Will Late Night Talk Shows Cross Strike Picket Lines?

If you’ve been feeling a little lonely without your nightly dose of David Letterman, followed by a Conan O’Brien chaser before bed, fear not, your favorite late night talk show host could soon be returning to laugh you to sleep.

The four major late night hosts (Leno, Letterman, O’Brien & Ferguson) are considering a return despite the ongoing Hollywood Writer’s strike, according to a report in Variety.

Ratings for the late night talk shows, which are airing reruns, have taken a nosedive since the strike began two months ago. The networks are anxious to get their hosts back on air.

But who will be first?

Carson Daly, host of “Last Call ,” who is not a member of the WGA has already returned– to the sounds of audience protests. This week, 20 WGA members reportedly infiltrated Carson’s studio audience, vocally disrupting his taping.

Looking to avoid similar snafus, the remaining hosts are reportedly in talks to return around the same time. New late night programming could reportedly return as soon as January 7, if not sooner.

Two shows, “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and ABC’s “Nightline,” have been reaping the benefits of the strike.

Though Jimmy Kimmel is airing reruns, just like his fellow late night hosts, he has viewers tuning in, giving the newest of the late night shows decent ratings for repeats.

“Nightline” has beat Dave and Jay for the first time since 1995.