James Lafferty and Stephen Colletti, longtime friends who first met on the hit drama *One Tree Hill*, returned to Austin’s ATX TV Festival in March 2024 to promote the second season of their indie comdy‑drama *Everyone Is Doing Great*,now streaming on Netflix. The duo, who serve as creators, writers, stars and executive producers, described the event as a “full‑circle moment” after the series’ pilot debuted at the same festival six years earlier.

From 2018 Pilot Screening to Netflix Season 2

The original pilot of *Everyone Is Doing Great* premiered at ATX in 2018, a fact that Colletti highlighted when he said, “It is really awesome to be here all these years later with Season 2 now on Netflix.” According to the ATX report, the series has since evolved from a modest art project into a fully‑produced Netflix title, a transition that underscores the growing viability of independent shows in the streaming era.

Lafferty added that the festival’s new independent pilot competition, launched this year, mirrors the path his show once took: “We felt like we were slipping in the back door that first year as an independent pilot. It was the only one at the festival.” The competition now offers a formal platform for creators like them, signaling a shift in how festivals nurture indie talent.

Friendship‑Fueled Creative Partnership Drives the Show

The pair’s real‑life bond, forged on *One Tree Hill*, is the engine behind *Everyone Is Doing Great*.. Both men act , write and produce, while composer Michael Grubbs and executive producer Michelle Lang round out the team. As Colletti explained, the series “is about people trying to figure it out and leaning on each other as they do,” a theme that resonates with fans who followed the duo from their teen‑drama roots to this more mature, character‑driven narrative.

According to the festival coverage,the show’s community of supporters has been active since 2017 , helping the creators navigate the complex streaming landscape and ultimately secure a Netflix deal.

ATX Festival’s Role in Independent TV’s Rise

The 15th‑annual ATX TV Festival, held in downtown Austin, has become a hub for creators seeking exposure outside the traditional network system. The event’s live broadcast, hosted by Trevor Scott and Sierra Waggoner, featured the *Everyone Is Doing Great* team alongside other indie projects, illustrating the festival’s expanding influence.

Industry observers note that ATX’s addition of an independent pilot competition reflects a broader trend: festivals are increasingly acting as launchpads for streaming‑ready content, offering creators direct access to audiences and potential distributors.

Unanswered Questions:Funding Sources and Future Seasons

While the creators emphasized the show’s independent status, the exact financing model that enabled the Netflix pickup remains unclear.. Additionally, no details were given about a potential Season 3, leaving fans to wonder whether the partnership with Netflix will continue beyond the current contract.

What Remains to Be Seen: Audience Reception on Netflix

Early metrics for Season 2’s performance on Netflix have not been disclosed, and the series’ ability to attract new viewers beyond the *One Tree Hill* fanbase is still untested. The creators hinted at ongoing outreach efforts, but concrete data on viewership and subscriber impact is pending.