Writers' Strike Might Keep You out of 'The Office'

Get ready for what might be a big dose of reality. Contract negotiations between Hollywood and writers aren't going well, and a strike could mean prime-time schedules would soon be dominated by such unscripted series as "American Idol." The sides remain divided on issues like splitting revenue from new media and whether reality shows should be unionized, reports the Los Angeles Times.

Studios are racing to get as many episodes shot as possible before the Nov. 1 deadline. But both sides hope to forestall a stoppage. Execs don't want a strike because it would mean renegotiating ad rates. And writers are nervous about playing their "last card against a more heavily armed opponent," said one screenwriter, ending up with even more unscripted shows on the air. (More David Letterman stories.)