Plot Synopsis

Each year since 2003 (except in 2013 & 2014), TV Land and celebrity icons honor classic and contemporary luminaries of television, music and movies. Usually held in Los Angeles, THE TV LAND AWARDS moved to New York in 2011 and have been held there since. Past awards include: Pop Culture Award, which is presented to a show that has crossed the line from television series to pop culture phenomenon; Innovator Award, which is given to a program that carved out new territory, redefined elements of the genre and opened new pathways for others to follow; Groundbreaking Award, which honors a series that breaks down barriers in television; Fan Favorite Award, which is presented to a show that has won viewers' hearts; Impact Award, which is given to a program that offered both entertainment and enlightenment, with comedy that reflected reality; Icon Award, which honors a show of enduring popularity, whose humor came from compelling stories and engaging characters OR which is presented to a performer whose talent is unmatched and whose body of work transcends generations, being recognized by peers and fans internationally; Anniversary Award, which is presented to a program in celebration of a milestone anniversary (30th, 25th); Legacy of Laughter Award, which honors an entertainer whose awe-inspiring comedic work continues to serve as an inspiration and a guiding force; Legend Award (aka Medallion Award), which is given to a television series that has stood the test of time and ranks among the most memorable and celebrated shows in TV history; Entertainer Award, which honors a series or entertainer whose talent is unmatched and whose fame and longevity are immeasurable; Pioneer Award, which is presented to a television creator who is an industry leader and visionary who is able to bring together all the disparate elements that lead to great television -- wonderful ideas, skillful craftspeople, charismatic actors and talented writers; and Future Classic Award, which is given to one show that premiered the previous calendar year that TV Land feels best exemplifies an emerging television classic. In 2012 at the 10th annual event, TV Land honored Aretha Franklin (Music Icon Award) and the casts of LAVERNE & SHIRLEY (Fan Favorite Award), ONE DAY AT A TIME (Innovator Award), IN LIVING COLOR (Groundbreaking Award), MUPRHY BROWN (Impact Award) and PEE-WEE'S PLAYHOUSE (Pop Culture Award). In addition, Kelly Ripa returns to host for the second time, and her opening sketch included 13 costume changes. After a two-year break with no events in 2013 and 2014, the TV LAND AWARDS returned for its eleventh edition, hosted by Terry Crews, on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 9pm ET/PT on TV Land, with a musical performance by Jennifer Hudson. The 2015 TV LAND AWARDS, taped one week earlier at Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, honored PARENTHOOD (Fan Favorite Award), with Martin Sheen and Minka Kelly presenting; THE WONDER YEARS (Impact Award), presented by Paula Abdul; FREAKS AND GEEKS (15th Anniversary Award), presented by Carl Reiner; ALLY MCBEAL (Groundbreaking Award), with Lauren Graham presenting; Betty White (Legend Award), presented by HOT IN CLEVELAND co-stars Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves and Wendie Malick; and Donny & Marie Osmond (Pop Culture Award), presented by Sutton Foster and Nico Tortorella.
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On Sunday, April 17, 2016 from 9-10:30pm ET/PT, TV Land premiered the 2016 TV LAND ICON AWARDS, hosted by George Lopez, with a simulcast on Nickelodeon. The newly-named ICON AWARDS program was taped one week earlier -- on Sunday, April 10 -- at the Barker Hanger in Los Angeles, where TV Land celebrated three television icons -- prolific television creator Norman Lear (Impact Icon Award), pop culture icon John Stamos (Timeless Icon Award) and actress/choreographer/director/producer Debbie Allen (Trailblazer Icon Award) -- as well as the comedy duo Key & Peele and THE PEOPLE VS. OJ SIMPSON with a special tribute to Garry Shandling. The event also featured appearances by Garry Marshall (presenting to Stamos), Seth MacFarlane (presenting to Lear), Ellen Pompeo (presenting to Allen), Kerry Washington, Jada Pinkett Smith, Taraji P. Hinson, Bob Odenkirk, Rob Reiner, Jerrod Carmichael, Jimmy Kimmel, Bob Saget, Jane Lynch, Jim Parsons, Dave Coulier, Lori Loughlin, Paget Brewster, Josh Peck, Rita Moreno and Jimmie Walker. Plus, the Beach Boys performed a medley of their hit songs, while Amber Riley paid tribute to Lear by singing a medley of theme songs from his TV shows.