The 2007-08 Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike resulted in a lot of uncertainty in the entertainment world. From postponing production to using non-union writers to canceling shows entirely, we were on the edge of our seats waiting to hear what would happen to TV. Thankfully, many of our favorites survived the strike and even went on to have major success in future seasons.
Breaking Bad
Our favorite science-teacher-gone-bad almost had a very different story due to the 2007-08 strike. Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan and writers had written the nine-episode season 1 that ended in the death of a major character. When the strike halted production after episode seven, the storyline had to be adapted to a shorter schedule. As a result, our favorite leading characters continued to give us jaw-dropping moments for another four seasons.
Supernatural
Supernatural was still establishing itself as a household name when the strike stopped production during the third season. After coming to a standstill in December 2007, the season was ultimately shortened by six episodes. In order to wrap up the main plot in fewer episodes than expected, other storylines had to be pushed to future seasons. Delaying those new adventures could even be credited for keeping the show alive through a total of 15 seasons.
Weeds
Even shows planned to air off-season, like Weeds, were feeling the heat. Weeds was scheduled to begin filming season 4 in April 2008 but by the time January rolled around, there was still no end to the strike in sight. Rather than risk the success of one of its most highly-rated series, the network took matters into its own hands. Lionsgate struck up a deal with WGA that ended the strike for the network and allowed Weeds to find success for an additional five seasons.
Scrubs
With only 11 of 18 planned episodes written, Scrubs was in a bind when the strike occurred. Not only did writers stop working, but creator Bill Lawrence refused to cross the picket line for any reason, including writing an early end for season 7 as the strike drew nearer. ABC Studios brought in non-WGA staff to complete the season and ultimately moved the show from NBC to ABC, where it continued for another two seasons.
30 Rock
In just the second season of 30 Rock, the show was faced with an uncertain future due to the strike. The season was pared down to 15 episodes from 22 after showrunners Tina Fey and Robert Carlock (both previously writers for SNL) stood in solidarity with the WGA. The actors opted for a live show at the Upright Citizens Brigade theatre that inspired the fifth season episode “Live Show”, which drew the largest audience and highest ratings of the season.
Entourage
At the peak of critical reception, Entourage was forced to postpone season 5 until a final agreement could be reached between writers and networks. Rather than a June or July release as we saw with previous seasons, all production was moved forward for a September 2008 release. The delay didn’t break stride for the show which went on to see a total of eight successful seasons and a movie.