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THE OFFICE If the strike is settled by Feb. 1, an NBC source says the Steve Carell comedy and others might be able to complete five more episodes
Justin Lubin

BURNING STRIKE QUESTION NO. 3: Once the strike ends, how long will it take for TV shows to start production again?
Viewers aren't the only ones wondering whether their favorite shows will get to finish out the 2007-2008 season — it's a big question mark for the networks, too. Let's say the strike is settled on Feb. 1 (hey, miracles could happen). Production on a new episode of a sitcom or drama can take up to six weeks before making it to air. A CBS insider says a Feb. 1 resolution would allow time for at least six spring episodes of procedural dramas like CSI. Comedies like The Office would be able to churn out around five installments, according to an NBC source. And ABC's Lost could shoot another eight, which would enable the creators to close out this season's story arc. Should the dispute extend through late February or March, though, every network will have a tough decision to make about returning shows. ''Do we bring them back for only one or two episodes? Or do we just have them start next [fall]?'' says a Big Four exec. As far as summer series, TNT's The Closer and HBO's Entourage were supposed to start production by now for June/July runs, but both programs are currently up in the air. The one man who could save summer? Vic Mackey. FX has a wrapped final season of The Shield ready to go. —Lynette Rice

NEXT PAGE: OK, so should we be worried about next TV season too?


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