The last thing Americans need is to lose a major source of entertainment that helps them escape the chaos of cultural wars.
Hollywood didn't shut down during World War One or Two. Inspirational and funny movies helped the average citizen cope with the earthshaking events happening worldwide.
I recall Hollywood almost completely shutting down during the height of the COVID pandemic, but it has rebounded since the crisis has passed.
Until now.
The Actors Guild, all 160,000 of them decided to go on strike today. They joined the 11,000 members of the Writers Guild of America who have been on strike since May.
Everyone but me must have seen this coming. Movie moguls like automakers or other manufacturers who might try to build extra inventory by stockpiling new movies and shows to roll out were prepared for the strike.
Kind of.
That new pipeline of shows is already slowing down to a trickle. Data from film permits in California indicates that production of most shows and movies already has been halted by the writers' strike.
Where does that leave viewers?
It's not going to be pretty. Late-night shows have already been cancelled, a major loss of laughs. We can count on more reality shows (yikes!) and maybe game shows (oh no!) which are normally low hanging fruit for most channels and streaming services.
Apparently traditional daytime soap operas will continue to have new episodes because the writers of the shows are typically nonunion, and they work under a different contract.
For the record the last time the Writers Guild went on strike was 1960 - so long ago that Ronald Reagan was the SAG president leading the strike.
The challenges ahead for the industry look to be daunting. The two sides are miles apart even after extending the deadline and getting a mediator.
As it stands, don't look for your favorite shows or new movies this September. Hollywood has gone silent.
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