Updates on strike delayed TV shows: ABC, CBS, The CW, FOX, and NBC

Updated: Oct. 21, 2023 – The writers strike is officially over. Writers rooms have opened. The agreement between the WGA and the AMPTP has been ratified. The actors strike, however, is still ongoing. SAG-AFTRA and the group representing the studios will resume negotiations on Tuesday, Oct. 24.

As the actors union continues to strike for a fair agreement, the writers are standing in solidarity but are also honoring their contracts by returning to work. For broadcast television, this means script writing and plotting the seasons of new and returning shows has resumed. While casting isn’t an option during the actors strike, unless a show or film has been granted an interim agreement, the writers can work extensively on the series to ensure there are episodes to film once the strike comes to an end.

The window is still pretty tight for 13 episode seasons to be salvageable in the 2023-2024 television year but networks have begun to make estimations for release windows. These, of course, will be affected by whether the actors strike concludes by the end of the October or if it continues well into November or, unfortunately, to the end of the year. Here’s what we know so far about the upcoming schedules for ABC, CBS, The CW, FOX, and NBC.

ABC shows delayed by the strikes

As you’ll have noticed, ABC’s fall schedule is comprised entirely of unscripted programming. The Golden Bachelor, Bachelor in Paradise, and Dancing with the Stars are holding down the fort as the network’s big franchise draw outside of their successful game shows.

According to The Hollywood Reporter in their article about when shows could start airing, ABC is looking to see their hit scripted programming return by February 2024. They have only one scripted program left on the bubble, that’s The Rookie: Feds led by Neicy Nash. A decision is expected to be made on the series in the coming months as cast options expire in October but can be extended into December due to the strike.

The following information, which will be listed by show, is what we know so far about where ABC series are in production and includes speculation on what that could mean for their placement on the midseason schedule or, in some cases, if they’ll be bumped to the 2024-2025 season.

9-1-1 season 7

Deadline reported that 9-1-1‘s writers room was expected to open on Monday, Oct. 2. While the show’s social media accounts haven’t confirmed this, we do know season 7 is in production because writer Stacey Rose announced via her Instagram Stories (per Pop Culture) that she wouldn’t be returning to the writers room.

The procedural drama, which ran on FOX for six seasons, is a huge investment for ABC, so it’s no surprise that the writers room was one of the first to commence. 9-1-1 is expected to return within the 2023-2024 season and likely will make a February premiere, however, there’s yet to be word on how many episodes fans can anticipate watching for season 7.

Abbot Elementary season 3

Like 9-1-1, Abbott Elementary‘s writers room is open. The challenge ahead of them, as creator Quinta Brunson described to Deadline, is giving reason for where the premiere will bring the audience back into the characters’ lives. This is because the comedy series follows the academic calendar, which it will continue to do in its third season. Brunson explained:

"“Our season will still be on the school calendar. [But] last year, we started airing in September, when school started. We’re not doing that this year. It’s not like coming back to a family show where you can pop in on that family on any sitcom-y thing. It’s really like, what’s going on in the school?”"

Bearing this in mind, the writers room shaped the premiere around an idea that is grounded, but “splashy” enough to hook the audience and give reason for the time jump that’s set to occur in season 3. Fans also should be aware that there will be less episodes in the show’s third season. There were 22 episodes in season 2, however, the freshman season consisted of 13 episodes, it’s likely this will be the case for season 3 as well. As for when Abbott Elementary will return, it looks like it will make the February premiere window.

The Conners season 6

There have been no reports that the writers room for The Conners has opened. However, The Hollywood Reporter did mention in the article referenced above, that the sitcom will be one of the first series to return since it’s a multi-cam comedy and episodes can be shot within five days. An early 2024 window is in the cards for The Conners.

In regards to whether this will be the show’s last season, as Hidden Remote previously reported, there’s been no word that season 6 will be the show’s final run even though actor John Goodman did note in June 2023 that the show may be coming to an end.

The Good Doctor season 6

There hasn’t been official word that The Good Doctor‘s writers room is open but the show is in production as implied by the writers official X (formerly known as Twitter) account. The following tweet was shared on Thursday, Oct. 5:

As a part of WGA strike rules, writers were prohibited from engaging on social media to promote struck work. This was the first tweet from the account since the official start to the writers strike had begun. It’s a good indication that the writers are hard at work breaking season 6.

It’s unknown if The Good Doctor will be back by February or how many episodes it’ll have but fans can expect it to return in 2024, likely sometime between January and March. Other than news that its spin-off The Good Lawyer is still being considered, there’s been no word on if the program’s franchise will expand in the coming year.

