Peter’s Place

The news came out late Friday night that David Letterman will be back on the air WITH WRITERS next week.  I think this is spectacular.  Apparently the company that produces Letterman’s show, along with Craig Ferguson (the guy who’s on CBS after Letterman) agreed to the conditions the Writers’ Guild was asking… so the WGA said those writers can return to work.  I really hope this is the beginning of the end of the strike.

I also hope this is “the thing” that finally puts Letterman back in the lead ahead of Leno… though I admit, I’ll be curious to see how Leno and Conan do when they return to the air without writers.  As members of the WGA themselves, technically they can’t even write their own monologues while the strike is still on — they’re (supposed to be) working strictly as hosts.

But most of all, I hope this helps bring everyone closer to the end of the strike, even if it means the writers back down.  Yes, there are many out there who don’t make very much… but the majority are people who are just being greedy.  Don’t tell me the writers on shows like The Office and SNL are living paycheck to paycheck.  I’m pretty sure they’re all making a helluva lot more than I am!  And, earlier Friday, the producers said the writers have already lost more than they could have gained if their demands were met.

Sure, a strike might get you a few extra bucks right here and now, if the studios buckle.  But think of the long-term damage you’re doing by biting the hand that feeds you — and by shunning the fans who, with each passing day, have another chance to discover other forms of entertainment like YouTube.

Suck it up and deal, writers.  Go back to work and be happy you have your jobs.  There are lots of people who are probably just as talented and would love to have your jobs, but simply aren’t lucky enough to have the right friends to get their feet in the door.  The fact that you and the actors are already overpaid is the reason why so many shows only offer 20 episodes a season (sometimes fewer), compared with 26 or 28 in the past.  And when you people get back to work, I expect FULL seasons, even if it means new episodes well into June and July.