SeriesFest 2026 Expands Program with Noteworthy Screenings and Industry Discussions

by : Roger Ebert

SeriesFest is gearing up for its highly anticipated 12th season, promising an expanded and diverse lineup that will captivate industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. This year's festival will feature an array of compelling screenings, insightful discussions, and unique networking opportunities, reinforcing its commitment to celebrating exceptional storytelling and fostering talent within the television landscape. Attendees can look forward to a dynamic program that blends popular shows with emerging content, alongside expert-led conversations on the future of entertainment.

SeriesFest Unveils Expanded Program for 2026 Edition in Denver

From May 6 to 10, 2026, the Sie FilmCenter in Denver will become the vibrant hub for SeriesFest's 12th annual event, showcasing an exciting range of additions to its program. Among the highlights are an exclusive screening of Netflix's contemporary adaptation of 'Lord of the Flies' and a special screening and Q&A session for the dramatic series 'Spartacus: House of Ashur.' Enthusiasts of classic television will also be treated to an early look at 'Little House on the Prairie,' followed by an engaging conversation with its creative team. Furthermore, the festival will debut the first episode of 'Womb Room,' a new series, accompanied by a panel discussion featuring director Nicole Treston Abranian, producer Zarye Wossene, and co-creators/lead actresses Liz Zagone and Kelsie McDonald. Industry insights will be provided through an innovation talk with NBCUniversal Entertainment's chief business officer, Liz Jenkins, and a panel featuring esteemed writers from NBC dramas. Adding to the interactive experience, a Pitch-A-Thon roadshow showcase will offer creators a platform to present their projects, while a Q&A session with six winners from the 2026 College Television Awards will celebrate emerging talent. A significant collaboration between Next50 and SAG-AFTRA will host a panel titled 'Experience On Screen: Career Longevity in Today’s Industry,' featuring veteran actors like Graham McTavish, known for his roles in 'Outlander,' 'Spartacus: House of Ashur,' and 'The Hobbit,' alongside other screen legends. Previously announced panels include discussions around Netflix’s 'The Four Seasons,' Peacock’s 'Ponies,' and Hulu’s 'The Testaments,' along with focused conversations on microdramas, faith-based programming, and the evolving independent television sector.

This year's SeriesFest demonstrates a profound dedication to enriching the television landscape by bringing together diverse voices and groundbreaking content. The festival not only provides a platform for showcasing compelling narratives but also fosters an environment for critical dialogue and professional growth. The inclusion of seasoned industry leaders alongside rising stars ensures a comprehensive and inspiring experience, offering invaluable lessons on creativity, perseverance, and the dynamic nature of visual storytelling. It underscores the importance of continuous innovation and collaboration in shaping the future of entertainment, inviting participants to explore new ideas and connections.

De Niro and Stiller's Hilarious Banter at CinemaCon for 'Focker In-Law'
by : John Lasseter
De Niro and Stiller's Hilarious Banter at CinemaCon for 'Focker In-Law'
Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller engaged in a playful debate at CinemaCon while promoting their new film, 'Focker In-Law.' Stiller jokingly called himself the 'new De Niro' of the franchise, which De Niro humorously rebuked, referencing his extensive filmography. The duo unveiled the trailer for the movie, which stars Ariana Grande as the new in-law. The film promises a fresh comedic dynamic as Stiller's character, Greg Focker, faces a new generation of family challenges.
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Netflix Greenlights 'The Facade of Love' with 'World of the Married' Director Mo Wan-il at the Helm
by : Shonda Rhimes
Netflix Greenlights 'The Facade of Love' with 'World of the Married' Director Mo Wan-il at the Helm
Netflix announces a new romance series, 'The Facade of Love,' led by acclaimed director Mo Wan-il, known for 'The World of the Married,' and writer Ha Su-jin. The series features a star-studded Korean cast including Lee Dong-wook and Jung Yu-mi, delving into the complexities of a chance encounter that disrupts established lives. This production further solidifies Netflix's commitment to delivering high-quality Korean content to a global audience.
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The 'Scrubs' Season Finale: Unresolved Storylines and Potential Futures
by : Ricky Gervais
The 'Scrubs' Season Finale: Unresolved Storylines and Potential Futures
The 'Scrubs' season finale, 'My Celebration,' intentionally leaves multiple storylines open, hinting at a possible second season. Key plots include J.D.'s new romance with Rachel Bilson's character, Dr. Perry Cox's health struggles, and evolving relationships among the interns, setting the stage for future narratives while maintaining strong viewership.
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Writers Guild of America Reaches Four-Year Agreement: Impact on Healthcare and Industry Norms
by : Ta-Nehisi Coates
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has finalized a four-year contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). This agreement, set for member ratification on April 16, primarily focuses on stabilizing the guild's health care plan, which has faced significant financial challenges. The deal marks a shift from the traditional three-year contract length, a concession made to secure crucial funding for the health care fund.
CBS Extends 'Beyond the Gates' for Two More Seasons
by : Ricky Gervais
CBS has announced the renewal of its daytime drama "Beyond the Gates" for an additional two seasons, ensuring its broadcast through the 2027-2028 television season. This landmark series, which premiered in 2025, is notable as the first new daytime soap on a major network since 1999 and features a predominantly African American cast, a first since the late 1980s. The show explores the lives of the Dupree family within their exclusive Maryland community.
HexClad's Latest Innovations: A Review of Their Hybrid Rice Pot and Japanese Egg Pan
by : Samin Nosrat
Serious Eats' editors have evaluated HexClad's new hybrid ceramic-stainless steel rice pot and tamagoyaki pan, finding them to be valuable additions to any kitchen. The tamagoyaki pan offers excellent nonstick performance with superior heat responsiveness, while the rice pot is perfectly sized for small batches and effectively prevents starch overflow, albeit with hot handles that require oven mitts. Both products uphold the brand's reputation for quality hybrid cookware.
Fiber-Rich Breakfasts to Manage Insulin Resistance
by : Julia Child
This article presents a collection of delicious and healthy breakfast recipes designed to help manage insulin resistance. These recipes are specifically crafted to be low in saturated fat, sodium, calories, and carbohydrates, while being rich in fiber (at least 6 grams per serving). This approach helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels, supports heart health, and promotes better insulin sensitivity. From savory oatmeal bowls to fruity parfaits and protein shakes, these options offer a diverse range of flavors and textures to start your day right.