Jean Smart, Ted Danson, Ted Sarandos, ‘South Park’ Duo, and More to Enter TV Academy Hall of Fame

The Television Academy has announced seven new television legends that will be inducted into its 28th Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame ceremony will be held Thursday evening, August 13, kicking off the 2026 edition of the organization’s flagship festival Televerse.

This year’s class of honorees includes seven-time Emmy-winning “Hacks” star Jean Smart, five-time Emmy-winning “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, two-time Emmy-winning “A Man on the Inside” star Ted Danson, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, the late CBS News correspondent Ed Bradley, and documentary legend Sheila Nevins, who has won 32 Emmys, a record for individual Primetime Emmy Awards recipients.

The Hall of Fame “honors persons who have made outstanding contributions in the arts, sciences or management of television over a lifetime career or via singular achievements.” The 2026 Hall of Fame honorees join more than 150 individuals previously inducted into the Hall of Fame since its inception in 1984. The honor has been bestowed upon actors, comedians, directors, producers, costume designers, writers, animators, musicians, executives, journalists, and various other individuals whose work in television has no equal.

“These visionary performers, creators, executives, and storytellers have made a profound and enduring impact on the television industry. Through their innovation, talent and dedication to their craft, they have helped transform and enrich the medium, influencing generations of audiences and professionals alike,” said Cris Abrego, chair of the Television Academy, via statement. “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.”

This year’s Hall of Fame selection committee included chair Rick Rosen, WME co-founder and head of television; Karey Burke, president, 20th Television; Marcy Carsey, Emmy Award-winning producer; Pearlena Igbokwe, chairman, Universal Studio Group; Peter Roth, former chairman and CEO, Warner Bros., and former president, Fox; and Nina Tassler, former CBS Entertainment chairperson and producer.

“Each of these seven honorees has made an extraordinary contribution to television through their creativity, leadership and dedication to the craft,” said Rick Rosen, chair of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee, as part of the honorees announcement. “Their work has left a lasting impact on the industry, and the Television Academy is honored to celebrate their achievements and the legacy they continue to build.”