Television Academy Hall of Fame Welcomes Jean Smart, Ted Danson, and South Park Creators in Seven-Inductee Class

The Television Academy has announced the seven inductees for its 28th Hall of Fame class, honoring a mix of actors, creators, executives, and journalists. The inductees include Jean Smart, Ted Danson, Trey Parker and Matt Stone of "South Park," Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, documentary producer Sheila Nevins, and the late CBS News correspondent Ed Bradley, as reported by IndieWire, Hollywood Reporter, and Variety.

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IndieWireTelevision Academy Announces 2026 Hall of Fame Inductees: Jean Smart, South Park Creators, Ted Danson and MoreVarietyTelevision Academy Announces 2026 Hall of Fame Inductees: Sarandos, Smart, Danson, and South Park Creators

"The inductees span documentary, animation, journalism, comedy, and executive leadership."

This broad range reflects the Academy's recognition of contributions across television's many forms, from animated satire to hard news. Ted Danson and Jean Smart are honored for their recent acclaimed performances, while Parker and Stone are recognized for their long-running cultural impact with "South Park." The class also includes Sarandos, whose leadership at Netflix has reshaped how television is produced and distributed, according to Hollywood Reporter.

"The 28th Hall of Fame, to be held August 13, 2026, during the Televerse festival."

The ceremony will take place during the Television Academy's Televerse festival, an event that celebrates the television industry. IndieWire and Variety both reported the 2026 date, while Hollywood Reporter gave the year as 2025; the Academy has not publicly reconciled the discrepancy. The inductees join more than 150 previous honorees since the Hall of Fame's inception in 1984, as noted by Variety.