General Hospital: The WGA declared a writer’s strike on May 2, 2023, as a result of differences during contract discussions with the AMPTP. For the uninitiated, WGA stands for The Writers Guild of America, while AMPTP is for Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producer. Unfortunately, after several months, the two bodies are still unable to come to an agreement. This means that the writer’s strike will probably last longer than anyone anticipated.
Considering the fact that soaps usually film episodes well in advance and also have pre-written scripts, it felt like the soaps will air unaffected. Hoping that the strike will be resolved before recorded episodes and scripts run out. However, it seems that is not the case with General Hospital anymore. As announced by the soap’s breakdown writer, Shannon Peace, the last episode written by her team aired on July 25, 2023. Going forward, all fresh episodes that air will be written by Fi-Core or scab writers.
Shannon Peace announced on Instagram that moving forward the writing team of General Hospital will be watching alongside fans. She hoped that the soap will be in good hands with the temporary writing team. However, she added that it pains to watch someone else handling the characters her team developed. Furthermore, she urged the General Hospital fans to continue watching the soap. “You can morally support the writers AND keep the show the air,” Shannon wrote.
The breakdown writer for General Hospital also provided some insight into the conflict Daytime writers experience while on strike. Shannon said, “We hate to see our characters and plotlines given to ‘authors’ who cross the picket line. She admitted that the makers might be left with no other option, though. The soap drama might come to an end if production is stopped. Shannon, along with many others, hopes that WSB and AMPTP eventually find common ground. For the good of everyone!
These are really tough times for your favorite soaps. So try and tune in to them as a show of support. Meanwhile, Stay tuned to TV Season & Spoilers for more General Hospital updates.