The WGA strike delayed a slew of movies and TV shows – now that it’s over, what’s going to prove worth the wait?Let’s talk TV. The 2023 Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, spanning from May 2 to September 27, was the longest disruption to American film and TV production since the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of wider Hollywood labor disputes, the strike focused on demands for better compensation, job security, increased writers’ room sizes, and limitations on AI use in writing. This significantly affected the industry, causing studio closures and jeopardized contracts. The strike concluded on October 9 with a contract ratified by 99% of WGA members. Key issues included streaming residuals, with the WGA advocating against reduced income shares from AMPTP and pushing for AI to assist rather than replace writers. The WGA’s proposals, aimed at improving writers’ conditions worsened by the pandemic, sought to generate approximately $429 million annually, far exceeding AMPTP’s offer of $86 million. The resolution also addressed staffing requirements and contract terms, marking a significant milestone in Hollywood labor relations.Some of the most popular shows of all time have been delayed. Were the delays so significant that the audience has lost interest? It will be interesting to see how everything plays out; but here’s our take on what’s going to prove worth the wait.Stranger ThingsThe highly anticipated fifth season of Netflix’s sci-fi horror series “Stranger Things” – delayed due to the WGA strike – was originally slated to begin production later this year. The Duffer Brothers, creators of “Stranger Things,” communicated via the show’s official Twitter account, expressing their inability to proceed with production during the strike. ST has reached an extraordinary level of success, with its fourth season setting record viewership numbers for Netflix. Garnering over 1.3 billion hours of viewing within the first 28 days of its release, it became the most-watched English-language original series on the platform, second only to “Squid Game.” This popularity has heightened anticipation for the show’s fifth and final season, which promises to resolve the high-stakes storyline that left Vecna vanishing and the Upside Down world merging with reality. But ST star David Harbour says to be patient – season 5 will be worth the wait. He has assured fans that the final season will be gratifying and packed with engaging content. While he hints at a potentially long filming process, echoing the gap fans experienced before Season 4, he expresses confidence in the Duffer brothers’ ability to deliver a satisfying conclusion. The final season is expected to maintain, if not exceed, the scale and intensity of the previous seasons, capitalizing on the series’ popularity and its status as the concluding chapter of “Stranger Things.” Although the release date for Season 5 is yet to be announced, it is anticipated to start filming in 2023.Yellowstone“Yellowstone,” the popular Western series created by Taylor Sheridan, is set to conclude after the final episodes of its fifth season air in November 2024. This announcement follows speculation and reports about the show’s future, with Paramount Network confirming the series’ impending end. The conclusion of “Yellowstone” has been surrounded by behind-the-scenes challenges, primarily involving star Kevin Costner and disagreements over shooting schedules. Despite Costner’s lawyer refuting claims of limited filming availability, the actor himself acknowledged a tough negotiation process related to scheduling conflicts with his other project, the Civil War saga “Horizon.” Salary negotiations also played a role, with the network eventually walking away from further discussions. Creator Taylor Sheridan expressed disappointment over Costner’s departure, noting its impact on the character John Dutton’s storyline.Wes Bentley, portraying Jamie Dutton in “Yellowstone,” shared his mixed emotions about the show ending. He expressed curiosity about the series’ resolution, particularly regarding John Dutton’s character, and speculated on the various possible outcomes for the Dutton family. Bentley also candidly discussed the complexities of playing his character, acknowledging both the challenges and the rewarding nature of the role. Accompanying the news of “Yellowstone’s” finale is the announcement of a sequel series, tentatively titled “2024,” set to premiere following the conclusion of “Yellowstone.” This spin-off, first rumored to star Matthew McConaughey, might continue the Dutton family saga with a new cast and setting. Additionally, Paramount revealed plans for another prequel, “1944,” expanding the “Yellowstone” universe further.The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power“The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” Amazon Prime Video’s prequel to the iconic film trilogy, premiered on September 1, 2022. Set a millennium before the events of “The Lord of the Rings,” the series explores the early history of Middle-Earth and the origins of the Rings. After its successful debut, fans are eagerly anticipating the second season. Despite the completion of filming for season 2 in July, extensive post-production work could delay its release. With 2023 ruled out, viewers are expecting a 2024 release, likely in the fall. The original cast, including Morfydd Clark, Markella Kavenagh, and others, will return, alongside new additions like Ciarán Hinds and Rory Kinnear.Season 2’s storyline is expected to focus on Sauron’s ascent and the forging of the Rings, potentially leading up to a massive conflict. Key plotlines will likely involve Galadriel’s quest to form alliances against Sauron and possibly explore the origins of the Hobbits and the Shire. The first season’s climax revealed Halbrand as Sauron, setting a dramatic premise for the next season. Comprising eight episodes, season 2 boasts an all-female directorial team including Charlotte Brändström, Sanaa Hamri, and Louise Hooper, promising a continuation of the epic saga on Amazon Prime Video.Be sure to check out your favorite streaming service to see what’s coming up – and in the meantime, remember that when you truly connect with the characters and storyline from a television show, you might have to be patient when real life gets in the way. But hey, absence makes the heart grow fonder – so let’s suck it up and show some love to our favorite shows when they’re back!