The Writers Guild of America (WGA) called off its nearly five-month strike on Tuesday night.

Hollywood's writers' union said it reached a preliminary labor agreement with major studios on Sunday, a deal expected to end one of two strikes that have halted most film and television production and cost the California economy billions.

While workers across the entertainment industry waited for word of the outcome, no agreement was announced as the strike reached its 144th day.

The Hollywood strikes have essentially shut down all US movie and television productions, with limited exceptions such as reality and game shows.

The Emmys award ceremony was originally slated to be telecast on September 18, and the LA Times reported the January date is contingent on a resolution to disputes between the studios and guilds before then.