As Hollywood’s dual strikes have left networks largely without new scripted episodes heading into the fall, the state of unscripted programming is now in the spotlight. However, despite increased demand for reality TV, those who work in the genre are facing a depressed job market and challenging expectations for job openings.
Molly Shock, an elected board member of the Editors Guild, has been a professional editor for over 30 years and is unsure when she will get her next gig. She has never seen it this dry for unscripted programming, and many people in the industry have not worked for months. This comes as a surprise to some, considering the ongoing labor disputes between SAG-AFTRA, the Writers Guild, and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Broadcast networks, such as CBS, ABC, and Fox, are relying heavily on reality TV for their fall schedules, with a significant increase in hours of reality and game show programming compared to last year.
However, insiders in the industry believe that the recent lack of opportunities is due to a general belt-tightening and a lack of breakout hits in recent years. They also point fingers at Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav for drastically cutting spending on reality programming. This reduction in spending has led to fewer job opportunities and a highly competitive job market. The previous writers strike in 2007-2008 saw an increase in unscripted jobs and the rise of reality TV, but this time around, the genre has been hit with cutbacks.
One question mark for the fall is whether competition shows that typically include actors as hosts, judges, and contestants, such as The Masked Singer and Dancing With the Stars, will be impacted. Reality stars can be part of SAG-AFTRA, but as of now, these shows are moving forward as planned.
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There is interest from the WGA East to make a bigger push to cover unscripted producers under its contract, but the prospects remain uncertain. Many in the industry question why unscripted producers’ contributions are not classified as some form of writing, considering that these shows are heavily shaped and scripted. The lack of recognition as writers is fascinating in the context of how Hollywood works, according to Richard Gerrig, a psychology professor at Stony Brook University.
While some unscripted shows, such as MasterChef and America’s Got Talent, are covered by a union contract, most are not. Producers would prefer to join a union, but the current job market makes it challenging to prioritize anything other than landing a paycheck. The industry demands more complex and challenging shows in less time and with a smaller budget, which leads to longer work hours and less negotiating power for producers.
The unscripted space can take advantage of less experienced creatives seeking Hollywood opportunities. Younger people flood into reality television because they don’t realize the importance of retirement benefits and insurance. The grueling work schedule, with long hours and little job security, is taking its toll on industry professionals.
Some reality TV stars, such as Real Housewives of New York City alum Bethenny Frankel, are pushing for unscripted stars to strike and show support for behind-the-scenes teams. However, many producers are focused on landing jobs and surviving the current dry spell in the industry.
Despite the challenges, it is crucial for individuals to take the initiative to inform unions if their shows have a tenable environment for a union contract. This will benefit not only the current generation but also future ones. The hope is that the industry will look back on this time and recognize the importance of fair working conditions and union representation in the unscripted genre.
