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Writer’s Strike: ‘The Talk’ Goes Dark and the Status of Daytime Dramas

By Michael Fairman

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Photos: CBS and ABC

From late night talk shows to daytime talk shows, to movies and more, the WGA writer’s strike is on and it will now affect certain types of programming first, with a potential trickle-down effect; depending on just how long it will take for the WGA to hammer out a deal with AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers).

For CBS Daytime’s The Talk, the series will now stop current production as its staff includes WGA writers.  In its place, the show had in the can a fresh batch of  episodes that they had scheduled to air this week.  If the strike continues on, the plan is for the show to air repeats if it runs out of originals.

The same tactic is being taken with the late night talk shows, which already shut down and where you will see reruns for now. Primetime dramas writer’s room are now shut down.

In the case of your favorite dramas, because the soaps have the luxury of taping farther in advance then any other entertainment TV medium, they will not be adversely affected, for now.

Given that General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful, and The Young and the Restless are all mostly 6 weeks ahead of air or less, they should be fine, until, if and when they run out of original scripts. As for Days of our Lives, since they tape well over 6 to 8 months ahead, they should be in a solid position through the strike … unless the unthinkable happens and it goes on for much longer than 100 days.  The last writer’s strike started on November 5th, 2007 and ran 100 days.

So how did we get here? Talks between the two sides ended late Monday when the WGA and AMPTP could not come to terms on issues of money, transparency, security, and how they viewed the basic role of writers in the burgeoning world of streaming.  Next, a strike was called by WGA leadership Tuesday morning which has featured many prominent writers, and actors picketing at studio locations all over Los Angeles and New York City

Photo: AP

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At the center of the dispute is streaming shows and more.  The WGA says that as series budgets have increased, the writers’s share of that money has over and over again been reduced.  Another issue is the use of ‘mini rooms’ for streaming shows as they utilize smaller staffs making an on-going income harder for scribes. In addition, the numbers of guild members on those staff has almost been reduced by fifty percent. These ‘mini rooms’ are where ahead of production, writers begin to break out stories and scripts.  In all, the WGA wants to see gains in compensation and residuals, a curb on said mini-rooms, and how the impact of AI, could be used instead of writers to generate new scripts.

So, what do you think about the writer’s strike? Glad they went on strike and unified for the now and the future? Concerned it will impact your favorite TV shows down the line? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

 

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Why do you think reruns would be the go-to for those three soaps? I’m just curious since it’s not how they handled it last time.

The last time (07-08) and in the 80s the soaps used scabs (or fi-core) writers. The head writer of Y&R, Josh Griffin, is already fi-core. I would assume that the soaps would take the same route this time.

I had to look up fi-core. It stands for Financial Core. In other words, a non-union employee.
Just wondering how you know that Josh Griffin is non-union, has he stated it in interviews? Thanks.

A show called The Talk need writers?! Interesting.

All talk shows have writers.

The View does not have writers. Whoopie Goldberg stated this on Tuesday morning show.. The View WILL carry on as normal

Whoopi is a moron.

Michael,
If anyone is a moron/idiot it’s Jerry McConnell on The Talk. Are you telling me his words are written for him?

I couldn’t have said it better myself That show should have said goodby a long time ago

Can we just put Nick and Sharon together again ! Please pretty please!

I’m not a fan of streaming. I could live with a couple of them, but they got greedy , and increased in number so much they probably overloaded the number of good writers pool, and diluted the cable tv offerings. And didn’t share $wise with writers and directors. Maybe that’s why General Hospital has turned into such an awful, ugly show to me. Certainly not the caliber of “love in the afternoon” type programming in it’s heyday. And who could compete with some of the steaming budgets like the Lord Of the Rings prequel from billionaire Amazon owner Steve Bezos. I realize they also offered some excellent shows, but they still aren’t worth it to me.

Yes General hosiptal is unrecognizable now.. yes it use to love in the afternoon back in the day..what can of writers have just settled for. Makes no sense to us loyal long time viewers.

The Talk had writers?!

We rode out pandemic with classic episodes but it’s too soon to do that again. Non-union writers in strikes through decades took our stories in strange directions.

lakovos,
Do you really think they aren’t strange or weird now? Look at this crap G.H is feeding us now, how can anyone take it seriously? Laura remembering the code they needed to get the weather back on track plus all the other things she remembered is way too much.

