Writers strike stops production on 3 sitcoms filmed before live audiences

LOS ANGELES — Production of three sitcoms filmed before live audiences has been halted because of the Hollywood writers strike, networks said Tuesday.

Chris Alexander, a spokesman for 20th Century Fox Television, said the show "Back to You" starring Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton will not return from a planned hiatus on Wednesday.

The sitcoms "'Til Death," which airs on Fox, and "Rules of Engagement," on CBS, will also stop production immediately because of the strike, according to a Sony Pictures Television executive not authorized to be quoted who requested anonymity.

The shows are typically written the same week they are filmed, with jokes being sharpened by writers even on the day of production.