TV Legends Headline SXSW Film & TV Festival

Creators behind hit shows like Scrubs, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Breaking Bad to appear at annual Austin conference.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Three renowned TV creators - Vince Gilligan, Larry David, and Bill Lawrence - are set to appear at the upcoming South by Southwest (SXSW) Film & TV Festival in Austin, Texas. Gilligan will discuss the role of New Mexico in his creative work, while David and his collaborator Jeff Schaffer will offer a first look at their new HBO sketch series. Lawrence will also team up with Steve Carell to discuss their new college-set show Rooster, debuting on HBO.

Why it matters

SXSW has become a premier destination for TV and film talent to showcase their latest projects and creative processes. The appearance of these high-profile TV figures underscores the festival's growing reputation as a must-attend event for the entertainment industry.

The details

Vince Gilligan, the creator of Breaking Bad, will be joined by Pluribus star Rhea Seehorn, composer Dave Porter, costume designer Jennifer Bryan, producer Trina Siopy, and Sony Pictures Television Studios president Katherine Pope to discuss the role of New Mexico in his creative work. Larry David and Jeff Schaffer, co-creators of Seinfeld, will offer a first look at their new HBO sketch series, while Bill Lawrence and Steve Carell will discuss their new college-set show Rooster, also debuting on HBO.

  • The SXSW Film & TV Festival will take place from March 12-18, 2026.
  • Rooster, the new show from Bill Lawrence and Steve Carell, will debut on HBO on March 8, 2026.

The players

Vince Gilligan

The creator of the critically acclaimed TV series Breaking Bad.

Larry David

The co-creator of the iconic sitcom Seinfeld and the creator of Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Bill Lawrence

The creator of the hit comedy series Scrubs and the upcoming show Rooster, which he is co-creating with Steve Carell.

Steve Carell

The acclaimed actor known for his roles in The Office and Space Force, who is co-starring in Lawrence's new show Rooster.

SXSW Film & TV Festival

The annual South by Southwest conference and festival held in Austin, Texas, which features a strong focus on television and film.

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What they’re saying

“Albuquerque Aftermath: From Breaking Bad to Pluribus will be a must-see event for any fan of Vince Gilligan's work.”

— Katherine Pope, President of Sony Pictures Television Studios

“A Waste of Time With Larry David and Jeff Schaffer will give attendees a first look at their new HBO sketch series, which is sure to be as hilarious and controversial as their previous collaborations.”

— Lorraine Ali, Entertainment Critic, Los Angeles Times

What’s next

The SXSW Film & TV Festival will run from March 12-18, 2026, and tickets are expected to sell out quickly. Fans of the featured TV creators should plan to attend the festival to see their panels and get a first look at their upcoming projects.

The takeaway

SXSW's ability to attract high-profile TV talent underscores the festival's growing influence and importance in the entertainment industry. The appearance of these legendary TV creators at the 2026 event is sure to generate significant buzz and excitement among attendees.