As Fall approaches, TV viewers are eagerly anticipating the return of their favorite dramas to the small screen. However, this year, many fans have been met with disappointment as several beloved shows are conspicuously absent from the Fall 2023 lineup. The culprit behind this unfortunate turn of events is none other than the WGA strike. The WGA strike has sent shockwaves through the broadcast TV industry, causing delays, disruptions, and even bringing some productions to a screeching halt.

In this blog post, we will explore the far-reaching effects of the WGA strike on our favorite dramas and delve into the reasons behind their absence this season.

Check out the complete list of shows delayed because of the strike below this post

 

The Writers Guild of America Strike: A Recap

The WGA strike, which began in the spring of 2023, was a labor dispute between the Writers Guild of America (East and West) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The primary issues driving the strike were centered around fair compensation, healthcare benefits, and working conditions for television writers. The failure to reach a consensus led to a significant number of writers walking off the job, putting many productions in jeopardy.

 

The Domino Effect on Broadcast TV Network Shows

The strike had a domino effect on the production schedules of numerous broadcast TV network shows. Without a sufficient number of skilled writers, networks were left with little choice but to delay the start of production or, in some cases, put the entire season on hold. The result was an unfortunate dearth of new episodes for some of our favorite dramas this Fall.

 

The Impact on Script Development and Quality

During a writers’ strike, one of the most significant casualties is the time allotted for script development. Television shows often require months of planning and writing before shooting can begin. Without writers working on new scripts, networks faced the difficult decision of either using incomplete scripts or shelving episodes altogether. The latter proved to be the fate of some series, leading to their absence this Fall.

 

Financial Strain and Negotiations

The WGA strike also placed considerable financial strain on both networks and production companies. As production costs soared due to delays and overtime pay, budgets became tighter, and some networks were compelled to prioritize their flagship shows, leaving others to be put on hiatus indefinitely. Negotiations between the WGA and AMPTP were further complicated by the complexities of streaming rights, residuals, and the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.

 

The Missing Shows

Are we missing a show? Let us know here.

 

Streaming Shows Highlights

Of course, the impact of the WGA strike also extended to hit streaming shows, leaving fans of these series equally disappointed. Streaming platforms have become a major player in the entertainment landscape, and their original content has garnered a massive and dedicated audience. However, the strike disrupted the production schedules of many streaming shows, resulting in delays and, in some cases, the postponement of highly anticipated seasons.

Here are some of the most anticipated streaming series that got affected by the strikes:

We know you are thinking this is a lot. And yet, there is much more. See the complete list on tvinsider.

 

The Resolution

While it is disheartening to see some of our favorite dramas missing from the Fall 2023 schedule, there is hope on the horizon. The WGA strike, like previous industry strikes, will eventually come to a resolution. When that happens, writers can return to their craft, and productions can resume with renewed vigor. Many networks have already expressed their commitment to bringing back these beloved shows as soon as the strike concludes, so fans can look forward to a potentially packed schedule in the future.

 

Exploring Your Alternatives

In the meantime, if you are not much into reality and game shows, this Fall might be an excellent opportunity to explore new and exciting content that may have flown under the radar. With streaming platforms and cable networks continuing to churn out a vast array of original series, there are plenty of fresh dramas to captivate our attention.

Check out our streaming guides to catch up on the hype. Top 10 Streaming Shows Right Now – See What You’re Missing Out On!

 

Conclusion

The WGA strike of 2023 has undoubtedly left its mark on the television industry, impacting beloved dramas and frustrating eager audiences. While we might miss our favorite shows this Fall, it’s essential to remember that these decisions were born out of a larger struggle for better working conditions for writers. As negotiations continue, we can hope for a swift resolution, ensuring that our treasured dramas will make a triumphant return in the seasons to come. In the meantime, let’s embrace the opportunity to discover new and compelling stories that await us this Fall.

Fall 2023 TV Schedule + Streaming Shows Release Dates Calendar
When does your favorite show come back on? Check it out on our fall release dates guide.
September 2023 Release Dates are here!