Labor strike hits TV shows

The late nights shows are back! The more popular shows are "Tonight Show" by Jay Leno, "Late Show" by David Lettermen, and "Late Night" by Conan O'Brien.

Writers' strike put them off the air since November 5, 2007. The viewers welcome this news with great enthusiasm as reflected in the viewership ratings. How can't the viewers miss to laugh and enjoy before bedtime? Late
nights are not the same without these familiar shows that have been allowed into the most private part of the house - bedroom.

According to Nielsen Media Research, 7.2 million viewers saw Jay Leno's "Tonight Show" on NBC. David Lettermen's "Late Show" on CBS was seen by 5.5 million people. Conan O'Brien's "Late Night" on NBC had 2.8 million viewers.

Interestingly, both David Letterman and Conan O'Brien have grown their beards to show support for the striking writers. Jay Leno, a writer himself, has shown also support and in fact, he has paid his writers' salary while they are on strike.

The first shows all featured about the strike and, of course, the candidates in the caucuses in Iowa for the presidential election. Then they proceeded to their usual antics and routines that make them likeable and popular among viewers. These shows have catered a great following in the American audience. The have become an integral part of American late nights and popular culture.

However, the first shows did not pass without controversy. Jay Leno, as a writer-member of Writers Guild of America, is said to have violated the rules of the Guild when he delivered his written punchlines in his show. As a rule, Guild members should support the strike. NBC officials retorted that Jay is an exception to the rule. Some Guild members on the other hand will bring the case to the Guild's compliance committee for evaluation. If found guilty, Leno can face fines or, worse, loss of membership in the Guild. Leno's writers are still on strike.

The writers of Lettermen's "Late Show" struck a deal with the producers of the show. The amicable deal caused the writers to be back to work. Some of the shows on CBS were also able to have a deal and their writers are back to their usual stations to work.

As they say, strike or not, the shows must go on. Millions of viewers, not just in the US but all over the world, are glad to see the shows back on the screen to make their nights complete.