The writers' strike would take an immediate toll on television viewers' favorite programs, dealing a setback to shows that are written day-to-day.
Prime-time scripted series have episodes through mid-January or early February, depending on how many reruns they space out in the next few months. Unscripted shows -- such as "Survivor," "The Amazing Race," and, when it returns in January, "American Idol" -- would continue uninterrupted.