Grey’s Anatomy season 20

While Grey’s Anatomy was among the shows listed in Deadline’s article about writers rooms opening up, the writers were reportedly slated for a October 2 return, there’s no news to share about the show’s progress. We can note that, according The Hollywood Reporter, ABC intends on premiering season 20 in February.

High Potential season 1

The freshman series High Potential won’t be premiering in the 2023-2024 season. The crime drama, starring Kaitlin Olson, has been moved to a fall 2024 debut. Batwoman fans can anticipate seeing Javicia Leslie in a lead role. She’ll be playing Daphne.

There’s been no word on if the writers rooms for The Rookie, Station 19, Not Dead Yet, and Will Trent are open. All are expected to return with new seasons in 2024.

CBS shows delayed by the strikes

For its fall schedule, CBS didn’t opt for a line-up comprised of unscripted programming. While it does include plenty of competition series and game shows, there have been unscripted options. Yes, it’s been mostly reruns of their hit franchises, a couple of Paramount+ originals, the CBS debut of Yellowstone and UK: Ghosts but viewers have been anticipating the premiere of NCIS: Sydney stateside on Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. ET.

This does mean, of course, that the network’s usual slate of shows have been held until 2024. Just how long will it be before they return? According to The Hollywood Reporter, CBS is looking to premiere its returning series in early 2024. Here’s what we know about each series set to come back next year.

Bob Hearts Abishola season 5

There’s been no word that the writers room for Bob Hearts Abishola has opened. As a multi-cam comedy, the turn around time for episode production is much faster so a delayed start to the writers room doesn’t mean the series won’t make an early 2024 return. The fifth season will be 13 episodes and, unfortunately, only Billy Gardell and Folake Olowofoyeku are returning as series regulars. The remaining 11 members of the show’s cast will recur.

Elsbeth season 1

Given that the writers room opened on Tuesday, Oct. 10, as confirmed by executive producer Robert King in the below tweet, it’s possible that Elsbeth could premiere in early 2024.

The Good Wife spin-off starring Carrie Preston was initially scheduled for a Fall 2023 debut, so CBS moving forward with the series for a potential midseason release does make sense. When Elsbeth was ordered to series, an episode count wasn’t announced but it’s likely to have a 13 episode freshman run.

FBI season 6

The writers room for FBI is open. Per The Hollywood Reporter, Rick Eid will continue pulling double duty as the showrunner for this Dick Wolf series and Law & Order. As a tentpole, we expect FBI to be one of the first shows to return to the network’s schedule in 2024.

There’s been no indication of how many episodes fans can anticipate in the procedural drama’s sixth season. However, it’s no stranger to a shortened season. Its third had 15 episodes and is arguably its best to date.

FBI: International season 3

Like the flagship, FBI: International‘s writers room is open. The team is being led by a new showrunner, Matt Olmstead, who is a veteran of Wolf Entertainment. Olmstead co-created Chicago P.D. and had been a showrunner on Chicago Fire.

Prior to his promotion on FBI: International, Olmstead had served as an executive producer. He’s replacing Derek Haas who created the series. Haas shared that he was leaving Wolf Entertainment to create new shows and establish his own brand in the industry.

FBI: Most Wanted season 5

With FBI: Most Wanted‘s writers room open as well, there is hope that all three series will be returning to air at the same time early in 2024. The procedural will continue to be showrun by David Hudgins, however, it was announced that there has been a cast exit.

Alexa Davalos won’t be returning as Kristin Gaines. Hopefully how she’s written off the show will be satisfactory for fans, but there’s been no word that she’ll make an appearance for a wrap-up arc for her character.

Fire Country season 2

The writers room is open for Fire Country. The team returned to Vancouver the week of Oct. 2. In an interview with Deadline, showrunner and executive producer Tia Napolitano explained how they would be carrying out their work:

"“We have the ability to split into two rooms. While most of the room works on season, a few of us can peel off and go talk about the premiere. With one writer up on set in Vancouver and someone else off on episode, this group gets smaller as everyone’s peeling off to keep the ball moving.”"

An episode count has not been confirmed, however, fans can expect to be shocked by the premiere. Napolitano teased the character updates for season 2 will make the audience gasp because the writers intend on crafting stories for them that will surprise viewers.

NCIS: Hawai’i season 3

While there’s no word on if the spin-off’s flagship series has opened its writers room, TVLine reports NCIS: Hawai’i‘s opened on Monday, Oct. 9. The outlet also put to bed the rumor that Yasmine Al-Bustami is no longer in the main cast, that is not the case and she will be returning as Lucy Tara.

