People and Celebrities in 2008

Even though it is baby-brand new, 2008 looks as if it's going to be an especially rough year for celebrities and people in the public eye:

2008 Celebrity and People Stories: The Ripple Effect of the WGA Strike

Because Hollywood's writers walked off the job late in 2007, the movie and television industry has been able to limp along on the products already in the can. Since the holiday season also tends to be a pretty slow production time, the full effects of the WGA strike have yet to be felt.

Stories covering the following topics should therefore make national news:

Stockpiling: Those who forget the past are, as the old saying says, condemned to repeat it. After the producers and writers finally reach an agreement, I look for the studios and production companies to go into overdrive to make up for the existing deficit as well as to stockpile movies and shows for any other unforeseen work stoppage (i.e. natural disasters). 2008 will be an especially busy time for those who have been idled by the WGA Strike.

Death by Overexposure: Carson Kressley, late of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," is one of the celebrities who has been drafted to fill the television deficit. Kressley serves as a judge on the somewhat disturbing reality series "Crowned" and the upcoming "How to Look Good Naked." Kressley, along with likable "Price is Right" host Drew Carey, are doing double-duty these days, but it won't be long before their presence becomes downright annoying and they become fodder for the press.

The Revenge of the Banker: In addition to a plethora of "unscripted" reality series, game shows will make their Primetime presence even stronger. Howie Mandel's popular "Deal or No Deal" already had a "What's the Deal" week where the producers tweaked the show to make it even more interesting. (With 26 gorgeous models, how can it not be interesting?) Rumors also have been circulating that Regis Philbin will slip back into the "Millionaire" seat for another Primetime go-around.