Writers' Strike Hits 'The Simpsons' Hard - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 01-15-2008, 10:06 AM

The Simpsons is set to become a major casualty of the writers' strike because not enough episodes have been completed to last the current season.

As each episode of the show takes so long to make, bosses haven't been able to create a backlog to see them through the Writers' Guild of America's industrial action, which has crippled the Hollywood movie and TV industry.

Actress Yeardley Smith, who provides the voice for Bart Simpson, reveals, "We don't usually have as many shows ahead as other animated series. We have about 10 episodes in the pipeline, in various stages of completion.

"The question is whether any of them will be ready in time to air before the season ends in May."

But Smith is convinced this season is one of the long-running show's best, adding: "(They are) really strong. Journalists were writing for a while that The Simpsons seemed to have lost its sass. I think in the last couple of seasons, we've gone back to what makes it so strong - the 'take no prisoners' attitude, the depth of character."

Scoobiedoo30 · 01-17-2008, 06:04 PM

how many episodes are there in the can for The Simpsons

JulieSomoski · 01-17-2008, 07:37 PM

I doubt it'll hit this show hard at all. It's been for how long, 18 seasons? Just because there aren't any original episodes now doesn't mean viewers are going to tune away. They'll just flock back when new episodes are ready to air. It's been on the air for 18 years, and it's still one of the most popular shows on television.

Janice · 01-17-2008, 08:23 PM

It will be interesting to see, how the people who have sworn allegiance to the WGA, will feel as time goes on.

TJL · 01-17-2008, 08:55 PM

I don't think the Sipmspns have anything to worry about. They're not the only show that will have a shortened season.

I feel sorry for the new shows that were trying to build an audience. Will the viewers come back when the strike is settled, or will the Networks cut thier losses and axe the shows that weren't big hits?

MrCleveland · 01-17-2008, 11:52 PM

It seems that The Simpsons may have got their Achilles' Heel.

Mr. Television · 01-18-2008, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJL

I don't think the Sipmspns have anything to worry about. They're not the only show that will have a shortened season.

I feel sorry for the new shows that were trying to build an audience. Will the viewers come back when the strike is settled, or will the Networks cut thier losses and axe the shows that weren't big hits?

The new shows are the ones in the most danger. The old shows already have a built in audience.

friendlydude · 06-11-2008, 04:25 PM

I guess it turns out season 19 wasn't in trouble after all. They still had 20 episodes available when it was all set and done.

01-15-2008, 10:06 AM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	Writers' Strike Hits 'The Simpsons' Hard The Simpsons is set to become a major casualty of the writers' strike because not enough episodes have been completed to last the current season. As each episode of the show takes so long to make, bosses haven't been able to create a backlog to see them through the Writers' Guild of America's industrial action, which has crippled the Hollywood movie and TV industry. Actress Yeardley Smith, who provides the voice for Bart Simpson, reveals, "We don't usually have as many shows ahead as other animated series. We have about 10 episodes in the pipeline, in various stages of completion. "The question is whether any of them will be ready in time to air before the season ends in May." But Smith is convinced this season is one of the long-running show's best, adding: "(They are) really strong. Journalists were writing for a while that The Simpsons seemed to have lost its sass. I think in the last couple of seasons, we've gone back to what makes it so strong - the 'take no prisoners' attitude, the depth of character."
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01-17-2008, 06:04 PM	#2
Scoobiedoo30 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Jun 27, 2002 Location: KENNER, LOUISIANA Posts: 27,654	how many episodes are there in the can for The Simpsons
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01-17-2008, 07:37 PM	#3
JulieSomoski Roseanne Reboot - March 27! Forum Veteran Join Date: Nov 06, 2004 Location: Michigan Posts: 7,558	I doubt it'll hit this show hard at all. It's been for how long, 18 seasons? Just because there aren't any original episodes now doesn't mean viewers are going to tune away. They'll just flock back when new episodes are ready to air. It's been on the air for 18 years, and it's still one of the most popular shows on television.
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01-17-2008, 08:55 PM	#5
TJL Suburbanite Extrordinaire Forum Star Join Date: Dec 29, 2001 Location: New Jersey - the cradle of civilization Posts: 16,588	I don't think the Sipmspns have anything to worry about. They're not the only show that will have a shortened season. I feel sorry for the new shows that were trying to build an audience. Will the viewers come back when the strike is settled, or will the Networks cut thier losses and axe the shows that weren't big hits?
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01-17-2008, 11:52 PM	#6
MrCleveland Drew Carey from Hell Forum Star Join Date: Nov 10, 2007 Location: The City of Cleveland, in The State of Cleveland, in The United States of Cleveland Posts: 14,237	It seems that The Simpsons may have got their Achilles' Heel.
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01-17-2008, 08:23 PM	#4
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	It will be interesting to see, how the people who have sworn allegiance to the WGA, will feel as time goes on.

06-11-2008, 04:25 PM	#8
friendlydude Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jun 11, 2008 Location: oxford pennsylvania Posts: 20	I guess it turns out season 19 wasn't in trouble after all. They still had 20 episodes available when it was all set and done.