We’re about two weeks into the writers’ strike with no end in sight. According to the unions, more than 9,000 writers approved a strike authorization over stagnant wages even as streaming platforms have found huge success. So what does this mean for your favorite streaming services?
Insight into the Last Strike
To get a better idea of how programming could change during the strike, we can look to the most recent strike to occur: the 2007-2008 100-day strike. In a little bit of deja vu, writers were striking to ensure they retained a level of revenue share when content was shared across the internet. During this event, we saw a spike in production for reality shows that don’t require a script. This allowed networks to fill programming gaps quickly and limit disruptions for viewers at home. Will we see the same reality show resurgence trend this time around?
It’s likely that reality shows will take center stage again during this strike. Because networks were aware of the possibility of a strike, many prepared to produce more unscripted shows before the picket line started. If you’re a fan of shows that are written about current events, like Saturday Night Live and talk shows, you’ve likely noticed no new episodes are being released. Until unions and networks can come to an agreement, we’ll be relying on reality shows, reruns, and stockpiled scripts.
Members of WGA walk with pickets on strike outside the Culver Studio, Tuesday May 2, 2023 in Culver City, California.
With a strike being anticipated, some networks were able to create a strong bench of completed scripts that could be executed without writers. These completed scripts have a higher possibility of being produced now, leading to releases of new content that we otherwise wouldn’t get. However, it’s still possible that folks in production will stand in solidarity with writers and refuse to work. This would mean that even with fresh scripts available, they may remain in a pile on someone’s desk if production crews are unwilling to continue working.
The Shows Must Go On
Although programming has been disrupted, there is an interesting light at the end of the tunnel (other than fair wages and residuals). After the 2007-08 writers’ strike, we saw some of our favorite shows come to life. The following season of Breaking Bad was critically acclaimed and other shows were picked up by networks they otherwise wouldn’t have aired on, finding a new audience and potentially extending their overall run. With writers receiving better living wages, new talent may have an easier time breaking into the writing scene and providing fresh ideas to the entertainment world.
So what does this all boil down to for entertainment enthusiasts? Prepare to see an influx of reality shows. We keep our fingers crossed that canceled favorites will come back (Beauty and the Geek, anyone?), but brace for the possibility of less-than-enthralling unscripted shows. Some of our favorite shows currently airing may take a hiatus, leaving us on edge for their return. There’s also the potential to see shows that otherwise may not have made it to our screens. Scripts that would have been passed over for other options may be the only completed work available for some networks to produce
As negotiations continue, we recommend breaking out your rewatch list and enjoying your favorite shows and moves from the beginning.
