(New York) Bill Maher has in turn delayed the return of his HBO talk show due to the writers’ and actors’ strike, a decision that follows similar announcements over the weekend that concerned The Drew Barrymore Show, The Talk, and The Jennifer Hudson Show.
Mr. Maher said last week that he would put his series back into production, but said Monday that he would wait because talks are expected to restart Wednesday between producers and writers.
“My decision to return to work was made when [negotiations were at a standstill] and there was no end in sight to this strike,” the main person said on social media.
“Now that both parties have agreed to return to the negotiating table, I will delay the return of Real Time for the time being, and hope that they can finally reach [an agreement]. »
Drew Barrymore, who has been criticized for taping new episodes of her show despite ongoing writers and cast strikes, said Sunday that she will ultimately wait until the labor issues are resolved.
“I have listened to everyone and am making the decision to suspend the series premiere until the strike is over,” Ms. Barrymore wrote on Instagram on Sunday. I have no words to express my sincerest apologies to everyone I have hurt and, of course, our incredible team who work on the show and who have made it what it is today. »
Talk shows are covered by a separate employment contract – the Network Code – from the one for which actors and writers are on strike. The Network Code also covers reality television, sports, morning news, soap operas and game shows.
Ms Barrymore’s initial decision to return to air on Monday was criticized on social media. His show resumed taping in New York last week and was picketed by striking writers.
Other shows, however, have taken up the challenge. The View returned for its 27th season on ABC, while Tamron Hall and Live With Kelly and Mark also produced new episodes.
The Talk also canceled its reboot, scheduled for Monday.
The ongoing strike pits the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents Disney, Netflix, Amazon and others.