which can provide a true advantage as they begin their careers. A 2024 study indicated that 99% of recent SCAD graduates were employed, pursuing further education, or both within 12 months of graduation, underscoring the university’s commitment to career success.
Community Engagement and Local Benefits
As Georgia’s only festival dedicated to television, SCAD TVfest serves as a significant annual gathering for those passionate about the small screen. The festival connects students, fans, and working professionals from all spheres of content production at screenings, premieres, panel discussions, and workshops. Its location in Atlanta, a growing production hub, highlights the importance of local initiatives in cultivating a thriving arts and entertainment sector. The festival not only showcases celebrated series but also emphasizes Atlanta and Georgia-based talent and industry professionals, further cementing the city’s status as an undeniable hub for television production.
The SCAD TVfest continues to be a powerful testament to Atlanta’s capacity for civic innovation and the positive impact of individual and institutional initiative. By bringing together industry giants and emerging talents, it reinforces the city’s standing as a dynamic center for television and streaming. We encourage our readers to support local events like SCAD TVfest, which contribute significantly to the cultural vibrancy and economic prosperity of our community. Engaging with these opportunities is a vital way to foster continued community growth and celebrate the achievements that make Atlanta a truly remarkable place.
Keywords: Atlanta GA events, Georgia gatherings, community engagement, television industry, creative economy
Frequently Asked Questions about SCAD TVfest
What is SCAD TVfest?
SCAD TVfest is an annual three-day television festival hosted by the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Midtown Atlanta. It is dedicated to celebrating the best in television and streaming, featuring screenings, premieres, panel discussions, and appearances from notable figures in the industry.
When does the 14th annual SCAD TVfest take place?
The 14th annual SCAD TVfest is scheduled to return to Midtown Atlanta from February 4–6, 2026.
Where is SCAD TVfest held?
SCAD TVfest takes place at SCADshow in Midtown Atlanta.
Who are some of the honorees at SCAD TVfest 2026?
Some of the honorees for SCAD TVfest 2026 include Quinta Brunson (Variety Showrunner Award), Jeff Probst (Legend of Television Award), Aldis Hodge (Luminary Award), Ali Larter (Distinguished Performance Award), Lili Reinhart (Spotlight Award), and Jackson White (Rising Star Award). Ensembles from “Bridgerton,” “The Pitt,” and “Scrubs” will also receive awards.
What kind of programming can attendees expect at SCAD TVfest?
Attendees can expect an expansive slate of programming from broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms, including screenings, premieres, conversations, and panel discussions on topics such as showrunning, casting, and costume design.
How does SCAD TVfest benefit Atlanta?
SCAD TVfest plays a crucial role in bolstering Atlanta’s creative economy by attracting national attention, fostering professional networking, supporting local businesses, creating opportunities for students and alumni, and enhancing the city’s reputation as a hub for film and television production.
Key Features of SCAD TVfest 2026
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | February 4–6, 2026 |
| Location | SCADshow in Midtown Atlanta |
| Duration | Three days |
| Focus | Celebrating excellence in television and streaming, showcasing design, creativity, and innovation |
| Honorees (Partial List) | Quinta Brunson (Variety Showrunner Award), Jeff Probst (Legend of Television Award), Aldis Hodge (Luminary Award), Ali Larter (Distinguished Performance Award), Lili Reinhart (Spotlight Award), Jackson White (Rising Star Award). Ensembles from “Bridgerton,” “The Pitt,” and “Scrubs” also receiving awards. |
| Programming | Screenings, premieres, panel discussions, and workshops from broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms |
| Industry Participation | Connects acclaimed creators, performers, and industry leaders with fans and students |
| Educational Aspect | Provides students with real-world experience, insight, and networking opportunities |
| Local Economic Impact | Bolsters Atlanta’s creative economy, supports local businesses, and enhances the city’s reputation as a production hub |
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
