Writers’ strike ends: Here’s what’s next — including the return of talk shows and SAG-AFTRA negotiations

The Writers’ Guild of America has come to an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, and the lengthy strike that nearly reached 150 days is now coming to an end. This is a big victory for the writers, and studios as well since development for projects waiting in the wings can now proceed. Not only that, but the talks shows that have put their productions on pause to show solidarity are making plans to resume their runs as soon as the writers return.

Deadline is reporting that late-night shows such as The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel Live and Late Night with Seth Meyers are intending to return a few days after the new deal is finalized. Controversy surrounded shows like Real Time with Bill Maher and The Drew Barrymore Show when they prematurely attempted to return to TV sans writers. However, after the backlash, both hosts made the decision to wait until the strikes resolved before resuming their productions.

As the talk shows return, they will have the difficulty of navigating guests since the actors are still on strike at the moment. Although the conflict has subsided between the AMPTP and the WGA, SAG-AFTRA still has its own terms that have yet to be met by the studios and streamers. As this newest development with the writers breaks, the Actors’ Guild celebrates with their writer peers as well as urges the AMPTP to return to the table for negotiations so productions can finally return in full swing.

SAG-AFTRA released a statement that reads, “SAG-AFTRA congratulates the WGA on reaching a tentative agreement with the AMPTP after 146 days of incredible strength, resiliency and solidarity on the picket lines. While we look forward to reviewing the WGA and AMPTP’s tentative agreement, we remain committed to achieving the necessary terms for our members.”

The statement continues, “Since the day the WGA strike began, SAG-AFTRA members have stood alongside the writers on the picket lines. We remain on strike in our TV/Theatrical contract and continue to urge the studio and streamer CEOs and the AMPTP to return to the table and make the fair deal that our members deserve and demand.”