Writers Strike Already Affecting TV Programming

Written by: Michael Hickerson (SoSF Staff Journalist)

As the writers’ strike enters its third day, the ripple affect is beginning to be felt across Hollywood.

Yesterday, Jon Stewart announced he’d continue to pay his “Daily Show” writing staff for two weeks out of his own pocket to help ease burden of the strike to them.

Also, in the past day, several sitcoms have announced they’re shutting down production because sit-coms don’t keep as many scripts in the can. Shutting down are “Two and a Half Men,” “Back to You,” “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” “Til Death,” “The Big Bang Theory” and “Rules of Engagement.” NBC’s highest rated comedy, “The Office” was shut down earlier this week becuase many of the actors on the show are also writers for the show and wouldn’t cross the picket lines. The strike may also affect and truncate the final season of “Scrubs” according to reports.

The strike also brings potentially bad news for fans of “Lost.” The good news is the show has already filmed eight episodes of its 16 episode season. The bad news–ABC could wait until next fall or 2009 to show them, depending on how long the strike goes on.

Meanwhile, with a lot of shows shutdown, the networks are turning to reality shows to fill the broadcast hours. CBS is reported to be hurriedly producing the next season of summer-favorite “Big Brother” for a quick debut.

For more details and insight in how this strike could affect your television program viewing, be sure to tune in to Slice of SciFi Show #134 this Saturday, November 10, 2007.