Pending actor's strike could stop daytime programming

Daytime soaps could be affected by an actor's strike

In the real world where people punch a time clock and work for low wages, it's difficult to understand how those who are millionaires and living the good life could desire even more money but it happens. In addition to the Hollywood writer's strike, there is a possible actor's strike pending, and soap fans are wondering where they stand with the 4 remaining Daytime drama series. Here is what is known so far.

The current contract between the actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA, and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) is set to expire on June 30. Bargaining for new television and theatrical contracts will begin on Wednesday, June 7, but on June 5, a whopping 97% of SAG-AFTRA members voted to authorize a strike if the AMPTP — which represents the industry’s major studios and streaming sites — won’t reach a fair deal with the union. (Soap Opera Digest)

The soaps have some options

Soap operas tape episodes well in advance so they have a bit of leeway where the writer's strike is concerned. It was more than a month after Covid shut down taping before the soaps had to offer reruns and Days of Our Lives was filmed 8 months in advance and never had to run old episodes. There is also an option where if a strike occurred nonunion writers could create programming while the strike is in effect but when it comes to the cast members of DOOL on Peacock, General Hospital on ABC and the two CBS soaps The Bold and the Beautiful, and The Young and the Restless things are different. SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher. (The Nanny) said the following.

“Together we lock elbows and in unity, we build a new contract that honors our contributions in this remarkable industry, reflects the new digital and streaming business model, and brings all our concerns for protections and benefits into the now!”

Is an agreement possible for the writers and the actors?

Backstage, revealed that SAG-AFTRA members don't have a choice in the matter and will be required to strike. This forces union series that are scripted like the soaps to shut down. The strike is taking place because the union is fighting for better benefits and compensation and improved residuals due to the rising popularity of streaming services. SAG-AFTRA also desires protection for its members against AI (artificial intelligence). They also seek regulations on self-taped auditions which have been utilized more since the beginning of the Covid 19 pandemic.

This puts things in a different light for those who assumed the actors only wanted additional money. Soap fans should be listening out for updates related to a possible actors' strike as well as news on when the writers' strike might end. Keep watching your favorite daytime shows and be on the lookout for spoiler alerts that tease what is coming next. Most of Hollywood has been shut down since the first of May when the Writers' strike began. Hopefully, some type of agreement will take place and the writers as well as the actors can continue entertaining those who enjoy the daytime drama series.

All 4 soaps have been giving fans must-see TV episodes and no one desires to see the momentum decrease. The DiMera's have added some new family members on DOOL who are really off the chain, the love triangle between Ridge Forrester (Thorsten Kaye), Brooke Logan (Katherine Kelly Lang), Taylor Hayes (Krista Allen) is heating up on B&B, Y&R fans are invested in what Cameron Kirsten ( Linden Ashby) has planned for Sharon Rosales (Sharon Case), and GH viewers are waiting to find out if Nikolas Cassadine (Adam Haus) will be found.