Exclusive Insider Insights: How Resolving Strikes Can Rescue the Fall TV Season – Revealed by Renowned SVU Showrunner!

Summary

The ongoing strike by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA has resulted in an industry-wide work stoppage, leaving the upcoming fall TV season in limbo.

Warren Leight, the former showrunner of Law & Order: SVU, proposes that a 13-episode season could be rescued by networks if the strike concludes by Labor Day, by commencing shooting in early fall.

NBC and ABC are already modifying their fall TV schedules by postponing certain shows until mid-season, whereas CBS has yet to make any announcements regarding changes.

Warren Leight, the former Law & Order: SVU showrunner, sheds light on how television shows can proceed with their upcoming seasons amidst the ongoing battle between writers and actors for fair compensation. Following the initiation of the writers' strike by the WGA, the SAG-AFTRA has also joined in, resulting in a widespread halt in the industry. This marks the first time in 63 years that both unions have united in protest, highlighting the severity of the issues currently affecting Hollywood.

As a result of this work stoppage, the fate of the upcoming fall TV season remains uncertain. However, Leight, through his official Twitter account, outlines one crucial condition under which the shows can still make a comeback this year. To gain further insight, refer to his complete statement below:

Aside from the issues that require resolution prior to early September, Leight also notes that the forthcoming network seasons would essentially comprise half the number of episodes.

What The WGA & SAG Strike Means For Fall 2023 TV Season

Despite initially stating that they would maintain their regular schedule during the WGA strike in May, the big networks have already started making changes. NBC, for instance, has announced that its entire fall TV lineup will be postponed until the mid-season. As a result, popular scripted shows like Law & Order: SVU, One Chicago, and Night Court will be delayed by a few months.

ABC, however, continues to adhere to its previous approach, referring to it as the network's "unassailable schedule." The lineup lacks numerous scripted series, as evidenced by The Conners already set for a comeback in the middle of the season, implying that its fellow primetime successes will face the same fate. CBS remains the most silent of the three major networks, neglecting to announce any alterations to its typical autumn schedule. Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning that many of the stars of Young Sheldon, CBS's most popular show, have expressed their strong support for both WGA and SAG-AFTRA. It is likely that CBS will be forced to also postpone the comedy, leaving them with no alternative.

While it is understandably disappointing for many to have to wait for new episodes, it appears that most viewers fully comprehend the gravity of the strikes. A recent study suggests that viewers are willing to watch reruns while the work stoppage continues. With shows like Law & Order: SVU, which has amassed over 20 seasons, viewers will not experience a shortage of content to enjoy.

Source: Warren Leight/Twitter