ATX TV Festival opened its 2023 season! Day 3 began by talking about Queer stories that we want to see. After this panel, the series began its journey with From and Mayans M.C. The next panel looked at the writers’ strike through their own voices, and the day closed with conversations about Grown-ish, This Fool, and The Righteous Gemstones. Time to go over it all! Ready?
QUEER STORIES WE WANT TO SEE
Despite an outsized number of cancellations over the last few years, queer audiences have proven that they are hungry for not only representation in the broad sense, but LGBTQIA+ stories and characters that are as complex, frustrating, joyful, funny, romantic, and dark as any other.
And that they have a happy ending. LGBTQIA+ stories tend to be sacrificed for the sake of drama while straight ships tend to have their happily ever after. LGBTQIA+ stories deserve their happy ending.
This panel at ATX TV Festival is about celebrating the LGBTQIA+ series and moments that have opened new doors for queer storytelling, the kinds of stories we still want to see — and the creatives who are breaking the mold.
FROM (MGM+)
FROM star and director/executive producer give us an exclusive inside look at Season 2 of the MGM+ original series, which continues to unravel the mystery of a nightmarish town that traps all those who enter.
In season two, hidden truths about the nature and terrifying origins of the town begin to emerge, even as life for its residents is plunged into chaos by the arrival of mysterious newcomers. And all this was a major challenge for the team. This panel gave us some interesting acting process tips.
MAYANS M.C. (FX Networks)
The cast of Mayans M.C. joins ATX TV Festival for a conversation about the series’ final and fifth season, building towards a big Mayans M.C. and SOA battle, and giving sneak peeks into upcoming episodes. We tell you right now: you are not ready for what is coming!
In addition, the talk went much further and discussed the therapeutic process of acting. We love it!
WGA ON STRIKE!
With fair pay, streaming residuals, artificial intelligence, the size of writers’ rooms, and on-set experience all on the table, the writers of the WGA have gone pencils down for the first time in 15 years.
This panel is about hearing writers discuss first-hand the issues at stake, the changes they’re fighting for; and why the strike is necessary to safeguard the future of not just writers, but all entertainment unions and creatives.
GROWN-ISH (Freeform)
At ATX TV Festival, the cast and showrunner of Freeform’s Grown-ish discuss the show’s honest portrayal of the collegiate experience, plus an exclusive first look at the upcoming sixth season, premiering this summer. And we can’t wait!
In addition, in the panel, they announced special musical guests Kelly Rowland, Omarion, and Lil Yachty who are officially joining the final season.
THIS FOOL (HULU)
This Fool star joins ATX as they look back at fan-favorite moments from Season 1, what it’s like to work when you’re best friends, discuss the origin of the show, and tease what’s to come in Season 2. We’re excited!
Season 2 is much bigger than Season 1, in every way. You can see the growth of characters and the way that even though their lives took a sharp turn, they continue to try to do better for themselves and the people they love while navigating a world that doesn’t always accept them.
Additionally, the stars discussed the importance of authentic on-screen representation and explained the real-life non-profit organizations that inspired the Hugs Not Thugs storyline.
THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES (MAX)
The Gemstone family has returned holier than ever. ATX TV Festival hosts the world premiere of Season 3 of HBO’s The Righteous Gemstones, followed by a conversation with the cast and directors.
At the panel, they discussed what fans can expect from the new season and the creative challenges it brought to behind-the-scenes staff and talent alike.
