The enduring legacy of the television series *Friday Night Lights* was celebrated recently as cast members reunited to commemorate the show’s 20th anniversary. Scott Porter, who portrayed Jason Street in the beloved drama, spoke exclusively to PEOPLE about the special bond shared by the cast that has withstood the test of time, even fifteen years after the show concluded.
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At a recent event, Porter expressed his admiration for his former colleagues, stating, “We had an incredible collection of people in our cast, and I’m not saying talent, I’m saying human beings.” The reunion took place during the ATX TV Festival in Austin, a gathering where several original cast members, including Jesse Plemons and Michael B. Jordan, were in attendance. This celebration highlighted *Friday Night Lights*’ lasting impact on fans and the television landscape.
Reflecting on the recent awards season, Porter was particularly excited to watch his fellow cast members achieve remarkable success. He noted a standout moment at the Oscars, where Jordan won the Best Actor award for his role in *Sinners*, while Plemons was nominated for *Bugonia*. “It was one of the coolest moments of the entire awards circuit this year,” Porter shared. “To see those two human beings that I’m just so proud of to be recognised in that way, it’s what it’s all about.”
Porter, at 46, elucidated that the friendships formed during the series have remained intact. The cast still engages with one another, often crossing paths due to their ongoing work in the industry. “It’s not even having to snap right back into who we used to be because we still talk all the time,” he explained. Porter reminisced about recent lunches and get-togethers with his co-stars, illustrating a strong sense of camaraderie that continues to thrive.
The reunion at the ATX festival also allowed the cast to receive the 2026 Texas Made Award, recognising their contribution to the television landscape. Porter shared that the experience felt akin to returning home. “People say, ‘You can’t go home,’ but we felt like we did,” he recalled with a sense of nostalgia for the times spent filming in the town where the series was set.
Porter noted how *Friday Night Lights* has developed a unique legacy, appealing to multiple generations. “I see so many kids that say, ‘Hey, I just watched this show because my dad told me to.’ Their connection to the series is deeper than anything I’ve ever done on screen,” he said. The show has fostered family discussions and connections that continue to resonate today, showcasing its powerful narrative and themes.
In a light-hearted moment, Porter reflected on a recent collaboration with Zach Gilford for PEOPLE’s *Sexiest Man Alive* issue, candidly commenting on the humour of being chosen for such a feature. He once jokingly texted Gilford, “Isn’t it hilarious that they asked us to do this?” This exchange underscores the friendly and supportive nature that persists among the cast.
Exploring the reasons why *Friday Night Lights* remains beloved after two decades, Porter believes the show never condescended to its audience. Instead, it provoked thought about its characters and their complexities. “It feels like a show that gets handed down generationally,” he remarked, noting that even teenagers today still appreciate the series as much as older viewers did at its initial release.
Porter, who shares two children with his wife Kelsey Mayfield, indicated that his own kids have yet to watch the show. He anticipates sharing it with them in the future, particularly when his son reaches middle school. Whew he said, “I think once he’s in middle school, we might as well watch something like *Friday Night Lights* with him,” he looked forward to engaging in conversations sparked by the show’s themes and messages.
As *Friday Night Lights* continues to find new audiences and touch lives across generations, the bond among its cast members remains a testament to the relationships forged during its production. The show has not only entertained but has also created lasting connections that resonate beyond the screen, proving its impact as a cultural phenomenon.