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Stuart Kavanagh
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TV Shows Impacted by WGA Strike
9 Unforgettable Series Altered in 2007/08
The recent Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike has prompted us to look back at a similar event in TV history. The 2007/08 WGA strike had a considerable effect on numerous popular shows, resulting in shortened seasons, delays, and even cancellations. In this article, we delve into 9 unforgettable TV shows impacted by the WGA strike and explore how they overcame the challenges.
Heroes (NBC)
One of the TV shows impacted by the WGA strike, the second season of this sci-fi drama was cut short, airing only 11 episodes compared to the 23 episodes of the first season. The show struggled to regain its footing afterward, leading to a decline in viewership.
Lost (ABC)
This fan-favourite mystery series faced challenges during its fourth season when the WGA strike hit. The season was shortened from 16 to 13 episodes, but the creators were granted extra episodes in subsequent seasons to make up for the lost storytelling.
The Office (US) (NBC)
This wildly popular sitcom was among the TV shows impacted by the WGA strike, which saw its fourth season cut short from 30 episodes to just 19. Despite the setback, The Office continued to deliver laughs and memorable moments for several more seasons.
24 (Fox)
The highly anticipated seventh season of this action-packed drama was delayed for nearly a year due to the WGA strike. The show's unique real-time format made it impossible to produce episodes without the complete season's scripts, causing the entire season to be pushed back.
Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
The beloved medical drama was another of the TV shows impacted by the WGA strike. Its fourth season was trimmed from 24 episodes to 17. Despite this challenge, Grey's Anatomy managed to bounce back and has continued to capture audiences' hearts for many years.
Pushing Daisies (ABC)
This quirky and visually stunning series was hit hard by the WGA strike during its first season. The show was left with only 9 episodes and struggled to regain momentum when it returned for a second season, ultimately leading to its cancellation.
Gossip Girl (The CW)
This teen drama, which became a cultural phenomenon, had its first season cut from 22 episodes to 18 due to the WGA strike. Despite the setback, Gossip Girl continued to draw in viewers with its scandalous storylines for several more seasons.
Battlestar Galactica (Syfy)
The final season of this critically acclaimed sci-fi drama was split into two parts because of the WGA strike. The first half aired in 2008, while the second half was pushed back to 2009, leaving fans waiting for the epic conclusion.
Breaking Bad (AMC)
The WGA strike inadvertently changed the fate of this iconic show. Breaking Bad's first season was cut from 9 episodes to 7, but the shortened season actually benefited the series, allowing it to build momentum and become one of the most celebrated TV dramas of all time.
Takeaways From the 2007/08 WGA Strike
The 2007/08 WGA Writers Strike left a lasting mark on the television industry, with numerous TV shows impacted by the WGA strike. Despite the challenges, many of these series managed to bounce back and remain popular, proving that compelling storytelling can withstand even the most difficult of circumstances.
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Stuart Kavanagh is a journalist currently residing in Broken Hill, Australia. He writes for the Barrier Truth newspaper, along with being the owner of the sports and entertainment website thepyrrhic.com, He contributes at edgeofthecrowd.com when time permits. He is also the Media & Communications Director at the Newosis Mental Health Foundation. You can find more about the work Newosis Mental Health Foundation does here.
Sports mad, he is always down for debate and discussion at @stueyissickofit on Twitter.
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