ABC may delay Dancing with the Stars due to ongoing strikes.
ABC Forced to Consider Postponing Dance Competition Show
ABC is facing a potential setback as one of its celebrities drops out of the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars. Matt Walsh, a member of both the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild and Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), has caused a stir by walking out of rehearsals. The WGA has been on strike for 142 days, while SAG-AFTRA has been on strike for 69 days against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
Walsh’s Surprising Decision
Walsh, who believed the show was not affected by the WGA strike, expressed his support for his fellow union members and decided to stand in solidarity with them. However, SAG-AFTRA has released a list of projects that union performers are allowed to work on, which includes various types of shows. Although Dancing with the Stars is mostly unscripted, it has previously employed a WGA writer.
“This morning, when I was informed by my union, the WGA, that Dancing with the Stars is considered struck work, I walked out of my rehearsal,” Walsh stated. ”I have been and will always stand with my union members of the WGA, SAG, and DGA. Beyond our union artists, I am sensitive to the many people impacted by the strike, and I hope for a speedy and fair resolution, and to one day work again with all the wonderful people I met at DWTS who tolerated my dancing.”
ABC’s Dilemma
As ABC continues to promote the show’s premiere on social media, the network faces uncertainty regarding the participation of Walsh. Despite announcing the cast, Dancing with the Stars did not mention Walsh’s involvement on Twitter. Being the only competitor who is a WGA member, it is likely that Walsh will not be able to participate while the strike is ongoing.
The hope is that the strike will end before the show’s scheduled premiere on September 26. Negotiations between WGA and AMPTP are currently taking place, and there is optimism for a resolution. However, the hosts of the show, Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro, have remained tight-lipped about the possibility of a postponed premiere.
This strike marks the first time since 1960, when Ronald Reagan was president, that both WGA and SAG-AFTRA are simultaneously on strike. With 11,500 members, WGA is seeking higher wages from AMPTP and was last in negotiations with them in August.
Last fall, Dancing with the Stars premiered exclusively on Disney+, but for its 32nd season, the series has decided to return to its original home on ABC, a subsidiary of Disney.
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How does the incident involving Matt Walsh bring attention to the ongoing labor disputes within the entertainment industry?
Ed a statement saying that they are not officially on strike against ABC or any of its subsidiaries, and therefore Walsh’s decision to walk out of rehearsals is not aligned with their current labor action. ABC has not yet commented on Walsh’s departure from the show, but it is clear that his absence will have a significant impact on the competition.
Possible Implications
With a celebrity dropping out just days before the start of the season, ABC is left scrambling to find a replacement. This situation not only puts pressure on the network to find a suitable replacement who can commit to the show but also raises concerns about the overall viability of the season. The dance competition show heavily relies on the star power and popularity of its contestants to attract viewers and maintain ratings.
Additionally, Walsh’s exit from the show highlights the challenges faced by actors and writers in the entertainment industry. Both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA are fighting for better working conditions, fair compensation, and improved rights for their members. This incident brings attention to the ongoing labor disputes within the industry and the impact they can have on productions and stakeholders involved.
ABC’s Dilemma
As the network now considers its options, postponing the show seems like a plausible solution. Postponing the competition would give ABC time to find a suitable replacement for Walsh and potentially resolve any conflicts with the striking unions. This decision, however, would not come without its own set of challenges. The network would need to renegotiate contracts with the remaining contestants, judges, and production crew, which could result in schedule conflicts and financial implications. Furthermore, postponing the show could lead to a loss in viewership and may affect the network’s advertising revenue.
ABC will need to carefully consider the potential consequences of postponing the show versus finding a last-minute replacement for Walsh. Ultimately, their decision will be influenced by factors such as the availability of suitable celebrities, the ability to negotiate with the unions, and the impact on the overall success and reputation of the show.
Conclusion
The unexpected departure of Matt Walsh has put ABC in a challenging position. With the start of the season just around the corner, the network must navigate through the unexpected setback and make a decision that will determine the future of the show. Whether they choose to find a replacement for Walsh or postpone the competition, ABC’s actions in the coming days will shape the outcome of the season and send a message to the entertainment industry as a whole.
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