Updated release dates for 5 of the most popular TV shows affected by Hollywood writers’ strikes
As gen Zers, TV and movies are pretty much our lifeblood. So, when we find out that some of our favourite series and flicks are on hold and won’t be gracing our screens for some time, we naturally fall into a deep despair.
Back in May of this year, the Writers Guild of America announced that all members would be ceasing work after negotiations between the union and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) broke down. The writers’ strike immediately impacted Hollywood, causing dozens of productions to standstill—ultimately leading to postponed deadlines for release.
If you’re anything like me, and you’re counting down the days until Stranger Things season five drops on Netflix, you might also be curious as to which other TV shows have been put on hold. Well, you’re in luck. Here’s our breakdown:
1. Stranger Things
Selfishly, I wanted to start off with the series I’m most invested in. Stranger Things season five was initially due to be released sometime in 2024—with filming beginning in the middle of 2023. However, the Duffer brothers, creators of the show, have made it clear that the series will be massively delayed until the Writers Guild is offered a fair deal.
Duffers here. Writing does not stop when filming begins. While we’re excited to start production with our amazing cast and crew, it is not possible during this strike. We hope a fair deal is reached soon so we can all get back to work. Until then -- over and out. #wgastrong
— stranger writers (@strangerwriters) May 6, 2023
2. Euphoria
I personally don’t think that anyone would be that upset if Euphoria got the chop—I mean, are we not all completely over Sam Levinson at this point? After the recent passing of Angus Cloud, some netizens wondered whether or not the show would continue. But it seems as though The Idol writer is still set on releasing a third season.
Not the same can be said of course for The Idol itself, as it was announced on 29 August 2023 that the show had reportedly been cancelled after only one season… Is anyone surprised?
The anticipated release date is predicted to fall within 2025. But, for those of you who are eager and impatient, lots of gen Zers are making their own online speculations for the new season online.
3. The Last of Us
For all of my Joel and Ellie fans out there, you might have to wait at least another year and a half to see the power duo onscreen again. In a recent interview, HBO’s head of drama Francesca Orsi stated that it’s “too early” to determine how the strike will affect the timelines of the series: “We were looking at The Last Of Us for some time in 2025… But there’s some question about the timing of the strike.”
4. Emily in Paris
How this show is coming up to its fourth season, I have no clue. But if you are an Emily In Paris fan, first of all, you should maybe reevaluate some things. Second of all, you might only have to wait six months or so until your cringe-inducing needs can be met. While there’s no official release date currently, fans have speculated that the season may already be filming—which should mean a 2024 drop.
@missnickiewantie Replying to @Auntkaren0 ugh Emily in Paris is SO unrealistic. trust me, i’d know 🙄 🇫🇷 #travel #paris #pov #annoying #cringe #character #relatable #comedyvideo #funnyvideos
♬ original sound - nick white
5. Wednesday
The first season of Wednesday landed on Netflix in November 2023 and was an immediate hit. We all devoured Jenna Ortega’s deadpan brilliance, and also started wearing a lot more black. Naturally, fans became obsessed with there being another season—especially considering the epic cliffhanger we got at the end of season one.
None of the cast or production have let on when season two might be gracing our Netflix screens, however, it’s highly likely that we won’t be lapping up any violin-induced gore for at least a year or so.
Also, there’s the possibility that the show might be further halted if production decide to recast Percy Hynes White, who was accused of sexual assault and racism in a viral Twitter thread in January. There’s been no confirmation as to whether or not the claims are true, but it’s definitely impacted the online fanbase’s opinion of the actor.
