Strike Update: Could ER Benefit?
Unless you've been in deep hibernation, you've probably heard that the WGA strike officially went into effect early today, and some of our favorite TV scribes are picketing around town this very minute.
As I shared with you on Friday, this strike has many devastating effects for pretty much everyone connected to the television industry.
But interestingly enough, this could be a good thing for one show in particular: ER. At the show's 300th-episode soiree over the weekend, ER boss John Wells told reporters he's reopening talks with NBC about the possibility of a 15th season.
This news may come as a surprise to fans, cast and crew alike, who all had presumed the series would bow out at the end of this season. In fact, when I was on set in August, Maura Tierney plainly put it: "The show is scheduled to end this season."
So, why the seemingly sudden change of heart? Well, according to well-placed sources inside the show, ER's producers and writers are now concerned the strike could prevent them from wrapping up the series' storylines in a way that is satisfying for themselves and the show's fans. I'm told that only about 13 of the 22 scripts have been completed, and if the strike drags on, the storyline could be halted in a very awkward place.
"There is a small positive [to the strike]," says one ER insider. "It could force NBC to pick us up for another year, so we can end the story properly."
The series has also been holding its own in the ratings this season, despite some stiff competition, and the fan base still seems to be going strong. So, what do you think? Does ER deserve to come back for a jaw-dropping 15th season? And come to think of it, shouldn't Scrubs be afforded the same courtesy if it's also unable to complete its final season?
I, for one, desperately want to see what John Wells and Bill Lawrence have up their sleeves for these shows' final moments.
Comment below, and for more on the latest strike developments, check our news story.
Attention! Army Wives back in training
Cynopsis reports that now that the writers’ strike is over — hallelujah! — Lifetime Television will soon begin production on the second season of Army Wives with episodes scheduled to air in early summer. This is great news for fans of the Lifetime original drama series that was a ratings juggernaut when it premiered last summer. In fact, Army Wives was the most successful series in Lifetime’s 23-year history! During its 13-episode run, Army Wives was the highest rated drama on cable among women, establishing new Lifetime marks for an original scripted series. The soapy-drama was scheduled to return in April, but then the writers struck and the show has been in hibernation — I mean, hiatus — ever since.
With familiar TV faces heading up the cast, including Catherine Bell (JAG) and Kim Delaney (NYPD Blue), Army Wives was a bit of a surprise success. Not many in the know anticipated a “Desperate Housewives in military fatigues” would capture the hearts and minds of viewers, but it did. Said Susanne Daniels, President, Entertainment, Lifetime Networks: “It is incredibly gratifying when a critically acclaimed show is also a successful show, and we are grateful to the four million loyal viewers who tuned in every Sunday to make this series a huge hit for Lifetime.” And now all four million — and more — can look forward to a summer-filled with fresh, new episodes.