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Writers' Strike Deals Strong Dose of Reality

If no deal comes soon, expect more dancing, survivors, idols on TV

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 9, 2007 2:46 PM CST
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(Newser) – Reality will likely strike primetime TV with a vengeance if stalled talks between screen scribes and networks don't kick into gear, the New York Times reports. With most popular dramas on hiatus for lack of scripts, reality shows are about to explode onto the airwaves—and they may well stick around.

CBS will be doubling its reality slate starting in January, a move that chief exec Leslie Moonves expects will cause a small dip in ratings but a sharp drop in costs. ABC may be launching two more dancing shows, and NBC will be dusting off the "American Gladiators" Atlaspheres. Overall, reality programming is expected to jump by about 50% to 27 hours per week.

The WGA strike has boosted job security for reality TV hosts like Jeff Probst.
The WGA strike has boosted job security for reality TV hosts like Jeff Probst.   (Getty Images)
Writers Guild of America pickets march and chant outside an outdoor stage where the taping of musical guest Soulja Boy for Last Call With Carson Daly was scheduled to occur on an outdoor stage at NBC Studios in Burbank, Calif., as the WGA strike against motion picture and television producers...
Writers Guild of America pickets march and chant outside an outdoor stage where the taping of musical guest Soulja Boy for "Last Call With Carson Daly" was scheduled to occur on an outdoor stage at NBC...   (Associated Press)
A striking writer holds her Apple iPhone with an electronic moving banner expressing her support for members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA), outside the NBC Studios in Burbank, Calif., Friday, Nov. 16, 2007. Both sides were set to resume contract talks Monday, Nov 26, 2007. The Writers Guild...
A striking writer holds her Apple iPhone with an electronic moving banner expressing her support for members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA), outside the NBC Studios in Burbank, Calif., Friday,...   (Associated Press)
Expect to see a lot more of a certain business tycoon if the writers' strike lasts.
Expect to see a lot more of a certain business tycoon if the writers' strike lasts.   (Getty Images)
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New formula is reality and repeats
Los Angeles Times

Don't despair quite yet: a few new episodes are left
Journal Times

 
television • reality TV • NBC • CBS • ABC • Leslie Moonves • Fox • Writers Guild of America • Hollywood writers' strike

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