LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Hollywood is currently in peril. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has been on strike for over two months now after the talks with the studio for better compensation fell off the table. But the strike has now exemplified in force after SAG-AFTRA, the Screen Actors’ union has decided to join the writers on the picket lines.

The strike by SAG-AFTRA will see all the major productions in the US come to a halt but while it is said to hinder the scripted programming part of the entertainment industry, there are still a few factions that are allowed to function. Late-night talk shows such as Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel were the first to bear the brunt of the writers' strike. It was expected that they would be joining their writing buddies on the picket lines but many late-night hosts seem to be missing from participating in the strike. But why are the talk show hosts not protesting just like the rest of the actors and showmen?

Are talk show hosts part of SAG-AFTRA?

Actors under SAG-AFTRA cannot work on any major feature films or scripted television, whether on the network, cable, or streaming services, or promote any of their film or television projects that fall under those contracts. However, these contracts are different from the ‘Network Television Code’ which covers unscripted television on television or digital media, meaning talk shows, variety shows, reality competition shows, game shows, award shows, soap operas, and documentaries (unless they’re being released theatrically) are all still free to continue.

Most of the talk show hosts do not fall under the ambit of SAG-AFTRA. Their contracts are separate and are not like the actors’ contracts with the union. This doesn’t stop them from working but it does pose a challenge for them since the team of writers that they employ is currently on strike.

Why are late-night talk show hosts not on strike?

The late-night talk shows are a product of their writing teams. The hosts of the show are the face but the writers are its engines. Even though the late-night show takes hosts stand in solidarity with the writers' strike, they are not seen anywhere near the protests. Given that they have to adhere to the aforementioned ‘Network Television Code’ which governs their contract with the networks, it will be nearly difficult to see them joining the protests. They are guided by separate contracts and if found in breach, their jobs can be terminated.

Everyone’s aware that the hosts do not write their own jokes on the show and have suffered since the strike. But to expedite a resolution, the late-night talk show hosts will have to find a way to bring the writers back into the room and offer them an unprecedented resolution like never before.

What are SAG-AFTRA members allowed to work on?

The actors under SAG-AFTRA can also still work on commercials (including sponsored content from influencers), sound recordings, music videos, video games, corporate/educational content, broadcast news, television animation, and audiobooks. Podcasts that operate under SAG-AFTRA contracts are also still free to continue, as are “micro-budget” independent films and student films. Also, live theatre performances can continue but the actors cannot go to a talk show or a festival to talk about their respective body of work.

What is the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike about?

SAG-AFTRA formally announced its strike on July 14, 2023. The decision came after the union’s contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) expired without a deal. The strike, like the WGA strike, is focused on securing stronger protections around Artificial Intelligence for actors, as well as residual payments for work on streaming platforms. This marks the first time that both actors' and writers’ unions have been on strike since 1960.

Fans slam late-night talk show hosts for not joining the strike

The WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike has derailed the entertainment industry in the US. Stalwarts like Christopher Nolan and Robert Downey Jr have joined the protests and the absence of late-night talk show hosts is now being questioned. Few fans took the liberty of slamming these hosts whose professional lives depended on these writers. One user wrote, “You know who doesn't strike for better pay? Comedians and talk show hosts.If only...” Another was quick to mention, “I love how the late night talk show hosts have been silent on the wga strike for months but don’t hesitate to post their vacation photos, trips to italy, or tour schedules while their staff has been unemployed and without an income !!”

Another said, “If, in some impossible scenario, the WGA strike ended before the SAG strike, it would be funny to see the talk show hosts come back and have no guests, lol.” One person sided with the talk show hosts and said, “Talk show hosts and Game show hosts are exempt from the strike actions (as they have a different contract with SAG).” One fan wrote, "I bet late night talk show hosts are just crying with the writers strike going on. Imagine what they would have to say."