What does the writers strike mean for Chicago Fire?

Chicago Fire has been renewed for another season on NBC, but the current state of Hollywood may delay the release of said season. The writers strike is currently underway, and with no signs of slowing down, fans may be curious as to how it affects the One Chicago franchise.

Well, for starters, let’s discuss the goal of the writers strike. According to Vox, the Writer’s Guild of America (WGA) are on strike as a means of forcing negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The WGA want an increase on their minimum basic agreement, or MBA, as well as improved working conditions.

When will Chicago Fire return?

So far, negotiations have not materialized. The WGA wants total pay increases for members to the tune of $429 million per year, while the AMPTP is countering with only $86 million per year. There is still a long way to go before both sides are seemingly satisfied.

How does this affect scripted television like Chicago Fire? Well, in the simplest sense, it impedes the show’s ability to develop new scripts. Since all the writers who typically work on the show are on strike, there’s nobody to come up with new ideas for season 12.

Chicago Fire just wrapped up its latest season, so there’s a bit of a grace period, but it won’t be long before the show begins production on the next batch of episodes. Generally speaking, Fire and the other two One Chicago shows start filming in July so they can meet their normal air date of September.

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If the writers strike were to extend into July, and then into August, it could delay production, which would result in the show’s air date being pushed back. In 2008, the writers strike lasted for 100 days, and in 1988, the strike lasted a record-setting 153 days. All signs point to the current strike lasting as long as it needs to for the writers to have their demands met.

David Shore, the creator of The Good Doctor, told Vanity Fair: “I’ve never seen the membership so unified. Nobody wants to stay out here a day longer than we have to, but I don’t see us weakening, maybe ever.” Here’s hoping things get resolved sooner rather than later.

What did you think about the Chicago Fire season 11 finale? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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