Several daytime talk shows, including The Talk, The Jennifer Hudson Show, and Sherri, are resuming production despite the ongoing labor strikes led by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA.
These strikes have been disrupting TV and film production for the past five months as the unions advocate for better pay, transparency in streaming data, and protection against artificial intelligence in the industry.
Actress Barrymore faced criticism from striking writers when she announced on September 10 that her daytime show, The Drew Barrymore Show, would resume taping without the involvement of WGA writers. Nonetheless, other talk shows are following suit and restarting production despite the ongoing labor actions.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, The Talk is reportedly set to resume taping and is planning a premiere date for September 18. The show, which is a signatory to the Writers Guild’s minimum basic agreement, had been on hiatus since the writers’ strike began in May.
Emmy-nominated The Jennifer Hudson Show, syndicated by Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution, is promoting its second season, also set to debut on September 18. The show employed WGA writers during its previous season and is also a signatory to the union’s minimum basic agreement.
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Sherri, distributed by Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury, is entering its second season and does not rely on WGA writers. Similarly, Live With Kelly and Ryan, Tamron Hall, and The View have continued to air during the strike, despite employing some WGA members.
Hosts such as Barrymore, Hudson, Shepherd, and the panel of The Talk would be in compliance with SAG-AFTRA rules as they host their shows under a separate contract known as the Network Code, distinct from the contract that actors are striking against.
However, The Kelly Clarkson Show, which is syndicated by NBCUniversal, has not yet resumed production. The show is currently in preproduction at its new location in New York, and NBCU has not announced a specific debut date for the 2023-24 season.
This information was reported by The Hollywood Reporter, highlighting the continued impact of the labor strikes on the entertainment industry.
For Reel 360 News’ full strike coverage, click here.
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