How the SAG-AFTRA Strike Affects You (and How to Support the Actors)

After three weeks of negotiations, SAG-AFTRA, the actors union, went on strike last week.

This effectively shuts down production of American movies, TV shows, and some online content across the world.

But the strike will affect everyone who consumes entertainment, both immediately and in the longer term.

Heres how the SAG strike is likely to affect audiences.

What will be on television and streaming then?

Falls broadcast TV schedule is already packed with reality content and international shows.

The longer the strike continues, the more of that kind of content will be broadcast.

Streaming services are likely to run out of new scripted content this fall, too.

San Diegos Comi-Con is scheduled for July 20 through July 23.

The writers and showrunners wont be there either, which leaves only the directors.

The Directors Guild signed their contract, so they are free to promote as much as they want.

If the strike goes on, it seems unlikelywhat kind of Emmy Awards has no actors?

If the strike continues for even longer, it could affect the Oscars and other awards shows, too.

If youre wondering whether attendingBarbieon July 21 is the equivalent to crossing SAGs picket line, it isnt.

At least not yet.

SAG-AFTRA has not called for a fan boycott of movies, television, or streaming.

Neither has the Writers Guild.

But that could change.

We need to reverse those trajectories,SAG president Fran Drescher said in a speech.

The Screen Actors Guild would also like guarantees that artificial intelligence will not be used to replace actors.

That proposal didnt go well.