The Television Academy’s Hall of Fame Selection Committee announced the induction of television legends, including John Wells, Shonda Rhimes and the entire original cast of Saturday Night Live, into the 24th Hall of Fame class.
This recognition is given to “persons who have made outstanding contributions in the arts, sciences or management of television via career contributions and achievements.”
The ceremony and red carpet arrivals will take place on Wednesday, November 15, at the Television Academy’s Saban Media Center.
The honorees are:
- John Wells – Six-time Emmy-winning writer and producer.
- Shonda Rhimes – Three-time Emmy-nominated writer, producer and director.
- Joan Rivers – (posthumous honor) Daytime Emmy-winning comedienne.
- Roy Christopher – Ten-time Emmy-winning art director and production designer.
- Original cast of Saturday Night Live – Honoring the groundbreaking work of Emmy nominees and winners Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi (posthumous honor), Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, and Gilda Radner (posthumous honor).
“All of these individuals are innovators who have shaped television and left an indelible mark on the medium and our culture,” said Hayma Washington, chairman and CEO of the Television Academy. “We are honored to welcome the latest group of distinguished individuals and look forward to showcasing their impacts for future generations.”
The 2017 honorees join more than 135 individuals previously inducted into the Hall of Fame since its inception in 1984. The coveted honor has been bestowed upon actors, comedians, directors, producers, costume designers, writers, animators, executives, reporters and various other individuals whose work in television has no equal.
“Television’s evolution can be attributed to the substantial work of numerous individuals,” said Hall of Fame Selection Committee chair Rick Rosen. “It is a pleasure to honor a group whose contributions have had and will continue to have a powerful influence on our ever-exciting and evolving industry.”
The Hall of Fame Selection Committee is chaired by Rosen, head of television for William Morris Endeavor. In addition to Rosen, this year’s committee included Emmy Award-winning producer Marcy Carsey; Bonnie Hammer, chairman of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Group; Fred Silverman, founder of The Fred Silverman Company and former executive at ABC, CBS and NBC; and Nina Tassler, president of CBS Entertainment.
Oscar and Emmy-Winning Composer Kris Bowers Joins Barking Owl For Advertising, Branded Content
Music, audio post and sonic branding house Barking Owl has taken on exclusive representation of Oscar and Emmy-winning composer Kris Bowers for advertising and branded content.
Bowers’ recent film scores include The Wild Robot and Bob Marley: One Love, alongside acclaimed past works such as The Color Purple (2023), King Richard and Green Book. His contributions to television are equally impressive, with scores for hit series like Bridgerton, When They See Us, Dear White People, and his Daytime Emmy Award-winning score for The Snowy Day.
In addition to his work as a composer, Bowers is a visionary director. He recently took home the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject for his directorial work on The Last Repair Shop. The emotionally touching short film spotlights four of the people responsible for repairing the musical instruments used by students in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The Last Repair Shop reflects the positive influence that musical instruments have on the youngsters who play them, and the adults in the LAUSD free repair service who keep them working and in tune.
Barking Owl CEO Kirkland Alexander Lynch said of Bowers, “His artistry, diversity of style and depth of storytelling bring an unparalleled edge to the work we create for global brands. His presence on our roster reflects our continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound and music in advertising.”
Johanna Cranitch, creative director, Barking Owl, added, “Kris first caught my attention when he released his record ‘Heroes + Misfits’ where he fused together his jazz sensibility with a deeply ingrained aptitude for melody, so beautifully.... Read More