In this episode, we delve into the ongoing writers' strike in Hollywood, which has now reached a staggering 153 days. This labor stoppage, the longest ever for one of the big three unions in Hollywood, has had a significant impact on the industry and raises questions about its future.
Despite talks scheduled for the upcoming week between the writers and studios, it is unlikely that production will resume until the end of the year, resulting in a full eight months of inactivity. The strike has already caused a massive $3 billion hit to the California economy as of August.
One of the key concerns surrounding the strike is the potential permanent damage it may cause to the industry. With such a prolonged period of inactivity, companies are being forced to reassess their strategies and make necessary cuts or changes. This could lead to a reset in the business, altering the landscape of Hollywood.
Furthermore, the strike is expected to have a significant impact on the concept of Peak TV, which saw a surge in spending on scripted shows. With the strike's potential to bring this era to an end, we explore the implications for the industry and viewers alike.
Another area that may see permanent changes is late night TV shows. As a result of the strike, we may witness a reduction in the number of episodes per week and salary reductions for hosts. The strike is forcing networks to reconsider the traditional late-night format.
Finally, we discuss how the strike could lead to a shift towards more international content. Streaming services, in search of alternatives to US scripted shows, may turn to international productions to fill the void left by the strike.
Join us as we analyze the impact of the longest writers' strike in Hollywood history and explore the potential long-term consequences for the industry.