Executive producer and co-creator Christopher Silber shared on X that he’s excited for the show to return soon. This, however, isn’t confirmation that the series will return in early 2024, but it’s a solid indicator that it might.

S.W.A.T. season 7

The final run for S.W.A.T. looks to be in production. Variety caught up with showrunner Shawn Ryan to talk about Night Agent season 2 and it was mentioned in the article that Ryan is “back in his element, leading a writers room and juggling two series.” He also posted a birthday photo on X featuring the staff, writers, and producers from both shows which also suggests S.W.A.T. is back in production. With a 13 episode final run, it’s likely the series will return sometime between January and March 2024.

The Ghosts, The Neighborhood, NCIS, and Young Sheldon writers room were expected to open the week of Oct. 2, but there’s been no confirmation that they have. There’s also been no word on if the writers rooms for Blue Bloods, CSI: Vegas, The Equalizer, Matlock, Poppa’s House, So Help Me Todd, and Tracker are open.

The CW shows delayed by the strike

On The CW’s initial strike-proof schedule, All American was the sole scripted original on the line-up. However, as the strike progressed, it became clear that the beloved football drama would not be able to head into production anytime soon. As such, along with All American: Homecoming, Superman & Lois, and Walker, it’ll air in 2024. The question though is when.

Per The Hollywood Reporter, the network is looking to premiere new seasons of its roster of pre-Nexstar dramas in April with exception to Superman & Lois. The CW’s remaining DC property is visual effects heavy and is slated to join the schedule at an unspecified later date, though it’s still expected to premiere sometime in the 2023-2024 television year.

The CW choosing to air the four shows in the spring (and potentially the summer for the superhero drama) isn’t great news for fans. It doesn’t help matters that in Deadline’s article about writers rooms opening up the week of Oct. 2, not a single one of the network’s shows were listed. But this, of course, doesn’t automatically mean all the writers rooms remain closed. Here’s what we know about each series.

All American season 6

There’s been no news regarding the writers room opening for All American. What we do know is that its sixth season will be on the shorter side. As Netflix Life reports, the season is only expected to have 13 episodes. It’ll also run into the summer since its premiere window, tentatively, is April 2024.

All American: Homecoming season 3

Like its flagship series, All American: Homecoming‘s writers room appears not to be open yet. Or at least there’s been no word that the writers are back to work on the college drama. Showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll did, however, give an update on the third season in regards to Peyton Alex Smith’s character Damon:

"“Peyton isn’t off the show; he just won’t be a series regular, which is not just the case for him but other cast members as well…What I can say about that is that the character of Damon and his impact at the school will continue on. The essence of what is at the heart of the Homecoming story for both characters, both sports, the pursuit of a dream for this ensemble cast… all of that stays the same.”"

Carroll is referring to the cuts the series had to make for season 3 which did affect who would remain a series regular and who would become a recurring member of the cast. Smith and Kelly Jenrette will appear in All American: Homecoming in the upcoming season but as recurring actors.

Cory Hardrict and Rhoyle Ivy King will remain series regulars but in a reduced capacity, meaning they will be featured in less episodes. Geffri Maya, Sylvester Powell, Netta Walker, and Mitchell Edwards are all series regulars. It still remains unknown if Camille Hyde will return as a recurring or series regular cast member.

All American: Homecoming season 3 will have a total of 13 episodes.

Superman & Lois season 4

While there’s been no official word that Superman & Lois‘ writers room is open, writer Adam Mallinger’s announcement that he won’t be on staff for the fourth season due to budge cuts, does indicate that the writers room is being decided and if it isn’t open yet, it will be soon.

For the fourth season, budget cuts are the name of the game. The only cast members still signed on as series regulars are Tyler Hoechlin, Elizabeth “Bitsie” Tulloch, Alex Garfin, Michael Bishop and Michael Cudlitz. The rest of the cast, if they so choose, will sign on as recurring cast members or guest actors. The season will have a total of 10 episodes.

Walker season 4

Walker is the only CW original whose writers room is confirmed to be open. A script coordinator informed a fan on X that season 4 went into production on Tuesday, Oct. 10. The season will have 13 episodes. So far there have been no cast cuts for the upcoming season.

The rest of the network’s line-up for the 2023-2024 television year includes 61st Street which was held due to the strikes but its season 2 was already filmed before it was acquired after AMC cancelled the show, so all The CW will be doing is airing it.

