The Television Academy has revealed its inductees for the 27th Hall of Fame, with Viola Davis set to be honored alongside Don Mischer, Ryan Murphy, Conan O’Brien, Mike Post, and Henry Winkler at a ceremony during the Televerse Festival on August 16. This year’s selections celebrate visionary individuals whose work has made a lasting impact, with Viola Davis inducted into Television Hall of Fame 2025 being a historic milestone for the acclaimed actor and the industry as a whole.
Celebrating Remarkable Careers in Television
Since its introduction in 1984, the Television Hall of Fame has acknowledged those who have influenced the medium through groundbreaking achievements or a lifetime of creative leadership. With the six new inductees for 2025, the Hall’s ranks now number over 150, honoring an ever-expanding legacy of excellence and innovation.
Viola Davis, distinguished as an EGOT winner, made television history as the first Black actress to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series with her trailblazing performance in
“How to Get Away With Murder.”
Known for her commanding presence in films like “The Woman King” and “Doubt,” Davis has also won an Oscar for “Fences” and two Tony Awards, reflecting a career that has both broken barriers and garnered critical acclaim.
Ryan Murphy’s induction recognizes a creator whose vision has transformed the television landscape. With six Emmys and a roster of genre-shifting series, Murphy’s influence spans from “Nip/Tuck” and musical phenomena to the acclaimed anthology franchises “American Horror Story,” “American Crime Story,” “Pose,” and “Monster.” His relentless innovation and storytelling have positioned him as one of TV’s major creative forces.
Comedy will be well-represented with Conan O’Brien, whose nearly 30-year tenure in late night television is among the longest in the field. O’Brien’s resume includes five Emmy Awards, seven Writers Guild Awards, and the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Beyond his on-air humor and sharp wit, he has hosted major events such as the Emmys and the Oscars, leaving an indelible mark on American comedy.
On the live-event production side, Don Mischer’s career stands out for orchestrating some of the most-watched televised events. As the lead of Don Mischer Productions, he has overseen broadcasts like the Emmys, the Super Bowl Halftime Show, the Olympic Games, and high-profile national celebrations, including the “We Are One” event for Barack Obama’s inauguration. Mischer’s influence behind the scenes has helped define live television spectacle.
Mike Post is recognized as one of television’s most successful composers, having scored roughly 7,200 hours of content that echo through American pop culture. His musical signatures for “The A-Team,” “Magnum, P.I.,” “Law & Order,” “Quantum Leap,” and “NYPD Blue,” along with iconic themes for “The Rockford Files,” “The Greatest American Hero,” “Hill Street Blues,” and “L.A. Law,” have become unforgettable fixtures of the medium. Post’s accolades include a 1996 Emmy for “Murder One” and five Grammy Awards celebrating his musical impact.
Henry Winkler achieved superstardom as Fonzie on “Happy Days” and has since established himself as a prolific actor, producer, and director. With celebrated roles in “Barry,” “Arrested Development,” and “Parks and Recreation,” Winkler has collected three Emmys. Behind the camera, he directed episodes of “MacGyver” and “All Kids Do It”—the latter earning him a Daytime Emmy—demonstrating versatility that spans across television genres and generations.
Industry Leaders Honor Transformative Excellence
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. 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
The Legacy and Impact of the Hall of Fame
This new class of inductees reflects the Television Academy’s ongoing commitment to saluting extraordinary talent and vision that enhances the industry and inspires audiences. Don Mischer, Mike Post, Henry Winkler, Conan O’Brien, Ryan Murphy, and Viola Davis represent a diverse array of creative strengths, from writing and performing to producing and composing.
The celebration at the Televerse Festival will serve not only to honor their achievements but also to highlight the evolving nature of television, where voices like Davis’s break new ground, and creative leaders such as Murphy redefine genres. Their work continues to influence both industry professionals and viewers, ensuring their legacies endure long after the ceremony concludes.
As the Hall of Fame grows, the recognition of these 2025 inductees will encourage future generations to challenge limits and redefine what is possible on the small screen, confirming the enduring significance of storytelling in the fabric of television history.
