Must-Watch TV Shows of 2023 & 2024: The Ultimate Countdown After the WGA Strike

Summary

After 148 days, the WGA strike is finally over, allowing Hollywood studios to resume production on their top TV shows, resulting in a chaotic flurry of activity.

The WGA strike sought fair compensation, safeguards against AI-generated content, and improved healthcare and pension benefits for writers.

As production recommences, popular shows such as Grey's Anatomy, Abbott Elementary, 9-1-1: Lone Star, Law & Order, One Chicago, FBI, House of the Dragon, The Last of Us, The White Lotus, and Wednesday will be given priority. However, release dates may experience delays due to post-strike demand and the ongoing SAG strike.

Production for movies and television has been on hold for 148 days due to the WGA strike, which demanded fair wages, protection from AI-generated content, and improved healthcare and pension contributions. On September 27, 2023, the studios reached an agreement with the Writers Guild of America, officially ending the strike. While SAG actors are still on strike, studios are now focusing on prioritizing the start of production for crucial TV series.

11 Grey’s Anatomy

Grey's Anatomy is remarkably entering its 20th season, testament to the immense popularity and adoration of this medical drama series. Considering the release dates of past seasons, the anticipated debut of this next installment was slated for Fall 2023. However, due to the disruptive strikes by the WGA and SAG, this timeline became unattainable. With the recent resolution reached by Hollywood's writers, ABC is enthusiastic about resuming the production of Grey's Anatomy season 20, pending a similar agreement with SAG. Optimistically, viewers can expect to catch new episodes by Spring 2024.

10 Abbott Elementary

Quinta Brunson, known for creating the mockumentary sitcom Abbott Elementary, played a significant role during the WGA strike. Consequently, the recent agreement marks a notable triumph for her. Although Abbott Elementary was already approved for a third season in early 2023, due to the strike, limited details were disclosed on the subject. It could take a while before production commences, particularly since Abbott Elementary will have to compete with other ABC series for soundstage space after the conclusion of the SAG strike. Nevertheless, Brunson and her team can now proceed to the writers' room and initiate the process.

9 9-1-1: Lone Star

9-1-1: Lone Star, a spinoff of the popular show 9-1-1, had a successful start in 2020 and managed to overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Season 4 premiered at the beginning of 2023, so fans don't have to wait too long for the next installment like they do for the original series, which was affected by the WGA strike. However, production for 9-1-1: Lone Star season 5 should have started earlier to stick to its usual January release. Nevertheless, with Fox giving priority to this title, audiences can expect the next installment to arrive in the first quarter of 2024.

8 Law & Order

The Law & Order franchise holds the title of being the most successful crime drama of all time. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that it is a high priority for the network. In the past, Law & Order: SVU has premiered new seasons in September. However, for season 25, this tradition will not be upheld. Nevertheless, with the conclusion of the WGA strike, NBC is determined to bring back this beloved series. Season 25 of Law & Order: SVU is expected to have a reduced number of episodes, around 12. This adjustment should allow for a swift production process, making a release in the first quarter of 2024 still possible. In July 2023, Law & Order: Organized Crime received a renewal for its fourth season. Assuming the SAG-AFTRA strike is resolved soon, production for this show should also commence promptly.

7 One Chicago

Another well-known NBC franchise, One Chicago comprises the shows Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med. All three series wrapped up their latest seasons in May 2023, just before the commencement of the WGA strike. Traditionally, they release new seasons between September and November, but that won't be the case this time. With the writers now back at work, production should start once SAG reaches an agreement. However, since these are three distinct NBC series eager to resume, it's bound to be a hectic few weeks ahead.

6 FBI

FBI season 6, although confirmed, did not have the opportunity to enter production. After concluding season 5 in May 2023, the new seasons of this Dick Wolf project have historically commenced in September. Similar to Law & Order and Chicago, FBI is a priority for NBC. However, during their 2023-2024 season, NBC only released new episodes of NCIS: Sydney. If everything goes as planned, FBI season 6 may be ready for a first-quarter 2024 release, joining Wolf's other series.

5 House Of The Dragon

The production of season 2 of House of the Dragon, the popular Game of Thrones spinoff series, continued despite the strikes by WGA and SAG. Despite the completed script and the legal obligation for most actors to continue working due to their affiliation with a different entity than SAG-AFTRA, the news of WGA reaching a deal is still significant for the series. In the case of massive productions like House of the Dragon, rewrites are typically necessary throughout the production process, but the strike made it impossible. However, now there is an opportunity to perfect season 2 of this epic fantasy for its anticipated release in Summer 2024.

4 The Last Of Us

The Last of Us, a television series based on the 2013 video game of the same name, was a major hit during its season 1 premiere in January 2023. The show's success led to an immediate renewal for season 2 after only two episodes, generating high anticipation among audiences for the continuation of the story on screen. However, HBO is known for its deliberate pace in producing such projects (though the outcome has always justified the wait). Thus, the WGA strike is unlikely to significantly affect the release date of season 2. While The Last of Us season 2 may have to wait its turn given HBO's focus on other high-profile series (all of which require extensive post-production work), considering its popularity, it should be given priority for a 2024-2025 release.

3 The White Lotus

The White Lotus was originally intended as a limited series, but following the success of season 1, HBO transformed it into an anthology series, with each season taking place at a different White Lotus resort location. As a result, viewers are eagerly anticipating the revelation of the setting for The White Lotus season 3. Unfortunately, there is currently no news on this matter, as production could not commence due to the WGA strike. Nevertheless, with the season 2 finale of The White Lotus attracting 2.8 million views, HBO should have a strong incentive to bring season 3 to life.

2 Wednesday

Wednesday, the popular TV series on Netflix, has garnered great success and fans are eagerly anticipating the return of the beloved character, Addams, in season 2. Unfortunately, season 2 won't be able to release in November as desired. However, there is good news as Netflix is reportedly giving priority to Wednesday season 2 over other Netflix originals such as Cobra Kai. Despite the dedicated efforts of the writers who are juggling multiple post-strike projects and the ongoing SAG strike, it is unlikely that we will get to see Wednesday Addams again until at least Spring 2024.

1 Stranger Things

Netflix's top TV project, Stranger Things, holds great importance for the streaming giant. In contrast to the aforementioned crime dramas, this sci-fi horror drama necessitates substantial post-production work, with CGI playing a pivotal role in the overarching storyline. As a result, even if the writers commence work on Stranger Things season 5 promptly and production swiftly commences following the deal with SAG actors, it is improbable that we will witness a premiere before 2025. This likely explains why Netflix is prioritizing this beloved series—waiting longer would pose challenges in justifying the aging of the actors.