The Watch The WGA’s Surprise Deal With the Studios, Bad Robot Downsizes, and the State of International Crime Thrillers on TV
17 snips
Apr 6, 2026 They unpack a surprise four-year WGA-studio agreement and the contract issues it raises. They discuss Bad Robot’s downsizing and what it says about industry shifts. They react to the Tatiana Maslany trailer and debate a wave of upper-middle-class thrillers. They spotlight two international crime shows set in a luxury hotel and a Berlin safe-house.
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Key Issues Behind The Deal
- The deal reportedly targeted the health fund shortfall and AI protections, but specifics were withheld pending announcements.
- Andy highlighted that mini-rooms and post-service pay were previous strike flashpoints and remain areas to watch.
WGA Support Staff Strike And Health Care Cut
- Andy called out the ongoing strike by WGA support staff and criticized the Guild for cutting off that staff's health care.
- He framed it as an embarrassing internal ‘black eye’ while the Guild negotiates externally.
Bad Robot Downsizing Signals Industry Shift
- Bad Robot is downsizing its Santa Monica operation amid industry consolidation, reflecting shifts in studio economics.
- Andy and Chris tied the move to shrinking creative hubs and high-cost overall deals that had low ROI.
