‘The Witcher,’ ‘Peaky Blinders,’ ‘The Walking Dead’ & More TV Series Affected by Coronavirus
The coronavirus has impacted the population’s daily lives, and it’s also impacting TV productions now.
For various series ranging from live daytime and late night talk-shows to scripted titles that are filmed in hot-spot locations, schedules and rituals are being disrupted.
Below, we’re rounding up all of the series in which production has been disrupted in some way.
The Ellen DeGeneres Show
Ellen DeGeneres‘ talk-show will be shooting with a slight change to the usual format as studio audiences will not be included for the foreseeable future in an attempt to combat the virus.
“I have some news. For now, I’ll be shooting my show with no studio audience. To everyone who was looking forward to coming, I’m so sorry. But I’m doing this for the health of my fans, my staff & my crew,” she tweeted. “(It has nothing to do with a warrant for my arrest in the state of Florida.)”
I have some news. For now, I’ll be shooting my show with no studio audience. To everyone who was looking forward to coming, I’m so sorry. But I’m doing this for the health of my fans, my staff & my crew. (It has nothing to do with a warrant for my arrest in the state of Florida.)
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) March 12, 2020
Riverdale
The CW hit Riverdale suspended action after a crew member came into contact with someone who had the virus. In a statement released by a Warner Bros. TV producer to Deadline, the situation was detailed for viewers.
“We are working closely with the appropriate authorities and health agencies in Vancouver to identify and contact all individuals who may have come into direct contact with our team member. The health and safety of our employees, casts and crews is always our top priority.”
“We have and will continue to take precautions to protect everyone who works on our productions around the world,” the statement continued. “Out of an abundance of caution, production on Riverdale is currently suspended.”
The Morning Show
Filming on the second season of Apple’s The Morning Show has halted as the production will take a two-week break. The decision was made to protect the crew and cast as no on has tested positive for the virus, and they want to keep it that way. In a statement released by producer Michael Ellenberg per The Hollywood Reporter it was said, “we have concluded it would be prudent to take a two-week hiatus to assess the situation and ensure the safety of the incredible people who make this show.”
Survivor
Currently airing its 40th season, CBS’ long-running reality competition series Survivor will take a brief filming hiatus delaying Seasons 41 and 42. Production on Season 41 was set to commence on March 24 but has now been pushed back to May 19. Season 42 will also start filming at a later date than planned but has not been revealed yet.
Grey’s Anatomy
Production on ABC’s fan favorite drama has stopped after a letter from producers was sent out to the cast and crew. Shared by Deadline, the letter reads, “This decision was made to ensure the health and safety of the whole cast and crew and the safety of our loved ones outside of work, and it was made in accordance with Mayor Garcetti’s suggestion that we not gather in groups of more than 50,” showrunner Krista Vernoff and fellow EPs Debbie Allen and James Williams addressed their team.
NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans
All three NCIS series have halted production in the wake of the Coronavirus to maintain the safety of cast members and crew.
One Chicago
Dick Wolf’s NBC procedurals Chicago Fire, Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. have all suspended production on location in the city.
The Tonight Show
Jimmy Fallon‘s late night talk-show was going to suspend its live audience viewing beginning Monday, March 16 according to a statement released on social media. “The safety of our guests and employees is our top priority,” the statement began. “As a precautionary measure, starting, Monday, March 16, The Tonight Show will suspend its live studio audiences.” But after some consideration the show has stopped production for now.
— Fallon Tonight (@FallonTonight) March 12, 2020
The Late Show
Similarly, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was also to go without a studio audience beginning March 16. In a statement from CBS to The Hollywood Reporter, it was said “This move is being made out of an abundance of caution regarding the spread of the COVID-19 virus and the uncertainty of the situation for future weeks. Per guidance from New York City officials, CBS and The Late Show are doing their part to help decrease the potential rate of transmission in our communities.” Since this announcement, production has been halted for the time being.
Late Night with Seth Meyers
The other NBC late night program shared a similar statement to The Tonight Show, opting for an informative social media post announcing the show’s live studio audience suspension beginning March 16. Since this announcement, production has been postponed, leaving reruns to play in the meantime.