Joan, starring Sophie Turner, wrapped filming and is a co-production between the network and ITV which means the actors strike won’t affect it.

As for The Librarians: Next Chapter, showrunner and executive producer Dean Devlin shared with a fan on X that filming would begin on the series next year. Time will tell if the show is fit into the 2023-2024 season or if it’ll launch in the 2024-2025 season instead.

FOX shows delayed by the strikes

Thanks to its animated block, FOX does have new content on its Fall 2023 schedule that isn’t unscripted programming. However, that doesn’t mean viewers aren’t still clamoring for the return of their beloved dramas. We’re already having to deal with the loss of 9-1-1 which was cancelled by the network and then picked up by ABC. This, of course, means its spin-off series 9-1-1: Lone Star no longer has its flagship by its side. It’s a tentpole and can stand on its own, but it’s going to be an adjustment.

We should also warn you, according to The Hollywood Reporter‘s sources, FOX isn’t looking to return to its regular scripted programming schedule until early March. What does this means for its shows? Well, according to Deadline’s report, Alert: Missing Persons Unit, Animal Control, The Cleaning Lady, and new series Rescue: Hi-Surf were expected to open their writers rooms the week of Oct. 2. There has been no confirmation that they’ve done so, but the singling out of these series does indicate which programming the network is prioritizing.

There have been no reports that the writers rooms for 9-1-1: Lone Star, Accused, and new series Doc have been opened. Animated series The Great North is expected to premiere its fourth season in January 2024. Grimsburg premieres Jan. 7, 2024.

NBC shows delayed by the strikes

Out of all the networks a part of the Big 5, NBC was in the best position at the start of its Fall television season. New series The Irrational and Found are airing, Magnum P.I. is rolling through its final season run, Quantum Leap season 2 has fans gripped, Transplant has returned for season 3, and La Brea season 3 is waiting in the wings for a 2024 debut.

But being in better shape doesn’t mean they don’t have a midseason that they need to tackle and get in order as they figure out how and when to launch the new seasons of their tentpole franchises and their remaining roster. Here’s everything we know about each show.

One Chicago

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the writers rooms for the One Chicago universe opened the week of Oct. 2. Andrea Newman is the showrunner for Chicago Fire season 12, husband and wife team Andrew Schneider and Diane Frolov will showrun Chicago Med season 9, and Gwen Sigan returns as the showrunner for Chicago P.D. season 11.

The outlet reports that NBC’s Dick Wolf series are of top priority, so they’ll be among the first shows to come back in 2024. A premiere window hasn’t been shared, but they’re expected to return in the early part of the year. January isn’t off the table.

Law and Order

The writers rooms for Law & Order and Law & Order: SVU are open. Rick Eid, who is also the showrunner of FBI, will continue to run the flagship series for its 23rd season. David Graziano has returned to showrun SVU season 25. TVLine reports John Shiban (Ozark) will be the showrunner of Law & Order: Organized Crime, signaling that if the writers room hasn’t opened yet, it will soon.

Organized Crime was already scheduled to premiere in the midseason prior to the shuffle of NBC’s 2023-2024 line-up. Season 4 will have a total of 13 episodes. The decision was made before the impact of the strikes on the industry. An episode count for its sibling shows hasn’t been determined, but they will have shortened seasons.

Extended Family season 1

The Jon Cryer-led comedy is expected to premiere as early as January 2024. Seven episodes of the series had been shot prior to the strikes. NBC’s intention was to pair the series with Night Court and, as has been noted earlier in this article, comedies have a quicker turn around rate than dramas. There’s been no word on if Extend Family‘s writers room has re-opened.

Night Court season 2

There’s no been no indication that the Night Court writers room has re-opened for season 2. However, per Deadline, the comedy series had scripts banked for its second season prior to the WGA strike. As such, once the actors strike concludes, the show will be able to film and its possible that it’ll return by January. The Hollywood Reporter posits, the comedy could come back sooner than 2024, especially since one episode had already been filmed, but that’s not a guarantee.

Quantum Leap season 2

As confirmed by Quantum Leap writer Shakina on Instagram, the writers room for season 2 opened on Wednesday, Oct. 4 (yes, the same day as the season 2 premiere!). According to The Hollywood Reporter, eight of the ordered 13 episodes for the second season were completed ahead of the WGA strike. The writers will be working on the remaining five episodes.

There’s been no word that the writers rooms for Lopez vs. Lopez and Dr. Wolf are open.

Stay tuned to Hidden Remote for more TV news and coverage!