The Television Academy has announced that Viola Davis will be inducted into the 2025 Television Hall of Fame, joining other celebrated figures such as Conan O’Brien, Ryan Murphy, Henry Winkler, Mike Post, and Don Mischer. The induction will take place during the Televerse Festival on August 16, marking a significant milestone for this select group, all of whom are previous Emmy winners.
Hall of Fame to Honor Six Television Icons in 2025
Since its creation in 1984 by John H. Mitchell, former president of the Television Academy, the Hall of Fame has recognized over 150 individuals and collectives for their significant impact on the arts, sciences, and management within the television industry. The latest class includes Viola Davis, who broke ground as the first Black actress to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series and holds EGOT status. Conan O’Brien, known for redefining late-night television with his unique comedic approach, is recognized for his longstanding influence as a host and comedian.
Ryan Murphy, notable for crafting era-defining series including Glee, American Horror Story, and Pose, is celebrated for pushing creative boundaries across drama and true crime. Mike Post, a prolific television composer, has shaped the soundscape of television by scoring more than a thousand episodes in the Law & Order franchise and other series. Don Mischer, honored posthumously, leaves a legacy of producing iconic live events such as the Super Bowl Halftime Shows, Democratic National Conventions, and Olympic ceremonies.
Henry Winkler, beloved for his decades-spanning comedic and dramatic roles, is finally recognized for his enduring contribution to television’s cultural landscape—a distinction fans and industry observers feel is long overdue.
The Tradition and Legacy of the Television Hall of Fame
Every induction cycle, the Television Academy selects a handful of honorees rather than hosting an annual event, making inclusion a mark of exceptional distinction. The Hall of Fame’s honorees have included groundbreaking individuals and, at times, entire casts or iconic duos such as the Smother Brothers, the cast of I Love Lucy, and foundational members of Saturday Night Live, including Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, Garrett Morris, Jane Curtin, John Belushi, and Laraine Newman.
Past inductees cover a broad swath of entertainment history and genre, with names like Lucille Ball, Ed Sullivan, Fred Astaire, Oprah Winfrey, Dick Van Dyke, Betty White, journalist Katie Couric, and influential producer Shonda Rhimes. According to the Television Academy, the distinction is awarded to
“persons who have made outstanding contributions in the arts, sciences or management of television, based upon either cumulative contributions and achievements or a singular contribution or achievement.”
—Television Academy
This Year’s Honorees Reflect Television’s Wide Impact
Each inductee in the 2025 class has shaped the television industry in distinct ways. Viola Davis stands out not only for her Emmy-winning role in How to Get Away With Murder but for being a role model, champion of diversity, and one of the few entertainers to complete the coveted EGOT. Conan O’Brien’s career has left a lasting mark on comedy and talk shows, earning him a spot among television’s most beloved personalities. Ryan Murphy’s creative risks have fueled both critical acclaim and national discussion, while Mike Post’s musical legacy is heard in homes across the nation week after week.
Don Mischer’s production credits encompass American cultural milestones, and although his induction is posthumous, his influence on televised live events remains unmatched. Henry Winkler’s status as a surprise inductee owes less to achievement than to timing—many within the industry believe his decades-long contribution deserved this recognition much sooner.
What the 2025 Induction Means for Television’s Future
The induction of these six luminaries at the upcoming Televerse Festival is more than a celebration of personal achievement; it is a reflection of television’s evolving cultural impact and the diverse individuals who have helped shape its legacy. The inclusion of figures such as Davis, O’Brien, Murphy, Winkler, Post, and Mischer signals the Academy’s continued commitment to honoring influential talent from across all aspects of the industry.
With previous inductees like Dick Van Dyke, Oprah Winfrey, Shonda Rhimes, and Lucille Ball, the Hall of Fame continues to document and celebrate the achievements of those who define and expand the medium. As the 2025 Hall of Fame induction approaches, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on the extraordinary work of this year’s honorees, inspiring current and future creators, directors, producers, musicians, tradespeople, and actors to contribute to television’s next chapter.
