Television fans are gathering in person for the first time in three years for the ATX TV Festival. The festival’s founders and co-executive directors Caitlin McFarland and Emily Gipson say there are a lot of surprises in store – some connected to a panel on HBO’s “Westworld.” Season four of the show premieres at the end of June.
“HBO has been partners of ours for about 10 years, and they are bringing it,” McFarland said. “I think they’ve missed being out with the people, so they are very excited.”
“Season 11” of the ATX TV Festival, which runs June 2-5, will still also offer virtual options. McFarland says it’s also intentionally smaller than in pre-pandemic years.
“We kind of kept all our favorite bits of the festival and are planning some new things,” McFarland said.
Peacock’s “Rutherford Falls” will premiere at the festival on Thursday.
“It’s set, you know, in a small town very like ‘Parks and Rec’ or ‘The Office’ kind of a vibe. And it’s a mixture of like two childhood best friends, and it touches on a Native American reservation and sort of like the community behind it. It’s just hilarious,” McFarland said.
Other things Gipson and McFarland are watching:
– “Survivor,” CBS: Gipson says she is currently catching up on the reality show.
“The season started off slow and people have really been talking about these last few episodes. So I am like racing to catch up for the finale, which should be happening soon,” Gipson said.
– “Better Call Saul,” AMC: McFarland says she is loving part one of the final season.
– “Barry,” HBO: McFarland says she has been taking her time with this season, watching the new episodes week to week.
“Its half hour is kind of perfect for me to be able to put my computer down for 30 minutes and watch ‘Barry’ and my favorite character, Hank, just kind of like figure out life,” McFarland said.