Hollywood Writers’ Strike Ends, Late Night Hosts Return to the Stage

After nearly 150 days on the picket lines, the Hollywood writers’ strike has finally come to an end. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) reached a tentative deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, allowing writers to return to work and striking actors to resume negotiations. Late night hosts, including Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, Stephen Colbert, and John Oliver, are preparing to make their comeback on the stage.

Seth Meyers, host of “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” expressed his excitement to be back but humorously admitted that he hadn’t paid attention to the news during the strike. The WGA successfully secured pay increases for the next three years, implemented artificial intelligence restrictions, and negotiated a new residual system for streaming based on viewership. The guild also focused on improving health benefits, pensions, and ensuring a guaranteed number of writers in writers rooms for television shows.

Now, it’s the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists’ (SAG-AFTRA) turn to negotiate with major studios such as Disney, Paramount, Universal, and Warner Bros. Discovery. SAG-AFTRA aims to improve wages, working conditions, health and pension benefits, and establish guidelines for the use of AI in future productions. The union also seeks more transparency from streaming services regarding viewership to ensure equitable residual payments.

While the negotiations are expected to be swift, the resumption of film and television production may face delays. SAG-AFTRA members will need to vote on the new contract, and there will be a scramble to gather crews and cast back to set. Additionally, international productions may need to wrap up before returning to U.S.-based projects. Some studios have already announced plans to resume production next year, potentially impacting the release calendar for upcoming films and TV shows.

Late night hosts will temporarily rely on politicians, journalists, and authors as guests until actors can promote their upcoming projects. Once SAG-AFTRA reaches a deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, stars will be able to return to late night shows to generate interest in their films. This is particularly crucial for Academy Award hopefuls set for release later this year.

In the meantime, the end of the writers’ strike brings relief to the entertainment industry, allowing the creative process to resume and bringing back the much-loved late night shows.