TV Shows Impacted by 2023 Writers Guild of America Strike

The Writers Guild of America have officially authourised a strike resulting in many TV shows being affected.

Writers and studios are attempting to reach a new wage agreement, alongside the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, before the current contract expires.

Negotiations broke down while WGA pushed for the new compensation, taking into account streaming residuals, better working conditions and a limit on the use of AI technology.

In an open letter, members expressed focus on "fait pay that reflects the value of our contribution to company success and includes protections to ensure that writing survives as a sustainable profession."

The strike was confirmed when an agreement couldn't be met. The organisation AMPTP represents Netflix, Amazon, Apple, Disney, Discovery, Warner, NBC, Universal, Paramount, and Sony among others.

“The companies’ behavior has created a gig economy inside a union workforce, and their immovable stance in this negotiation has betrayed a commitment to further devaluing the profession of writing. From their refusal to guarantee any level of weekly employment in episodic television, to the creation of a ‘day rate’ in comedy variety, to their stonewalling on free work for screenwriters and on AI for all writers, they have closed the door on their labor force and opened the door to writing as an entirely freelance profession. No such deal could ever be contemplated by this membership.”

The AMPTP believes they offered "generous" compensation in a counteroffer.

“Negotiations between the AMPTP and the WGA concluded without an agreement today. The AMPTP presented a comprehensive package proposal to the Guild last night which included generous increases in compensation for writers as well as improvements in streaming residuals. The AMPTP also indicated to the WGA that it is prepared to improve that offer, but was unwilling to do so because of the magnitude of other proposals still on the table that the Guild continues to insist upon. The primary sticking points are ‘mandatory staffing,’ and ‘duration of employment’ — Guild proposals that would require a company to staff a show with a certain number of writers for a specified period of time, whether needed or not.”

Shows including 'Abbott Elementary,' 'Yellowjackets' and 'Saturday Night Live' have hit pause on production. It has been revealed the strike could impact the number of episodes in upcoming seasons.

“We are a show that writes while we air. If this strike goes on for a significant period of time, our show will not come out on time and that could change the amount of episodes which I’m sure people will be very upset about.”

'Yellowjackets' announced a writers room shut down one day back in the office.

“It was amazing, and creatively invigorating, and so much fun, and I’m really excited to get back to it as soon as the WGA gets a fair deal."

It was also revealed the fifth and final season of 'Stranger Things' would not begin production as expected.

“Writing does not stop when filming begins. While we’re excited to start production with our amazing cast and crew, it is not possible during this strike. We hope a fair deal is reached soon so we can all get back to work. Until then — over and out."