Short-Lived Dramedy Saw a Quick Death Thanks to the Writers’ Strike

The Writers Guild of America strike of 2007–2008 disrupted television in Hollywood, putting several productions on hold and shortening seasons for Private Practice, Gossip Girl, Ugly Betty and Grey's Anatomy. The strike ultimately won the guild a stronger contract, but some series did not survive the downtime.

Hyped as Sex and the City for men and launched with the line "Men. We're the new women," Big Shots followed four competitive but dysfunctional CEOs: James Walker (Michael Vartan), Duncan Collinsworth (Dylan McDermott), Karl Mixworthy (Joshua Malina) and Brody Johns (Christopher Titus).

They convene at a men's club, trading business and personal advice amid saunas, pool and tennis. Critics faulted the show for tired soap tropes and unappealing characters. Storylines included James's wife having an affair with his late boss, Duncan's divorce and strained relationship with his 19-year-old daughter, Brody's cowardice, and Karl's mistress growing close to his wife.

United States, Hollywood