Viola Davis has been inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame, joining an illustrious group of television icons honored at the 27th annual ceremony. The 2025 event, scheduled for August 16 at the JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE during the Televerse Festival, will recognize Davis alongside Don Mischer, Ryan Murphy, Conan O’Brien, Mike Post, and Henry Winkler for their outstanding and lasting contributions to the medium.
This prestigious recognition is reserved for individuals whose impactful work in arts, sciences, or management has significantly shaped television over many years or through groundbreaking achievements. Established in 1984, the Hall of Fame now includes these six inductees within a distinguished group, which already features over 150 notable figures such as actors, directors, producers, and storytellers. The Televerse Festival spans August 14-16, uniting television industry insiders and passionate fans for a true celebration of excellence.
A Closer Look at the 2025 Hall of Fame Honorees
This year’s inductees have collectively influenced the cultural, artistic, and technical fabric of television. Their careers highlight not only personal achievements, but also advancements that have broadened representation, storytelling, and entertainment on a global level.
Viola Davis stands as a celebrated artist, activist, producer, philanthropist, and New York Times best-selling author. As an EGOT winner, she made history as the first Black actress to win the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, recognized for her role in
“How to Get Away with Murder.”
Her dedication to social justice was celebrated by Time 100 in 2017, and she received the Public Counsel’s William O. Douglas Award in 2022. Davis’s influence extends into philanthropy, notably her work to combat childhood hunger in the United States, and in 2025, she was honored with the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award for her contributions to global entertainment.
Don Mischer, both producer and director, shaped the way live events and ceremonies are presented on screen. As founder of Don Mischer Productions, his credits include the Emmys, Super Bowl Halftime shows, the Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial, Olympic ceremonies, and the ABC special documenting the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. He received 15 Emmy Awards, 10 Directors Guild of America Awards, two NAACP Image Awards, the Peabody Award, the Gold Rose of Montreux, and the 2012 Norman Lear Achievement Award. Mischer’s legacy continued until his passing on April 11, 2025.
Ryan Murphy, recognized for innovative storytelling and broadening representation on screen, has created series such as “Nip/Tuck,” “Glee,” “American Horror Story,” “American Crime Story,” “Pose,” and “Monster.” Murphy has been awarded six Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and has two Grammy nominations, all while highlighting marginalized voices and issues to mainstream audiences worldwide.
Conan O’Brien, whose career in late-night television spanned twenty-eight years, is acknowledged for one of the longest and most influential runs in the genre. Ending with “Conan” on TBS, O’Brien’s accolades include five Emmy Awards, seven Writers Guild Awards, a People’s Choice Award, and The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. He has hosted the Emmy Awards, the Oscars, and performed at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner for two presidents, blending humor and insight throughout his career.
Mike Post is hailed as television’s most accomplished composer, providing theme songs and scores for over 7,200 hours of programming. His notable work includes “Law & Order,” “NYPD Blue,” “Magnum PI,” “The A-Team,” and “Quantum Leap.” Post’s music for “The Rockford Files,” “The Greatest American Hero,” “Hill Street Blues,” and “L.A. Law” set records and achieved chart success, earning him five Grammy Awards and a place in television history as a driving creative force behind several classic series.
Henry Winkler, recognized with three Emmy Awards, celebrates five decades in Hollywood. His acting résumé exceeds 100 television series, including roles on “Happy Days,” “Barry,” “American Horror Stories,” “Arrested Development,” and “Parks and Recreation.” Besides acting, Winkler has directed and produced numerous projects, including “MacGyver” and “Mr. Sunshine,” and received a Daytime Emmy Award for Best Director for “All Kids Do It.” His impact extends beyond the screen through his best-selling authorship as well.
Industry Leaders Reflect on the Inductees’ Lasting Influence
The annual Hall of Fame event is more than a celebration; it is a reflection of how individuals have transformed the medium and influenced viewers, creators, and future generations. This year’s class garnered accolades from both the Television Academy and the Hall of Fame Selection Committee for their roles in advancing the possibilities of television.
These trailblazing performers, creators and producers have left an indelible mark on our industry. Their groundbreaking work has shaped and elevated the television landscape in profound ways,
—Cris Abrego, Television Academy Chair
We are honored to welcome these legends into the Hall of Fame and to recognize their exceptional contributions to the evolution of television.
—Cris Abrego, Television Academy Chair
All six honorees have elevated the art of storytelling and have had an extraordinary influence on television culture and history,
—Rick Rosen, Chair of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee
Their transformative leadership and innovative work have made a lasting impact on the medium, and the Television Academy is proud to honor their legacy.
—Rick Rosen, Chair of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee
This year’s Hall of Fame Selection Committee was led by Rick Rosen, WME co-founder and head of television, with members including Karey Burke (president of 20th Television), Marcy Carsey (Emmy-winning producer), Pearlena Igbokwe (chairman of Universal Studio Group), Peter Roth (former chair and CEO of Warner Bros., former president of Fox), and Nina Tassler (former CBS Entertainment chairperson and producer). Their collective expertise ensured a thorough evaluation of the inductees’ significant influence on industry culture and history.
The Hall of Fame’s Role in Celebrating Excellence Across Television
Since its founding, the Hall of Fame has recognized a diverse range of influential figures, including actors like Henry Winkler and Viola Davis, composers like Mike Post, writers, producers, musicians, executives, and creators who helped define multiple genres and eras. The recognition of these six new inductees at the 2025 Televerse Festival underscores television’s status as both an evolving art form and a reflection of societal change, with individuals honored from a variety of backgrounds and creative domains.
At a time when television continues to serve as a platform for critical conversations, representation, and artistic innovation, the elevation of these honorees serves as encouragement for current and future creators. The impact of Viola Davis—an EGOT honoree and advocate for social causes—demonstrates the ongoing power of performance and activism on screen, while Ryan Murphy and Don Mischer have set new standards for storytelling and televised events. Conan O’Brien and Henry Winkler highlight television’s enduring appeal and ability to connect generations, and Mike Post’s compositions are deeply woven into the fabric of American pop culture.
Looking Ahead: Lasting Impact of the 2025 Inductees
The Hall of Fame event at the JW Marriott brings together industry leaders, stars, and fans to celebrate these legends. Their influence is expected to resonate not only with television professionals but with audiences worldwide. By spotlighting figures who broke new ground, championed diversity, and created iconic moments across comedy, drama, music, and beyond, the Television Academy’s recognition signals a continued commitment to honoring the voices that make television a global cultural force.
As the celebration draws near, the achievements of Viola Davis, Don Mischer, Ryan Murphy, Conan O’Brien, Mike Post, and Henry Winkler are already inspiring peers and the next generation of talent. Their work will continue to shape television’s future, serving as a benchmark for excellence, innovation, and storytelling that centers lived experience, entertainment, and positive social impact.
