Family Film & TV Awards to Honor Probst and Penn & Teller

BURBANK, CA – December 18, 2025 – The 28th annual FAMILY FILM AND TV AWARDS is set to celebrate the best in family-oriented entertainment this Saturday, Dec. 20, in a star-studded ceremony airing on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+. Hosted by Julie Chen Moonves of BIG BROTHER fame, the event will recognize towering figures in television and live entertainment, with Emmy® Award winner Jeff Probst receiving the prestigious Television Icon Award and legendary magic duo Penn & Teller accepting the Outstanding Family Entertainers Award. The evening will also feature a special performance by country music superstar Blake Shelton.

Produced by Associated Television International (ATI), the awards show continues its tradition of highlighting content suitable for all ages while also championing a significant charitable cause, the U.S. Marine Toys for Tots program.

Honoring Enduring Icons of Entertainment

This year’s ceremony places a special emphasis on longevity and lasting cultural impact. Jeff Probst, the face of CBS’s global phenomenon SURVIVOR for over two decades, will be honored with the Television Icon Award. Probst has served as host and executive producer of the reality competition series since its premiere in May 2000, guiding it through nearly 50 seasons and transforming it into a cornerstone of American television. SURVIVOR has not only maintained impressive viewership, with recent episodes still drawing millions of viewers and ranking high in key demographics, but it has also evolved with the times. The show has been praised for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its casting, ensuring its social experiment remains a relevant reflection of human behavior in the modern era. Probst's signature phrases and masterful Tribal Council moderation have become ingrained in the pop culture lexicon, making him a deserving recipient of an award celebrating iconic status.

Sharing the spotlight are Penn & Teller, who will receive the Outstanding Family Entertainers Award as they celebrate an incredible 50 years of performing together. Since joining forces in 1975, the duo has redefined the art of magic by blending mind-bending illusions with sharp comedy and intellectual deconstruction. Their unique act, featuring Penn Jillette’s loquacious narration and Teller’s expressive silence, has captivated audiences from Broadway to their record-breaking residency in Las Vegas, where they are the longest-running headliners at the same hotel. With numerous television specials, an Emmy Award, and their popular CW series Penn & Teller: Fool Us, they have consistently appealed to a broad, family-inclusive audience, making magic both cool and accessible for a new generation.

A Legacy of Family-Focused Programming

The FAMILY FILM AND TV AWARDS itself boasts a rich history, tracing its roots back to 1996 when it was originally produced by the legendary Dick Clark. After a hiatus, the awards were revived by Associated Television International, a prolific production company with a deep catalog of family-friendly content and awards show experience. ATI, led by President and multiple Emmy-winner David McKenzie, has a track record that includes producing multiple Daytime Emmy Awards ceremonies, The World Magic Awards, and long-running series like Masters of Illusion and Laura McKenzie's Traveler.

This expertise has been instrumental in restoring the event's prominence. In recent years, the awards have celebrated a wide range of content, reflecting the diversity of modern family entertainment. Past winners include major motion pictures like Barbie and Arthur the King, television hits like Big Brother, and iconic classics such as Mary Poppins and Saved by the Bell. By honoring both contemporary hits and timeless classics, the awards reinforce the value of storytelling that bridges generational divides and offers a positive viewing experience.

More Than an Award Show: A Partnership with Purpose

Beyond the glitz and glamour, the FAMILY FILM AND TV AWARDS maintains a strong commitment to social responsibility through its proud support of the U.S. Marine Toys for Tots program. The broadcast will prominently feature the charity, which has been recognized with the Humanitarian Award at past ceremonies for its year-round efforts to support children and families in need across the nation. This partnership provides a powerful platform for a cause that has been a beacon of hope for decades.

Founded in 1947 by a Marine Corps Reserve officer, Toys for Tots has grown into a national institution, delivering joy through the simple gift of a new toy. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, established in 1991, now operates year-round, emphasizing that the needs of underprivileged children are not seasonal. In 2024 alone, the program distributed over 30.5 million toys, books, and games to nearly 13 million children. The collaboration between ATI and Toys for Tots highlights how the entertainment industry can leverage its massive reach for significant social impact, reminding audiences of the importance of community and generosity during the holiday season and beyond.

Navigating the Modern Media Landscape

In a strategic move reflecting the current state of media consumption, the 28th annual ceremony will be accessible across both traditional and digital platforms. The prime-time broadcast on the CBS Television Network ensures the event reaches a broad, national audience through linear television. Simultaneously, the show will stream on Paramount+, catering to the growing demographic of cord-cutters and streaming-first viewers. This hybrid distribution model is designed to maximize viewership and engagement.

Paramount+ Premium subscribers will have the ability to stream the awards live, mirroring the CBS broadcast, while Essential-tier subscribers can access it on-demand the following day. This dual-platform strategy demonstrates a keen understanding of the evolving media landscape, where live event programming must adapt to a fragmented audience. By embracing both broadcast and streaming, the FAMILY FILM AND TV AWARDS positions itself for continued relevance and accessibility, ensuring that its celebration of family-friendly entertainment can be shared by the widest possible audience.