ATX TV Festival presents Homicide: Life of the Street
Details
Step into the legendary world of prestige TV with ATX TV Festival’s special event dedicated to Homicide: Life on the Street and its iconic episode “Three Men and Adena.” This is a rare chance to revisit one of television’s most gripping hours, then hear directly from the creative minds who made it unforgettable.
The experience begins with a screening of the Emmy-winning, groundbreaking episode, where Detectives Tim Bayliss and Frank Pembleton race against a 12-hour clock to extract a confession in the heartbreaking murder of 11-year-old Adena Watson. Known for its raw emotion, moral complexity, and claustrophobic tension, this episode helped redefine what a TV procedural could be.
- Hear from showrunner and executive producer Tom Fontana about crafting the series’ distinctive tone and emotional depth.
- Learn from executive producer and writer David Simon how real-life reporting and meticulous research shaped the story.
- Get first-hand perspective from cast member Kyle Secor on bringing Tim Bayliss to life during one of the toughest interrogations ever put on screen.
- Enjoy a smart, spirited conversation guided by moderator Alan Sepinwall, one of TV criticism’s most respected voices.
Beyond the episode itself, this event explores the broader legacy of TV procedurals: how Homicide influenced the genre, inspired future series, and paved the way for more nuanced storytelling about crime, justice, and humanity. Whether you’re a longtime fan, a David Simon completist, or a TV craft nerd who loves dissecting structure, performance, and theme, this session is a gold mine.
As part of the ATX TV Festival, seating is first-come, first-served, with a limited number of single tickets available. It’s an ideal way to sample the festival’s deep-dive conversations and discover more screenings, panels, and special events happening across the weekend. Come ready to watch, remember, and rethink what you thought you knew about one of TV’s most influential episodes.
Venue Details
Tucked into bustling Congress Avenue, the historic State Theatre in downtown Austin is a jewel box of Art Deco charm and creative energy. Opened in 1935 as the city’s first purpose-built movie house, it now goes by “Stateside at the Paramount” and pairs vintage character with a thoroughly modern lineup of performances.
- The theatre is part of the Paramount Theatre complex, sharing its block and history while offering a more intimate, 305-seat setting that puts every guest close to the action.
- Its design reflects the sleek lines and geometric flair of the Art Deco era, with a cozy auditorium that feels tailor-made for live storytelling, sharp stand-up, and atmospheric film screenings.
- Originally created for cinema, the space has evolved into a multi-use venue that hosts drama, comedy, music, dance, podcasts, spoken-word events, festivals, and special film programs.
- Over the decades, careful renovations and repairs have preserved its historic character while improving comfort, acoustics, and technical capabilities for both audiences and performers.
- The State Theatre is a key stage for Austin’s Moontower Comedy Festival and other marquee events, giving audiences a chance to see big-name acts and rising stars in a small, character-filled room.
- Its stadium-style seating and cushy chairs create excellent sightlines throughout the house, enhancing the feeling of being immersed in whatever is happening on stage.
- The theatre’s programming reflects Austin’s eclectic tastes, ranging from music and comedy to local award shows and community-centered performances that keep the venue deeply connected to the city’s arts scene.
- Because it operates under the Austin Theatre Alliance alongside the larger Paramount next door, the State benefits from shared resources and thoughtful curation, resulting in a busy calendar with a wide variety of events.
- Concessions lean into the classic theatre experience, with popcorn, candy, and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that make it easy to relax and settle in before the show.
- Whether you know it as the State Theatre or Stateside at the Paramount, this landmark blends nostalgia and contemporary creativity, offering a warm, intimate place to experience Austin’s vibrant performing arts up close.