Introduction:
The ongoing labor strikes in the entertainment industry have had a significant impact on TV and film productions, with hundreds of projects affected over the past five months. As the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA advocate for better pay, residuals, streaming data transparency, and protections against artificial intelligence, among other issues, daytime talk shows are finding themselves at a crossroads. Some shows have chosen to resume production despite the strikes, while others have remained on hiatus, navigating the complexities of labor disputes and contractual obligations.
“The Drew Barrymore Show” Sparks Controversy:
One notable example is “The Drew Barrymore Show,” which drew sharp criticism from striking writers when it announced its decision to resume taping without WGA writers. Barrymore defended her choice, stating that the show’s compliance with not discussing or promoting struck film and television projects was being upheld. However, the move sparked picketing by writers outside the show’s New York set, and audience members wearing strike-supporting pins were reportedly asked to leave the taping.
“The Talk” and “The Jennifer Hudson Show” Prepare for Season Premieres:
Despite the ongoing strikes, other daytime talk shows are gearing up for their season premieres. CBS’ panel show “The Talk” is set to begin taping again, with a planned premiere date of September 18. As a signatory to the Writers Guild’s minimum basic agreement, the show had gone dark when the writers strike began in May. Similarly, “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” syndicated by Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution, is promoting its second season, also starting on September 18. The show had employed WGA writers in the past and remains a signatory to the union’s minimum basic agreement.
“Sherri” and Other Shows Proceed Without WGA Writers:
Another daytime talk show, “Sherri,” distributed by Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury, is also entering its second season without WGA writers. Like fellow shows “Live With Kelly and Ryan” and “Tamron Hall,” which have continued running as normal, “Sherri” does not utilize WGA writers. ABC’s “The View” has also been running throughout the strike, despite employing a few WGA members. However, picketing by guild members has taken place outside the show’s premises.
“The Kelly Clarkson Show” Remains on Hiatus:
One daytime talk show that has not yet announced its return is “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” Syndicated by NBCUniversal, the show is currently in preproduction as it prepares to move from Los Angeles to New York. With no debut date set for the 2023-24 season, the show’s future remains uncertain amidst the ongoing labor strikes.
Conclusion:
As the labor strikes continue to impact the entertainment industry, daytime talk shows find themselves navigating the complexities of labor disputes and contractual obligations. While some shows have chosen to resume production, others have remained on hiatus, awaiting resolution or making strategic decisions based on their contractual agreements. The strikes have brought attention to the issues faced by writers and performers, highlighting the need for fair compensation, transparency, and protections in the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry. The decisions made by these talk shows reflect the delicate balance between creative production and labor rights, shaping the future of the industry amidst a period of significant change.
