Category: Funstuff

Several big names in Hollywood have officially put their foot down that no writing work whatsoever will be done on their shows during the strike, according to The Writer's Guild of America:

"So, just to be absolutely clear: In the event of a strike, we, the following showrunners, will do no writing and no story breaking — nor will any be asked of our writing staffs — until we get a deal."

Among the list are the showrunners from comedies, dramas, sci-fi shows, late night talk shows, and even a large number of Disney staples like Hannah Montana.

The late night talk shows are already in repeats, sketch shows are likely to go next. While some shows have enough in the can to possibly last out the strike on the air, it would still cause a gap in production. Last year, Heroes specifically suffered from weeks of repeats. The repeats had such an effect on ratings that the show was creating a new set of episodes to air during the hiatus. After all that work, we still might end up with weeks without new shows on almost any network.

It's good to see solidarity on the part of several big name actors and producers, but the question seems to be looming: how is this going to affect the networks before it's all over? Will the weeks of repeats make you lose interest in new shows? Could this be the final nail in the coffin for shows that were struggling already?

This post was Guest Authored by Elizabeth

It's a difficult situation. It's undeniably horrible for viewers, having all their shows flung into the danger zone, perhaps never to return. But something has got to be done, and it seems nothing will change without risk and sacrifice. So, lets just hope it's quick. I really really hope it's quick. Hearing Scrubs creator Bill Lawrence suggest he'll finish the show as text online if he has to, and to see The Big Bag Theory's creator have that pained look on his face talking about how he'd spent so long working toward his own show only to shut it down himself is worrying indeed.

But let's remember that this is a necessary strike. Writers must demand more compensation for their work especially in this day of residuals where the studios go on making piles of cash on a show long after it is off the air. I applaud their convictions and support their cause. We will all still be here when the situation is resolved and we will be ready to watch their programming.

Well, as far as shows that are already struggling, most of the networks had ordered additional shows before the strike (such as the case with 'Cane') and perhaps with shows slated for mid-season and/or replacement.

As far as repeats go...I'm going to say this...it may give viewers the chance to sample other shows that they have not seen yet. If they love reality (or 'sub reality?) shows. most of them will remain intact. 'Deal Or No Deal' remains on the air...maybe some unaired pilots might show up (as TV films)...news shows will increase, sports...

But as much as I support the strikers, I been hearig some crazy stuff lately, like bashing actors (such as Eva Longoria) who have to cross the lines because by contract with thier own unions, they must continue to work (at least until the scripts run out) ' -even if the actors support the effort to some extent...that's crossing another sort of line...and the strikers slowly lose my respect in cases like that.

Let those non- writers who have to work, work. Picket peacefully, and don't throw stones at folks who, during breaks, give support. Or in the case of Eva, food and drink.

Now, smelting salt pellets at Ellen Degeneres...that could be something else.

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