The way (I’m pretty sure) it works is Stewart and Colbert can write for themselves and only themselves. It’s much like the situation Jay Leno was recently in. Initially the WGA chided him for writing a monologue, but whoops, it turns out that’s allowed. “‘A’ Daily Show” and “The ColberT ReporT” are essentially twenty minute monologues.

I support the writers’ goals. But I also have a lot of sympathy for those who have feet in multiple realms and are trying to navigate the waters, to woefully mix metaphors. Sympathy enough not to label them as deceivers for adapting well.

And?

And where does the line appear when it comes to writing? If you have a general structure planned for a show, but no words, and then riff most of the words in real time but are good at it…is it writing? If you maybe plan ahead a little in your head what to say, but never put it on paper and into a script…is it writing, or is it just being a damn good comedian with an improv background? (Colbert definitely has a lot of improv experience, I don’t know about Stewart.)

I think if they were expected to not even think ahead, it’s getting a bit ridiculous. They shouldn’t have to be willfully unfunny in one of their jobs just to satisfy a strike in their other job. Think of a freestyle dancer. They may have a repertoire of moves, and think before they start about what order they may throw them in, or where on the floor they may travel to do so…but it’s a far cry from a choreographed routine. But it still may be damn good.