6 huge shows and one huge movie affected by the Hollywood writers strike

Simon Kelly

Update: 9.30am on Monday, 8 May

The effects are already being felt.

The Hollywood writers strike, organised by the Writers Guild of America, has officially begun this week. While the issue will hopefully be resolved with writers having their demands met, there’s no way of knowing how long the strike will go on for.

With that in mind, it’s clear to see that Hollywood is already feeling the effects, with several big shows shutting down in the middle of writing for new seasons. Let’s take a look at the six biggest shows and one big movie affected by the writers strike so far.

Stranger Things

Last week, there were a number of rumours about the status of Netflix‘s sci-fi behemoth after the strikes took place. Unfortunately, the rumours that the show might be affected by the ongoing strikes are indeed true, as creators the Duffer brothers have announced.

In a statement shared this week the creators confirmed that they have halted work on the final season of Stranger Things.

“Duffers here. 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. We hope a fair deal is reached soon so we can all get back to work. Until then — over and out.”

A huge loss for the streamer and an even bigger one for fans of the show, the 2024 Stranger Things release date is now in jeopardy.

Duffers here. 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. We hope a fair deal is reached soon so we can all get back to work. Until then — over and out. #wgastrong

— stranger writers (@strangerwriters) May 6, 2023

Yellowjackets

Returning to air recently for its second season, the thriller series was renewed for a third season in December. However, just one day in, Yellowjackets ceased writing for the strike. Co-creator of the show Ashley Lyle tweeted: “It was amazing, and creatively invigorating, and so much fun, and I’m really excited to get back to it as soon as the WGA gets a fair deal.”

Striking sucks, picketing with these shining human gems being is a pretty decent silver lining (I missed the photo shoot while attempting to find a bathroom. Hot tip: they’re very nice at the Carl’s Jr. on Lankershim!) https://t.co/INycdEuaE5

— Ashley Lyle (@ashannlyle) May 3, 2023

Big Mouth

A bit further along than the other shows on the list, Netflix’s longest-running show was six weeks into writing for its eighth and final season. Writing was planned to finish in August, however, with strike action now taking place it’s unclear when it will pick up again.

Cobra Kai

Currently working on their sixth season, the writers for the martial arts Netflix hit have also finished up for the strike. Co-creator Jon Hurwitz tweeted: “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.”

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… https://t.co/99UulF7HeW

— Jon Hurwitz (@jonhurwitz) May 2, 2023

Abbott Elementary

Writers for the third season of the Emmy-nominated show were supposed to start work on May 2, the day the strike started. Show writer Brittani Nichols revealed that the strike may have an on impact the number of episodes planned for the upcoming season.

“We are a show that writes while we air,” Nichols said told Democracy Now. “If this strike goes on for a significant period of time, our show will not come out on time and that could change the amount of episodes which I’m sure people will be very upset about.”

Saturday Night Live

The most immediately impacted show on the list is the long-running skit show. As writing turnaround is so quick (taking place during the week leading up to Saturday), the show has immediately finished up writing, with May 6’s show – which featured Pete Davidson as a guest – no longer going ahead.

Other late-night shows like The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver are also immediately going dark, with re-runs being put in their stead for the time being.

Blade

On top of these series, The Hollywood Reporter has stated that Marvel’s upcoming Blade film starring two-time Oscar-winner Mahershala Ali has shut down preproduction due to the strike.

Said to be the first tentpole movie affected by the strike, it was due to start filming next month.