Housewives to stop over strike

Desperate Housewives will cease production next Wednesday as a result of the WGA strike.

The popular comedy has run out of scripts. Shows that have already been completed won’t last until Christmas.

Six other live-to-air shows have stopped: The New Adventures of Old Christine, Two and a Half Men, Til Death, Rules of Engagement, Big Bang Theory, and Back to You which won’t return from a planned hiatus.

Lost will have to end its planned February return at 8 episodes if the strike drags on. Cashmere Mafia has been pulled from schedule.

As Day 2 of the strike concluded more big name stars lent their support to the picket lines.

Eva Longoria handed out pizza. “We are done, and we’ll be on the lines supporting you,” she told strikers.

Housewives’ Writer / Producer Marc Cherry joined and supported picketers, as long as they were respectful to actors.

Jay Leno dropped by with some Krispy Kreme donuts. The big name Tonight shows are expected to be in repeats all week as a show of support. But they also want to support non-writing production staff who are keen to work.

Rachel Griffiths gave out coffee with sunscreen and baseball caps via bike runs.

Medium’s Patricia Arquette also handed out Starbucks coffee. Other picketers included Tina Fey and Seth Meyers of 30 Rock, writer / director James L. Brooks, John Stamos from ER, Ron Rifkin, John Leguizamo, Joss Whedon creator of Buffy. Shonda Rhimes writer / producer of Grey’s Anatomy chooses not to work as a producer, refusing to script-edit the ABC drama. Heroes’ Tim Kring denied he had been sacked, for supporting the WGA. Ellen de Generes did not film her show.

Politicians Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards have all pledged support for the writers.