- New WGA deal could see television shows returning soon
- Production to resume in August, starting with late-night and daytime shows
- Scripted dramas and comedies possibly returning in September
After the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike in 2007, people are curious to know which shows will be the first to make a comeback once the new deal is sealed. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the television industry is being likened to that of the WGA strike over a decade ago. It is being projected that television production will resume in August, following safety protocols and guidelines.
Late-night and daytime shows will be among the earliest to return, given that they have smaller crews and are less complex to produce. For example, “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” had already started recording their shows from home during the lockdown.
However, the fate of scripted dramas and comedies that are usually shot on soundstages or on-location remains uncertain. The timeline to return for these shows might vary. It is anticipated that they could start returning in September, granted that there are no major setbacks.
As quoted from an anonymous TV producer, “People are definitely talking about a lot of ‘ifs’ and ‘buts.’ But the fact that we’re even having these conversations is a good sign. I think that by September, most shows will be back to work.” Nonetheless, it is noted that every television show is facing its own set of challenges and unique circumstances.