Members of the Writers Guild of America protest. Photo by ufcw770 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

After 148 days, the second-longest strike in Hollywood history has come to an end as the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) announced that they had reached an agreement on Sept. 27. 

Earlier this year, writers voted to go on strike after failed negotiations with the AMPTP. Writers demanded higher compensation, stable pay structures and contracts and provisions regarding artificial intelligence. 

Since the rise of streaming services and hundreds of original shows being both pumped out and canceled in the span of a year, writers have been scrambling to find consistent jobs. Streaming services also pay fewer residuals than cable for new and pre-existing shows, regardless of success and popularity. 

The strike’s effect has been felt worldwide as multiple shows and movie productions had to be delayed due to the lack of creatives in the writer’s room. Top shows like ‘Stranger Things,’ ‘Abbott Elementary’ and ‘Euphoria’ saw halts on their newest seasons. Multiple night shows, like ‘Late Night with Seth Myers,’ also went off the air due to the strike. However, it’s important to note that reality shows and news channels were not affected by the strike.

The new three-year deal, which was approved by 99% of the 8,525 members that voted, will last until May 1, 2026, and includes agreements like transparency from streaming services on their viewership data, allowing bonuses for writers on more popular projects, and more power over the size of show staffs.

Writers, who have now been released to work, resumed work immediately as late-night talk shows returned to air and other shows, such as ‘Saturday Night Live,’ are teasing their long-awaited comebacks.

While the writers strike has ended, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) is still on strike. The SAG-AFTRA strike began in July due to ongoing labor disputes with AMPTP over higher compensation and protection over artificial intelligence. As of Oct. 11, talks between SAG-AFTRA and Hollywood studios have been suspended as the two sides remain ‘too divided.’