WGA Strike Threatens DWTS Return Amidst Union Unrest
"Dancing With the Stars - The Show Must Go On or WGA Strikes Again?"
Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) is scheduled to make its much-anticipated return on ABC this Sept. 26 amidst a backdrop of union discontent. With notable talk show entities Drew Barrymore, Bill Maher, Jennifer Hudson, and The Talk having delayed their premieres ostensibly out of solidarity with the Writers Guild of America (WGA), unions members now hinge their attention on DWTS.
David Slack and Bill Wolkoff, writers in sympathy with the WGA strike, have taken to social media platform X to remind the world that DWTS is indeed a WGA-involved show - despite its largely improvisational nature and the solitary WGA writer amongst the 500-strong production team.
DWTS had previously continued airing during the 2007-2008 WGA strike without being picketed. This time, however, Slack takes a firm stance, asserting that any appearance on a scab-written, WGA-covered show strengthens the hand of the Aliance of Motion Pictures and Televsion Producers (AMPTP). He blames such actions on prolonging the strike and putting all Hollywood workers out of jobs.
Union member Wolkoff joins Slack in his resolution to picket the show, glad that the matter is finally coming to light and encourages others to join their cause.
The new season of DWTS sees an array of fresh faces, such as Matt Walsh, Alyson Hannigan, Ariana Madix, and Oscar recipient Mira Sorvino. Sorvino was directly questioned on social media about her potential violation of strike rules. The actress defended her participation, citing that reality shows operate under a distinct contract, specifically the SAG-AFTRA National Code of Fair Practice for Network Television Broadcasting, popularly known as Network Code.
SAG has given the green light to the new season of DWTS. However, former DWTS professional Cheryl Burke believes the show should hold off until an agreement is made. Burke's comments were made during a promotional event for her new podcast, "Sex, Lies and Spray Tans".
Now, let's put on our dancing shoes and waltz into the realm of opinion, shall we?
It's intriguing that DWTS becomes the bone of contention in the middle of an ongoing WGA strike. Its largely improvised landscape, hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro, with the script being more an outline of talking points rather than a full-fledged manuscript, is a testament to the blurred lines, and perhaps grey areas, that exist within the entertainment industry.
Impressive futzes, dance floor mishaps, and on-point pirouettes don't tell a story. They portray the real-time effort, struggle, and triumph of participants. And yet, in the grand scheme of labor negotiations, they stand accused of beaming a spotlight on the industry during darker times.
Mira Sorvino's defense serves as a reality check (pun proudly intended) that variety shows like DWTS don't tread the tightrope of the conventional film and TV collective bargaining agreement. They sync to the rhythm of a different drumbeat - one that resonates with morning shows and daytime soaps.
Now, will DWTS galvanize unity during these tumultuous times, striking a chord with the striking WGA, or will it do the cha-cha under the dilated pupils of picket lines, with Hollywood dance and drama echoing in its wake? However this plays out, just remember, in union-speak - every step counts!
And the final word? Perhaps former pro Cheryl Burke shares the most poignant reflection: unity is the foundation of significant, lasting change in the industry. In her words, "we have to stick together because that's the only way to ever make any significant change". To borrow from the great ABBA, you can dance, you can jive, but can you brave the tumult of the times? Here's looking at you, DWTS.
