New equation in writers' strike: return of Leno, O'Brien

Some strikers think that the return of the hosts could help the writers' cause. "These hosts have been incredibly supportive of the strike so far," says writer/director Robin Swicord. "It's been tough to get our message out to the general public, but now, these hosts will have a platform to bring our issues to a large audience."

O'Brien himself has stated as much.

"My career in television started as a WGA [Writers Guild of America] member and my subsequent career as a performer has only been possible because of the creativity and integrity of my writing staff," he wrote in a released statement this week. "Since the strike began, I have stayed off the air in support of the striking writers. I will make clear, on the program, my support for the writers and I'll do the best version of Late Night I can under the circumstances."

The writerless shows will have to tread carefully to avoid violating Guild strike rules. In this case, says Tony Segall, general counsel for WGA West, the rules are fairly straightforward. "They can't perform any work that would normally be created by writers," he says, pointing to such bits as the opening monologue. Viewers should expect to see a many guests filling the chairs, say most observers.

In the words of O'Brien, his show may at times be "terrible."

But at least one observer sees a silver lining. "If these shows are looking for guests," says political consultant Matt Eventoff, "there are a whole lot of presidential candidates looking for free exposure in time for the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries." He points out that the field of viable candidates has broadened since early November, with several dark horses emerging whose biggest challenge is money. "Free air time is just what the newly viable candidates such as Mike Huckabee and John McCain need," he adds.

In fact, the shows may find themselves looking for more politicians than before the strike to fill a void created by celebrities in sister unions. Those in the Screen Actors or Directors Guilds might shy away from appearing on late-night shows during the strike.

In addition to helping fund-challenged presidential candidates get exposure, the return of late-night shows may help fill a void of a certain brand of social and political commentary that has been missing of late.

"Some of our candidates and politicians alike have been getting away unscathed as late-night shows have been silenced for weeks, says Bob Thompson, director of the Center for the Study of Popular Television at Syracuse University in New York. "A culture and country in the midst of war and a presidential campaign needs comedy for a kind of safety-valve perspective it can't get any other way."

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