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The Television Academy has announced the recipients of the 28th Hall of Fame class, tapping seven TV titans whose work spans documentary, animation, journalism, comedy and the executive suite.
The 2026 honorees include
the late “60 Minutes” correspondent Ed Bradley, who will be inducted posthumously; actor Ted Danson; documentary powerhouse Sheila Nevins; “South Park” co-creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone; Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos; and “Hacks” star Jean Smart.
The group joins a roster of more than 150 individuals inducted since the Hall of Fame’s launch in 1984.
Sarandos, who was named co-CEO of Netflix in July 2020, has steered the streaming giant’s move into original programming since 2013, with “House of Cards,” “Arrested Development” and “Orange Is the New Black.” In addition to several honors, including the Producers Guild of America’s Milestone Award in 2019, he is also a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute. He serves on boards such as the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and was awarded a CBE by King Charles in 2024 for service to the creative industries in the United Kingdom.
Danson earns his recognition from a career anchored by his famed role as Sam Malone on the NBC comedy “Cheers” and sustained by recent turns in series such as Netflix’s “A Man on the Inside” and NBC’s “The Good Place.” He is also a longtime environmental activist who co-founded the American Oceans Campaign in 1987.
Parker and Stone, whose iconic Comedy Central animated series “South Park” is preparing to launch its 29th season, co-created the Broadway musical “The Book of Mormon” with songwriter Bobby Lopez. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the production, which ranks among the longest-running on Broadway and won nine Tony Awards. Across its nearly three-decade run, “South Park” has won five Primetime Emmy Awards for best animated program.
Smart, who currently ended her run on the HBO Max comedy series “Hacks,” has won seven Emmy Awards for acting and is one of only two performers to have won in the comedy lead, supporting, and guest categories. Her notable TV credits include “Mare of Easttown,” “Watchmen” and “Fargo.” She also has three Actor Awards, a Grammy nomination, and a Tony nomination.
Nevins, who served as president of HBO Documentary Films and head of MTV Documentary Films, produced more than 1,500 documentaries across three decades, including notable titles such as Spike Lee’s “Hurricane Katrina” and “For Neda.” In addition to her 32 individual Primetime Emmy Awards, more than any other documentarian, she was also inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame in 2000, and selected for the Television Academy’s Governors Award in 2009.
Bradley, who died in 2006 at 65, spent nearly all of his 39-year career at CBS News and became one of the most recognizable journalists in America through his long tenure at “60 Minutes.” He collected 20 Emmys along the way, in addition to the George Foster Peabody Award, the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award and the Overseas Press Club Award.
“These visionary performers, creators, executives and storytellers have made a profound and enduring impact on the television industry,” said Cris Abrego, chair of the Television Academy. “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 selection committee was chaired by WME co-founder and head of television Rick Rosen, alongside 20th Television president Karey Burke, producer Marcy Carsey, Universal Studio Group chairman Pearlena Igbokwe, former Warner Bros. chairman and CEO Peter Roth and former CBS Entertainment chairperson Nina Tassler.
The inductees will be enshrined on Aug. 13, kicking off Televerse 26, the TV Academy’s flagship festival.
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