Delays and Production Shutdowns Abound
More than 11,00 members of the Writers Guild of America are currently on strike to protest for better wages, contracts, and job security. The picketing began May 2 following failed negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, and has resulted in delays, canceled shoots, and closed writer rooms for numerous TV shows. Among the affected productions are big names like Cobra Kai, Billions, and The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon, along with a slew of beloved queer shows.
Below are nine LGBTQ+ shows impacted by the writers strike.
Stranger Things
The enormously popular (and increasingly queer) Netflix series Stranger Things was set to enter production for its fifth and final season. It has now been delayed until the writers secure a fair deal.
Yellowjackets
Season 2 of Showtime's Yellowjackets is currently airing, and the third season had just entered production when the strike began and the writers room closed.
Abbott Elementary
ABC's Emmy Award-winning comedy series Abbott Elementary has also shuttered its writers room. In an interview with Democracy Now, writer for the series and WGA captain Brittani Nichols said, “We are demanding that this industry is one that can sustain a career."
Severance
This cerebral Apple TV+ drama (which features a truly excellent queer relationship in its first season) has paused production on season two.
Loot
Starring queer darlings Michaela Jae Rodriguez and Joel Kim Booster alongside Maya Rudolph, Loot has shut down production for its second season.
Hacks
Filming was underway for Hacks season three when the picketing began, but has now been halted until the strike is resolved.
Billions
Showtime's Billions, which features a nonbinary character, shut down temporarily on May 4 before resuming production.
Good Trouble
Production on season five of Freeform's queer series Good Trouble was halted on May 9.
Power Book III: Raising Kanan
This Starz drama paused production for season three after its writers room shut down.
