David Letterman’s production company, Worldwide Pants, and the WGA have reached an interim agreement that will allow the host to return to the air next Wednesday WITH writers.

Letterman, who has been an outspoken supporter of the writers since the strike began, made it clear that he wanted to return to the air, but stressed that it was important to him to work out a deal with the WGA, so that he could return with his writing staff.

I’m not sure of all the details of the deal, but I know that part of the provision between the WGA and Worldwide Pants ensures that the Late Show writers will earn a fair cut from the distribution of their material over the internet – the number one sticking point of the entire strike.

One negative side effect of the agreement is that we will no longer be able to read the excellent website produced by the striking Late Show writers.

Seven shows are now expected to return to the air in the next two weeks. Their impact on the strike remains to be seen. My feeling is that being able to air new material will undermine the producer’s incentive to return to the negotiating table, and prolong the strike.

What also remains to be seen is whether or not the same scorn will be heaped on these hosts that was dished out to Carson Daly.

The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, which is also produced by Worldwide Pants, will also resume production next Wednesday under the same temporary contract as The Late Show with David Letterman. Leno, Kimmel, and Conan are also set to begin producing new episodes of their respective shows – sans writers – the same day. The Daily Show and The Colbert Report are expected to return to the air on the following Monday.

photo by Librado Romero/NY Times