Writers Guild of America strike derails Pete Davidson’s return to 'Saturday Night Live'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: America’s late-night television shows are by far second to none. Be it the late-night talk shows with Jimmy Kimmel or Jimmy Fallon or comedy sketches and political satire of NBC’s never-ending 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL), they are a relief for everyone who wants to unwind after a long day. 'SNL', which has been running for 48 seasons, has successfully managed to amass a huge fan following.
It has played host to innumerable movie stars, athletes, comedians, and politicians who perform various sketches to entertain audiences. But behind all this are the writers who make every act possible with their unparalleled wit and humor. In the upcoming weekend of May 6, 2023, 'SNL’s prodigy, Pete Davidson was supposed to return and make his hosting debut after exiting the show back in 2022. Pete’s new comedy series, ‘Bupkis’ will air on Peacock soon and the comedian was returning to 'SNL' to promote his show. Unfortunately, the latest episode of 'SNL' was called off because of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, with no date of return fixed as of now.
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Why is the WGA on strike?
The WGA went on strike on May 1, 2023, after failed negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), including Amazon, Apple, Disney, Discovery-Warner, Netflix, NBC Universal, Paramount, and Sony. The WGA is looking to negotiate a new deal with these organizations that guarantees better pay for all their creations, be it for movies or television. “Though we negotiated intent on making a fair deal — and though your strike vote gave us the leverage to make some gains — the studios’ responses to our proposals have been wholly insufficient, given the existential crisis writers are facing,” the WGA addressed its members after the failed talks with the studios. The strike affects live shows and the ones that are yet to be shot.
There was also support from the SNL community for the writers, but they want to start shooting again as soon as possible. “We have to think about our crew, too. I absolutely support the writers, and I want the writers to get what they deserve and need, but I don’t want our crew to be out of work. We can’t make this art without each other.” The strike has affected the late-night talk shows of Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel as well. Until further notice, the strike will remain in effect.
How does WGA strike affect Pete Davidson?
Pete, who was hot on heels after completing a web show called ‘Bupkis’ which was supposedly right up his alley of comedy, will have to find a different space to promote his new offering. 'SNL' would have given him the biggest platform, but since every late-night talk show is halted, it will be difficult for Pete to find a platform to promote his show. Meanwhile, NBC has decided to air the reruns of 'SNL' on the upcoming weekend until a resolution is arrived at by the WGA.