I meant they replacement writers took stories in directions not intended. Agree that current storylines are lacking. GH should move on from the Cassadine madness. It’s been done to death.

Didn’t the 1988 writer’s strike give us the One Life To Live storyline in the Wild West? That was really good. Erica as Ginny and Clint traveling back to the past. Anyone else remember that?

Mark
I do recall that storyline. It paled in comparison to Viki’s trip to heaven or Eterna. Still clever though.

On GH, the 07-08 strike gave us Monica as an alcoholic. Guza had stopped writing for Monica long before the strike. Wolf comes in during the strike and all of a sudden LC is in a big storyline. Once Guza came back, the story was wrapped up quickly and LC sent off into sporadic appearances until Frank and Ron took over in 2012.

I’m just wondering if this writer’s strike will affect award shows like the daytime emmys.

yes I’ve heard its been canceled fir now or this year bc of writer strike

Breaking News

‘Santa Barbara’ Favorites A Martinez and Marcy Walker, ‘Cruz and Eden’ Reunion Chat, On Demand Replay Available for Half Price (Exclusive)

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The love was felt around the world during the Sunday, June 7 livestream conversation featuring enduring Santa Barbara Daytime Emmy winners, A Martinez and Marcy Walker who played Cruz Castillo and Eden Capwell on the iconic NBC soap opera. The popular duo reunited for this special one-day only special event honoring their most memorable of daytime roles.

Santa Barbara was globally a hit, and nothing illustrated that more than having attendees from 20 countries and over four continents participate in and watch the live chat moderated by Melissa Braverman, the author of Santa Barbara: The Complete Story due out this fall.

While many were not able to purchase the initial livestream when the ticket costs were revealed to be $100,  A Martinez previously clarified the event was to also raise money for Walker, who is currently facing a very serious health situation, now there is a way to catch the replay at half the price.

Courtesy: MBraverman

HOW YOU CAN STILL CATCH A AND MARCY’S LIVESTREAM

Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively that if you missed the chance to see and listen to what A and Marcy had to say, On demand access is available at the event link for a half price at $50 (guests can contribute up to $100 if they so chose). Like the livestream, 100% of On demand sales for the recording will be available for a limited time only, and also go toward Marcy’s medical expenses.

There was plenty of laughter, tears, and reminiscing through the the two and a half hour chat which included: some memorable footage and images from the love story of Cruz and Eden. At one point, Marcy reflected on the enduring impact and affection for Cruz and Eden. “You hope that whatever you do in this life, that you’ll make an impact of some kind,” expressed Walker. “It doesn’t have to necessarily be wrapped up in success or career or anything like that, but I think we all want desperately to feel like our time here blessed someone. To hear that somebody’s life was even a moment better because of what we did is a massive gift.

Photo: NBC

A AND MARCY’S DESIRE TO WORK TOGETHER AGAIN

In a moment that brought joy to those in attendance, A and Marcy both expressed a sincere hope and desire that one day they can work together again. Martinez explained, “There’s more avenues to pursue now than there have ever been. I would say just keep a good thought for it. I’ve been holding it for decades, and I fully intend to do whatever I can to make it happen. We’re engaged in trying to make it happen. And you know, we’ll see. I know we both want to do it.” Marcy simply nodded and responded “Amen.”

Melissa Braverman shared with Michael Fairman TV, her sentiments on hosting the Santa Barbara favorites. “Seeing A and Marcy together again, even virtually, was an absolute gift. It instantly reminded all of us why we fell so hard for Cruz and Eden in the first place. Their undeniable chemistry leaped off the screen and straight back into our hearts, proving that the magic they created all those years ago hasn’t faded one bit. Sharing in equal parts laughter and tears felt like catching up with old friends. It just meant the world to see them side-by-side again and to see how this incredible fandom showed up for Marcy during such an important time for her.”

So, if you attended the livestream chat with A Martinez and Marcy Walker, what did you enjoy hearing about the most? Now the tickets have dropped to watch the replay On Demand, would you want to check it out? Let us know via the comment section below.

