This summer, Hollywood reached a tipping point it hasn't seen the likes of since 1960, as the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG–AFTRA) voted to join the Writers Guild of America (WAG) on the picket lines.
Both unions have failed to reach an agreement with studio executives over fair pay and the role of artificial intelligence in the future of film and TV productions.
The writers put their pencils down in May, but the actors have now followed suit after union president Fran Drescher delivered a blistering speech against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), an organisation that negotiates on behalf of Netflix, Disney and a variety of other companies.
She said the walkout would impact "thousands if not millions of people" and touched on how the industry has been reshaped by streaming and artificial intelligence.
It is not clear how long the strike will last, but the longest WGA industrial action was over 153 days in 1960.
The walkout has had an immediate impact on TV shows in production, with many shutting down filming and delaying release dates while the situation remains uncertain – so here are all the shows affected so far.
What to Read Next
Citadel
The second season of the Prime Video spy thriller, produced by the Russo brothers, is now looking at a delayed release date of late 2024 or early 2025, Variety reports.
Severance
Severance paused production on the second season of the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series in New York once the writers walked out.
The Handmaid’s Tale
The dystopian Margaret Atwood adaptation was due to start filming later this summer, but writing on the show has been halted.
Hacks
The third season of HBO's comedy Hacks has ceased filming, with creator Jen Statsky saying there was "no other option".
"Writing happens at every stage of the process – production and post included. It's what makes shows and movies good," she tweeted.
Peacemaker
James Gunn recently confirmed Peacemaker season two is still in the works, but Variety has reported that it will now be delayed by the strike.
Stranger Things
Production on the fifth season of the Netflix mega-hit has paused, the show's creators Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer shared with fans.
They wrote on Twitter: "Writing does not stop when filming begins. While we're excited to start production with our amazing cast and crew, it is not possible during this strike."
Wednesday
Filming on the second season of the Netflix show had been expected to start in the autumn, however, there is now the possibility it might be delayed if the strike stretches out that long.
1923
Production on Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone spin-off has been delayed for the time being, Variety reports, meaning the 1923 season 2 release date will likely be pushed back.
Tulsa King
In another corner of the Sheridan-verse, Paramount+ mob show Tulsa King has been met with the same delays.
Star Sylvester Stallone confirmed the news before the actors went on strike and expressed his support for the writers' walkout.
He told Newsweek: "It's definitely affecting work because we can't move forward with a lot of projects, especially Tulsa King. But I think it's changed so much that the writers do have a serious gripe. They're in a grievance that it's changed.
"There's not enough work to keep all these writers going. And then they're living under this cloud of AI. It's a very terrifying time to be a writer. They work for our show, eight episodes, and then you're done, and that's it. 'What do I live on for the rest of the year?' sort of a thing. So I understand their plight."
Poker Face
The murder mystery of the week show was renewed earlier this year for a second season, under the stewardship Knives Out's Rian Johnson.
According to Variety, the premiere of season 2 has now been delayed to 2024 due to the ongoing strike. Johnson tweeted his support of the walkout, writing: "Not bullshit! Support writers, support our union #WGAstrong."
Abbott Elementary
Production has also been delayed on the Emmy-winning workplace comedy, which was supposed to begin its writers' room the day after the strike began.
Grey's Anatomy
The long-running medical drama has been commissioned for a whopping 20th season, but the NBC show has now been delayed.
Euphoria
The third season of HBO’s hit Euphoria had been eyeing an "ideal" release date in 2025, to work around creator Sam Levinson and Zendaya's packed schedules. However, the wait may now be as far away as 2026.
The Last of Us
The Last of Us paused the early stages of its pre-production in the wake of the writers' strike, with no scripts yet written according to Variety.
Andor
The Star Wars spin-off show starring Diego Luna has become one of the latest shows affected, as it is reportedly set to pause production on its second season in the wake of the actors' strike.
Deadline has reported that the production is trying to go on for as long as it can with actors who are part of Equity, the British acting union, as opposed to SAG-AFTRA.
Yellowjackets
Writing on the third season of Yellowjackets was put on hold one day in, co-creator Ashley Lyle said, adding that they will return to their keyboards when the WGA is given a "fair deal".
Cobra Kai
While production was due to start in May this year on the sixth and final season of the Netflix show, it has since been put on hold amid the strike. Cobra Kai co-creator and showrunner Jon Hurwitz confirmed the writers' room for the show would be on the picket line until an agreement is made.
Taking to Twitter, he wrote: "We hate to strike, but if we must, we strike hard. Pencils down in the Cobra Kai writers room. No writers on set.
"These aren't fun times, but it's unfortunately necessary. The moment a fair deal is in place, we'll get back to kicking ass. In the meantime, sending strength and support to the negotiating committee. You got this."
Best Entertainment and Tech Deals
Coronation Street X Joanie - Gilroy Retro Newton And Ridley Sweatshirt
Previously Deputy TV Editor at Digital Spy and, before that, a TV Reporter at The Mirror, Rebecca can now be found crafting expert analysis of the TV landscape, when she's not talking on the BBC or Times Radio about everything from the latest season of Bridgerton or The White Lotus to whatever chaos is unfolding in the various Love Island villas. When she's not bingeing a boxset, in-the-wild sightings of Rebecca have included stints on the National TV Awards and BAFTAs red carpets, and post-match video explainers of the reality TV we're all watching.
