Three-Month Writers Strike is Finally Over

The three-month writers strike is finally over and many of the shows are scheduled to air this spring. Most shows plan to wrap up the season with anywhere from four to seven episodes.

Don't expect your shows to be on the air for a few more weeks though. A minimum of four weeks will be needed for producers to get the first post-strike episode of comedies started from scratch back on the air; however, a drama will take six to eight weeks to get back on the air. Although, each show has its own special case which can alter the length of time it takes for it to get back on the air.

There are some shows that may be deemed not worth the trouble of returning this season at all. Among those shows that may not return are: the NBC hit, "Heroes," ABC's "Dirty Sexy Money" and NBC's "Chuck." The FOX hit show, "24," isn't likely to return until early 2009.

"Adding to this vexing calculus, each network will have to integrate its returning series into a prime-time schedule that, during the strike, has adapted to the absence of those shows with substitute fare."

However, many of the shows have already said when they will begin airing and how many episodes they will air to wrap up the seasons.

Here is a list of shows that will return:

ABC

Boston Legal: Expected to air 6 to 8 episodes in April/May.

Brothers and Sisters: One pre-strike episode remains and they expect to air 4 to 5 episodes in April/May.

Desperate Housewives: Expected to air 4 to 7 episodes in April/May.

Grey's Anatomy: Expected to air 4 to 7 episodes in April/May.

Lost: Six pre-strike episodes remain and they are expected to air five additional episodes this season.

Private Practice: There is a slim chance it could return with 4 to 5 new episodes this season. Either way it will be back in the fall.

Samantha Who?: Three pre-strike episodes remain and they plan to shoot 3 additional episodes and will likely air after "Dancing with the Stars" is over.

Ugly Betty: Expected to air 4 to 7 episodes in April/May.

CBS

Cold Case: Expected to air 4 to 9 new episodes in April/May.

Criminal Minds: Expected to air 4 to 9 episodes in April/May.

CSI: Expected to air 4 to 8 episodes in April/May.

CSI: Miami: Expected to air 4 to 9 episodes in April/May.

CSI: NY: Expected to air 4 to- 8 episodes in April/May.

Ghost Whisperer: Expected to air 4 to 7 episodes in April/May.

How I Met Your Mother: Expected to air 5 to 9 episodes in April/May.

Moonlight: Could produce a handful of episodes in April/May.

NCIS: Expected to air 5 to 9 episodes in March/April/May.

Numb3rs: Expected to shoot 5 to 9 episodes but may only air 3 episodes this season.

Rules of Engagement: Expected to air 4 to 7 episodes in March/April/May.

Two and a Half Men: Expected to air 5 to 9 episodes in April/May.

Without a Trace: Expected to air 4 to 9 episodes in April/May.

FOX

House: Expected to air 4 to 6 episodes in April/May.

NBC

30 Rock: Expected to air 5 to 10 episodes in April/May.

The Big Bang Theory: Expected to air 5 to 7 episodes in April/May.

ER: Expected to air 4 to 6 episodes in April/May.

Law and Order: Intermediate number of episodes expected to air in the spring.

Law and Order: CI: Intermediate number of episodes expected to air in the spring.

Law and Order: SVU: Intermediate number of episodes expected to air in the spring.

Medium: Six pre-strike episodes remain and they expect to shoot additional episodes this season.

My Name is Earl: Expected to air 8 to 10 episodes in April/May.

The Office: Expected to air 6 episodes in April/May.

Saturday Night Live: Returns Feb. 23.

Scrubs: Four pre-strike episodes remain. Four additional episodes plan to be shot but it is unclear whether they will be on the air or go straight to DVD.

The CW

The Game: Four pre-strike episodes remain and they are expected to air 8 to 9 episodes in March/April/May.

Gossip Girl: Expected to air 5 to 6 episodes in April/May/June.

One Tree Hill: Six pre-strike episodes remain and they are expected to air 5 to 6 additional episodes in April/May.

Reaper: Three pre-strike episodes remain and they are expected to air 5 to 6 episodes in April/May.

Smallville: Four pre-strike episodes remain and they are expected to air 5 to 6 episodes in April/May.

Supernatural: Two pre-strike episodes remain and they are expected to air 4 to 5 episodes in April/May.