The number of episodes and production start plans for 2023-2024 for series such as “Grey’s Anatomy”, “Wolf Entertainment Dramas” and “CSI: Vegas” have been adjusted as Strike continues

When the WGA strike ended on Sept. 27, broadcasters began drafting their plans to resume production just in time to salvage at least 13-episode seasons for their popular recurring scripted series. I heard that most of the criminal cases against Wolf Entertainment targeted more than 13 cases, 15 of which were in circulation, and that ABC and Warner Bros. Television was in dispute Abbott Elementary Schoolwith ABC needing 13 and the studio needing 17.

As the weeks passed in which SAG-AFTRA and the studios held talks but failed to reach an agreement, the goalpost began to move again, just as in July, August and September, a time when network series are typically produced, but because of staying inactive is the double whammy.

Nothing is set in stone, but ten episodes has emerged as a threshold — a “sweet spot,” as one agent put it — for season length during the strike-affected 2023-2024 season. A shorter order is not considered very feasible, given the costs associated with the build-up and then the production, making episodes more expensive when the total cost is amortized over the season.

I listen to ABC Grey’s Anatomy is one of the top series that (currently) plans to produce a 10-episode season. CBS’ CSI: Vegas is another series that plans to have a 10-episode season.

Wolf Entertainment’s dramas, including One Chicago and Law and authority Franchises on NBC and the FBI I heard that the trio is currently in position to deliver 13 episodes for CBS.

Most other recurring series are in this target range of 10 to 13 episodes. I have heard that some established shows may be renewed early for next season and the two orders will air in mid-season 2024 and take place in the fall of 2024. Representatives of the broadcasters and studios declined to comment.

Of course, this is all a fluid process and could easily change as SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP continue discussions. Because things have changed so much, I’ve heard network and studio finance departments recalculate the numbers weekly—if not daily—and calculate costs based on the revised production start date and episode order projections.

When the writers’ strike ended on September 27, the broadcast networks and the studios that supply them initially banked on a seamless transition – that the SAG-AFTRA strike would end within a month of the WGA’s work stoppage so that the series could go into production go . At this point, enough scripts have been written to begin filming. I heard with well-oiled machines like the Wolf series, that period was a writer’s room for about five weeks, so they could have started production next week if a deal was reached for the actors.

This did not happen, and preparation and pre-production of a recurring series takes three to six weeks. With Thanksgiving now upon us, hopes now rest on a SAG-AFTRA agreement and a call to end the streak. during confirmation next week, so that filming of the first shows can begin in late November or early December. This will allow established series to produce 13 episodes that will fit into the broadcast season.

For some shows, an early January start can also work, allowing ten episodes to be produced and aired before the end of the season in May.

I understand shortened Christmas holidays and six-day filming weeks are also being considered to get episodes into theaters faster.

In terms of launch platforms, mid-February after the Super Bowl has been a prime target for airing new scripted episodes, with early March also being considered.

The situation is much more complicated with new series, which take longer to produce and which often require more time to be well received by viewers. ABC’s high-profile newcomer faces a tight production schedule and a limited runway in the spring of 2024. High potential has already been forced to fall; As we move further into November, there will likely be more.