Break the Monotony: Exciting Alternatives Await as Fall Season Approaches

Summary

Broadcast television viewers are highly likely to watch reruns during the Hollywood strikes, with only 41% saying they don't intend to watch at all.

Due to ongoing strikes for fair pay, networks are populating their 2023-2024 season schedules with a diverse range of programming including acquired series, unscripted shows, live sports, and reruns. Additionally, the strikes have led to the unprecedented arrival of streaming and pay television shows on broadcast television, potentially attracting a new audience eager to catch up on reruns.

During the dual Hollywood strikes, a large percentage of broadcast television viewers have expressed their intention to watch reruns. Currently, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) are both striking against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). They are advocating for fair pay, proper streaming residuals, and the regulation of artificial intelligence. The WGA strike has already surpassed 100 days, and SAG-AFTRA joined them on the picket lines on July 14.

According to a recent study conducted by Civic Science shortly after the SAG-AFTRA strike began, the results were as follows: among participants who watched broadcast television networks like CBS, NBC, Fox, ABC, and The CW, only 41 percent stated that they were "not at all likely" to watch reruns in the upcoming season. On the other hand, 34 percent expressed being "somewhat likely" to watch reruns, while 25 percent stated that they were "very likely" to do so. Interestingly, Gen Z adults displayed the highest interest in watching reruns, with 65 percent expressing their willingness to watch.

What the 2023-2024 Season Looks Like

Following the strikes, networks have been swiftly assembling their lineups for the 2023-2024 season. With writers halting their work and actors no longer participating in or promoting affected projects, networks are limited to broadcasting scripted programs that have already been completed. As a result, there will be an increase in acquired series, unscripted shows, live sports, and reruns in the upcoming months.

In ABC's case, they have unveiled a schedule that is completely immune to the strikes. They will be airing reruns of their popular sitcom Abbott Elementary, as well as a mix of familiar unscripted series such as Dancing with the Stars and Shark Tank, and new offerings like an updated version of the dating show called The Golden Bachelor. CBS, on the other hand, has chosen to focus more on scripted content, including the original UK version of their sitcom Ghosts, alongside a plethora of reruns. NBC will also be blending reruns of Dick Wolf universe shows with their unscripted programs.

As a result of the Hollywood strikes, several streaming or pay television shows are making their debut on broadcast television. This includes the popular Taylor Sheridan series Yellowstone, originally aired on The Paramount Network and now airing on CBS this Fall. Another example is the Marvel Cinematic Universe title Ms. Marvel, which premiered on Disney+ but recently started airing on ABC. These specific series may be the primary reason why some broadcast viewers are becoming more interested in reruns.