The Television Academy has announced the winners of its 28th Hall of Fame class, selecting seven titans of television spanning documentary, animation, journalism, comedy and the executive suite.
The 2026 recipients include the late “60 Minutes” correspondent Ed Bradley, who will take up the posthumous position. Actor Ted Danson. Documentary legend Sheila Nevins. “South Park” co-creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix. and “The Hucks” star Jean Smart.
The group joins a roster of more than 150 individuals who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame since its induction in 1984.
Sarandos, who was named co-CEO of Netflix in July 2020, has led the streaming giant’s transition to original programming since 2013, including “House of Cards,” “Arrested Development” and “Orange is the New Black.” In addition to his numerous honors, including the 2019 Producers Guild Milestone Award, he is a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute. He serves on the boards of the Academy of Cinema and the Museum, among others, and was awarded an Order of the British Empire by King Charles in 2024 for his contribution to the UK’s creative industries.
Danson has earned that recognition with a career anchored by his famous role as Sam Malone on the NBC comedy “Cheers” and recent series such as Netflix’s “A Man on the Inside” and NBC’s “The Good Place.” He is also a longtime environmental activist and co-founded the American Oceans Campaign in 1987.
Comedy Central Adult Animation: Matt Stone and Trey Parker in South Park, Beavis & Butthead, and Digman! 2025 Comic-Con International: San Diego panel held at the San Diego Convention Center on July 24, 2025 in San Diego, California.
Michael Buckner/Variety
Parker and Stone of Comedy Central’s iconic animated series “South Park,” which is preparing to launch its 29th season, co-created the Broadway musical “The Book of Mormon” with songwriter Bobby Lopez. The production, which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, ranks as one of Broadway’s longest-running productions and has won nine Tony Awards. “South Park” won the Primetime Emmy Award for Best Animated Program five times during its nearly 30 years on the air.
Smart, who finished her run on the HBO Max comedy series “Hacks,” is a seven-time Emmy winner for acting, and one of only two performers to win for lead, supporting, or guest in a comedy. Her notable television credits include “Mare of Easttown,” “Watchmen,” and “Fargo.” She has also won three acting awards, been nominated for a Grammy Award, and has been nominated for a Tony Award.
Nevins, who served as president of HBO Documentary Films and head of MTV Documentary Films, produced more than 1,500 documentaries over three decades, including such notable titles as Spike Lee’s “Hurricane Katrina” and “For Neda.” In addition to winning 32 Primetime Emmy Awards, more than any other documentarian, she was inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame in 2000 and named the Television Academy’s Governor’s Award in 2009.
Mr. Bradley, who died in 2006 at the age of 65, spent nearly his entire 39-year career at CBS News and became one of America’s best-known journalists through his long stint at “60 Minutes.” He won 20 Emmy Awards along the way, along with 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 had a deep and lasting impact on the television industry,” said Chris Abrego, President 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, 20th Television president Carey Burke, producer Marcy Carsey, Universal Studios Group chairman Parna Igbokwe, former Warner Bros. chairman and CEO Peter Roth, and former CBS Entertainment chairman Nina Tassler.
The Hall of Fame inductees will be enshrined on August 13, kicking off Televerse 26, the Television Academy’s flagship festival.