— Late Night with Seth Meyers (@LateNightSeth) March 11, 2020
The Daily Show
The Comedy Central show featuring Trevor Noah will also suspend audiences starting March 16. “There have been no developments at The Daily Show‘s studio to cause concern for audience members who have plans to attend the show tonight or tomorrow,” a statement from Comedy Central reads. “Measures have been taken to protect everyone who enters and works in the office and studio with enhanced cleaning and sanitizing procedures.”
Full Frontal with Samantha Bee
The TBS series which airs Wednesdays went without a studio audience this week and will likely continue to do so until the virus is under control. Host Samantha Bee shared a video message on Twitter to inform fans.
Due to concerns over COVID-19, tonight’s episode will tape without an audience. Despite the efforts taken, we heard from Sean Spicer that tonight’s taping “was the largest audience ever to witness an [taping of Full Frontal], period, both in person and around the globe.” Wow! pic.twitter.com/NcrX152e5O
— Full Frontal (@FullFrontalSamB) March 11, 2020
Last Week Tonight
John Oliver’s HBO late night program will also suspend its audience for taping. “We are taking this precaution in accordance with best practices as outlined by New York City officials,” HBO said in a statement. “We will continue to monitor the situation.”
Watch What Happens Live
Andy Cohen’s talk-show on Bravo will also film without an in-studio audience.
Good Morning America, The View & Live with Kelly and Ryan
The ABC series also suspended their live audiences. In a statement from a Walt Disney Television spokesperson to TheWrap, they said, “Given the current developing situation in New York City, we have made the decision to suspend live audiences from attending our news broadcasts and talk shows.”
The Walking Dead Shows
Fear the Walking Dead is shutting down for three weeks after a week planned hiatus, Deadline reports. Production on the upcoming 11th season of the original series, The Walking Dead, is also facing a three to four-week delay.
Supernatural and Empire‘s Final Seasons
The CW drama was in the final weeks of filming, but it, too, has shut down production. It’s unclear if this will have any impact on when the last episodes air.
Production has also halted on the Fox drama with only a couple weeks left, and according to Deadline, the plan is to complete filming on the series when they can.
Marvel’s Disney+ Shows
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (which had been filming in Prague), WandaVision, and Loki have all shut down production.
More Shows Affected by Coronavirus
Today, Dr. Phil, Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune are all taping without audiences. It’s also been announced that live audiences for The Late Late Show and The Talk have been suspended beginning March 16.The Wendy Williams Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live! were going to tape without an audience but both are now postponing filming.
Production on Grace and Frankie‘s final season has been halted by Netflix along with Lucifer, meanwhile fellow streaming series Amazon’s Carnival Row has halted production on its second season in Budapest. CBS All Access’ The Good Fight is also stopping production for the time being along with The CW’s The Flash, Dynasty and CBS’s Bull and FBI.
NBC’s World of Dance was set to wrap over the weekend, but production has been moved up in order to finish early, meanwhile the network’s untitled Tina Fey comedy starring Ted Danson is also among the many halted productions. Other series currently suspended at NBC include New Amsterdam, their forthcoming Peacock series Angelyne, and The Kelly Clarkson Show.
More shows joining the lineup of halted productions are ABC’s The Bachelorette, CBS’s Young Sheldon and God Friended Me as well as The CW’s Batwoman. General Hospital and Stranger Things join the lineup of shows halting production. FX’s Fargo, Atlanta, Snowfall and Y have all shut down their productions for the time being.
Bill Maher announced March 13 that Real Time is taking the next week off. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver will also be taking a break after a shortened episode on March 15.
Hallmark has also shut down production on Home & Family and its original movies.
Production has also halted on Fox’s The Resident, FX’s Pose, USA’s Queen of the South, and ABC’s American Housewife.
Production on ABC’s comedies The Goldbergs and Schooled was supposed to wrap next week but both have also shut down. They join fellow Sony Pictures TV shows The Blacklist, Wheel of Time, and The Mel Robbins Show on the list.
Starz has also shut down production on the Power spinoffs Power Book II: Ghost and Power Book III: Raising Kanan, the scripts for which have all been written.
Fremantle’s Family Feud has shut down, while America’s Got Talent has paused auditions with the judges. The latter could resume in April.
Netflix’s buzzy The Witcher has shut down production on Season 2, while their BBC acquisition Peaky Blinders also closes up shop for now. Line of Duty and Starz’s Power spinoffs are also on halt while people practice social distancing.
Stay tuned for any additional news as it arises.
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