If the writers strike ended today, Hollywood would not immediately return to its regularly scheduled programming, the Los Angeles Times.

The risk of irreparable damage to the current and upcoming television season increases with each day the walkout continues. Still, there were no tangible signs of progress Tuesday, when negotiators for writers and the studios returned to the bargaining table for their second full day of talks since the strike began more than three weeks ago.

Although major differences divide them, the parties agreed to meet again today. The seriousness of the sessions has raised hopes that a deal could be reached before Christmas.

Even if that happens, however, Hollywood would not be back at work until after the holidays.

Before writers can pick up their pens, they may have to wait a week or more between the time when the Writers Guild of America’s board approves a new three-year contract and when its members formally vote on the deal.

Then writers are up against their traditional two-week hiatus in December, when networks rely heavily on reruns. That could prompt many writers to work through the holidays to complete scripts so that shows can start shooting again in January.

Writer-producers and studio executives estimate that it could take three to five weeks to resume production of dozens of television shows that have shut down. Many shows have run through their scripts, and some have only outlines of future episodes.

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