Some talk shows begin production despite writers strike

Talk show hosts are increasingly returning to their desks despite the ongoing writers’ strike, which is on its 137th day. Bill Maher recently announced his HBO show will be back “sans writers or writing.”

The host of Real Time With Bill Maher said in a post that he sympathizes with the issues writers have, he also mentions “they are not the only people with issues, problems, and concerns.”

Maher, the first late-night host to resume production, says he is taking the step after seeing his staff “struggling mightily.”

Actress Drew Barrymore and singer Jennifer Hudson, who have their talk shows, have also resumed production, and so has the crew of The Talk. 

Barrymore became the first daytime talk show host to announce her The Drew Barrymore Show is returning. The actress received backlash, and the National Book Awards revoked her invitation to host the event.

Is it in violation of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) terms?
No, talk show host agreements come under the Netcode which is not under negotiations like the actors’ agreements with Hollywood studios are. Therefore they can continue working as long as they don’t promote any stuck TV shows or films.

Due to the Netcode, shows like The View, Live With Kelly and Mark have been taping through the writers’ and actors’ strike.

The Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers have agreed to resume talks next week.