Seth MacFarlane to receive the Maverick Award at Newport Beach TV Fest. Live podcast, career chat, and surprise guest presenter.
- May 6, 2026
AceShowbiz - Seth MacFarlane, the renowned creator behind numerous hit TV comedies and films, is set to receive the prestigious Maverick Award at the Newport Beach TV Fest on Sunday, June 7. The announcement was made by the festival organizers on Tuesday.
The event will commence at 6 p.m. at Newport Beach’s Lido Theater with a live recording of The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast. Hosted by a THR representative, the episode will feature an in-depth conversation with MacFarlane about his life, career, and his extensive portfolio of TV projects. These include his Peacock comedy series Ted, as well as the iconic animated shows Family Guy and American Dad!, the sci-fi series The Orville, and the Peacock original The 'Burbs.
Following the podcast recording, a special celebrity guest will present MacFarlane with the Maverick Award on behalf of the festival.
"Seth MacFarlane is a one-of-a-kind creative force whose impact on television, film and music is unmatched," said Gregg Schwenk, CEO and executive director of the Newport Beach TV Fest. "From breaking recent streaming records with Ted and The 'Burbs to redefining animated comedy with Family Guy and American Dad, Seth continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in entertainment. We're honored to celebrate his extraordinary career alongside The Hollywood Reporter at this year's TV Fest."
At 52 years old, MacFarlane has been a significant figure in Hollywood for over 25 years, earning five Emmy Awards and nominations for four Grammys and an Oscar. He became the youngest showrunner in television history at age 24 with Family Guy, which remains Nielsen’s most-watched adult animated streaming series.
He also co-created and voices multiple characters on American Dad!, now in its 20th season, and recently launched Ted, which is the number one original comedy in total viewers across all streaming platforms. Since the premiere of its second season in March, Ted has generated 1.2 billion viewing minutes. In 2025, MacFarlane’s shows collectively amassed more than 60 billion viewing minutes on streaming services.
Through his production company Fuzzy Door, MacFarlane’s latest work includes The 'Burbs, which set a Peacock record for the highest day-one viewership for an original series, and Hulu’s The Orville.
The Newport Beach TV Fest will take place from June 4 to June 7 and will feature a diverse lineup of screenings, panels, and events centered on television. Other notable attendees include Andy Cohen, who will receive the Creative Impact Award; comedian Sebastian Maniscalco, honored for Standup Comedy Special of the Year; and cast members from the drama Landman and the comedy Shrinking, both receiving ensemble awards.
The festival promises a rich celebration of television’s creative talents, spotlighting both established and emerging artists in the industry alongside the recognition of MacFarlane’s influential career.