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Why Hollywood Writers Are Going On Strike

The writers strike explained and what it means for your TV-watching habits.

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The Writers Guild of America has called its first writers strike in 15 years, after negotiations failed to produce a new three-year contract. The last WGA strike persisted for 100 days and helped to push California into a recession. How will it play out this time? Read on to understand the possible outcomes, the points of contention—including streaming’s effect on writers’ pay— and the impact on your favorite shows.

Image by David McNew / Staff / Getty Images

WHAT’S HAPPENING: Hollywood Writers Are Striking Over Low Wages Caused by Streaming Boom

The WGA union has called for strike action after negotiations with studios for better pay and AI regulation fell through on Monday.

HOW WE GOT HERE: The 2023 Writers Strike Explained: How We Got Here — and What to Expect

Writers say they want a living wage as streaming devalues their work even as it demands more of their time. Studios say the guild is asking too much at the wrong time — streaming has to focus on revenue when it used to value subscriber counts.

THE WRITERS’ VIEW: Why Are TV Writers So Miserable?

On the cusp of a potential strike, writers explain why no one is having much fun making television anymore.

IS PEAK TV OVER?: TV’s Streaming Bubble Has Burst, a Writers Strike Looms, and “Everybody Is Freaking Out”

Billions in losses. Sweeping layoffs. The party’s over, and Hollywood is waking up with a splitting headache.

LAST TIME AROUND: How the 2007-08 Writers’ Strike Changed ‘The Office’ and ‘Breaking Bad’

Last WGA strike, we lost parts of seasons of "The Office" and "Family Guy", a drop in quality on "Friday Night Lights", and a key tweak in "Breaking Bad."