It does seem that the writers have overestimated their importance.
Well, unscripted TV shows are just starting to run out of episodes. The award season is a disaster, the late night shows are doing OK, but took a 9 week hit. Eventually there won't be any new movies coming out either. Can you imagine what will happen in the fall if there are no new unscripted shows and no movies coming out. Personally I like reality shows, but there are a few shows like Lost that I am going to REALLY miss.