Local Economy Hit by WGA and SAG-AFTRA Strikes

The concurrent Hollywood writer and actor strikes have already delayed countless productions, putting the future of scripted television series in peril. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) represents around 11,000 screenwriters who have been on strike since May 2. The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) represents 160,000+ actors, many of whom began picketing on July 14. As these strikes continue with no end in sight, television and film production companies have shut down, leaving soundstages empty, industry support businesses hurting (many have had to close shop), the local economy limping, and the fall television schedule up in the air. The strikes are also pushing back the release dates of many films.

The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), the trade association that represents more than 350 American television and film production companies, has met just a few times with the WGA since the strike began more than 100 days ago. The meetings have not resulted in any progress in ending the labor stoppages, as the WGA seeks answers on issues related to pay raises, benefits, residuals from streaming platforms, and artificial intelligence replacing writers. SAG-AFTRA has similar concerns, with actors fearing that artificial intelligence could be used to replicate their likeness without compensation.

Late-night talk shows were the first to feel the effects, and the fall television schedule will be next. Without new episodes of scripted television, networks will be filling the void with reality shows and reruns. Popular series like ABC's "Abbot Elementary" will air reruns, as the writers have not begun work on the third season. CBS will be airing reruns of many shows filmed at Broadway Stages, including "Blue Bloods," "FBI," "FBI: Most Wanted," and "The Equalizer." CBS will also delay the premieres of two new shows that were scheduled to debut this fall – a reboot of "Matlock" starring Kathy Bates and a spinoff of "The Good Wife" and "The Good Fight" called "Elsbeth," which was filmed at Broadway Stages facilities. "Law & Order" fans will have to wait a bit longer for season 23, as NBC will not have new episodes of the original program or any of its spinoffs to air this fall. Both "Law & Order" and "Law & Order: Organized Crime" are part of the Broadway Stages family.

Showtime's "Billions," another longtime production filmed at Broadway Stages, faced strike-related production delays while filming its seventh and final season, however the series returned to Showtime earlier this month and will continue to air new episodes before wrapping up in October.

The Paramount+ hit "Evil," which also calls Broadway Stages home, was in the middle of filming its fourth season when the production stopped amid strike-related disruptions.

Many films will also face delays, including the three planned "Avatar" sequels and multiple films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Some of Hollywood's highest paid actors and actresses have raised more than $15 million to provide financial assistance to actors on strike.

We are optimistic that the writers, cast, and crew of so many wonderful productions will return to our stages soon, fairly considered and compensated. We are all ready to welcome their talents to the big and small screen! And with that comes the much needed economic investment that is generated by the film and television industry. Continue to follow Broadway Stages for updates on the strikes, and check out a photo gallery of picketers, including the writers of "The Good Wife."