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‘Days of Our Lives’ Officially Confirms Ryan Quan Returning as Co-Head Writer Beginning in July

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There is definitely a shake-up going down at the writing team at Peacock’s Days of Our Lives. Now, the long-running soap opera has confirmed, what has been previously reported, that current General Hospital breakdown writer, Ryan Quan is heading back to his old stomping grounds in Salem. This time as the series co-head writer.

The appointment of Quan comes with the official news that current co-head writer, Paula Cwikly, who was previously rumored to be departing the series, is not. She is staying with the soap opera and transitioning to a consultant role with the show. Now, Quan will join current co-head writer, Jeanne Marie Ford to steer the ship for the characters on the canvas.

On Wednesday, TV Insider, reported the official confirmation and that Quan will return to DAYS next month in July. In a statement to the outlet, executive producer, Ken Corday expressed, ‘We are lucky to have Ryan back in the fold. There are very few people who have such a deep knowledge and understanding of our show’s history. Stay tuned!”

Photo: JPI

THE FUTURE OF DAYS OF OUR LIVES

Since Days of our Lives unusual production schedule tapes ten-months ahead of air, the new creative team’s vision led by Quan and Jeanne Marie Ford are not expected to stream on Peacock until mid-2027.

Days of Our Lives is currently renewed through its 63rd season. The former NBC soap opera which transitioned to Peacock in September of 2022, celebrate its 60th anniversary in November of 2025.

The writing regime change comes after NBCUniversal Media Chairman Matt Strauss revealed that Peacock is expected to turn a profit for the first time in the current quarter, punctuating their investment with the enduring soap opera on its platform.

As for Quan, his knowledge of Salem is tremendous. Ryan joined Days of Our Lives as a writer’s assistant in 2007 after some time over at Passions. He then spent two decades and held every position on the writing team where he previously served as co-head writer from 2016-17 alongside Dena Higley.

Later, when Ron Carlivati took over as head writer for 7 years in 2017, Quan became his right-hand man and main story consultant for his deep knowledge of the history and the legacy of the show. After Carlivati exited the show in 2024, General Hospital hired Quan in 2025.

So, what do you think about DAYS making it official with Ryan Quan as the new co-head writer of the series alongside Jeanne Marie Ford. What do you think about the fact we won’t see the changes on-screen till 2027? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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ABC Announces ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Texas Spin-Off Gets Straight-to-Series Order

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In a surprise move, coming a week after ABC unveiled its 2026-2027 fall television schedule, Grey’s Anatomy is getting a new spinoff co-created by the original series’ creator/executive producer Shonda Rhimes.

The new untitled medical drama will be written and executive produced by Rhimes and Grey’s Anatomy showrunner/executive producer Meg Marinis under the Shondaland and 20th Television umbrella. In addition, long-running ‘Grey’s’ star Ellen Pompeo will also serve as an EP of the spinoff.

The upcoming new series will debut midseason in 2027. This will be the first of Grey’s franchise not set in urban city or West Coast locale. According to Deadline, the new “edgy drama is about a team at a rural West Texas medical center — the last chance for care before miles of nowhere.”

Photo: ABC

In a statement, Marinis shared, “I am incredibly excited to expand the Grey’s Anatomy universe. This opportunity will bring new characters and stories to life that will embody the same heart, emotion and connection audiences have loved from Grey’s for more than two decades — all set in my home state of Texas. I am so grateful to Shonda Rhimes for creating this dynamic world and feel so fortunate that I get to be a part of it.”

A NEW GROUP OF DOCTORS IN RURAL TEXAS

The Texas spinoff will feature a a new group of doctors, but there will be some connection to the OG Grey’s Anatomy and possibly to Debbie Allen’s character of Catherine Fox. The amount of episodes in the series order has not yet been determined. Previous Grey’s Anatomy spinoffs were the defunct Station 19 and Private Practice.

Previously, Grey’s Anatomy was renewed for its upcoming 23rd season while the amount of episodes is unclear.  The last two seasons the series produced 18 episodes.

It should also be noted, Grey’s Anatomy and the Texas spinoff would likely share a time period, which requires limited-run orders for both with Grey’s premiering in the fall, followed by the spinoff on the midseason programming block.

So, what do you think about a Texas spinoff of Grey’s Anatomy coming in 2027? Who would you like to see from daytime or primetime as some of the featured roles as new doctors? Put on your casting directors hat and let us know via the comment section below.

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