TV News Wrap-Up: The COVID-19 Edition

No, you’re not dreaming, the headline is real. Most breaking news regarding the entertainment industry, as most of the world, is arranged around the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

So this week we’ve kept track of some of the casting news that’s been happening, but we’re also trying to get a picture of what the entertainment landscape looks like, compared to a year ago.

Afterall, producing a television show requires a lot of people, both on-camera and off, but also strict production schedules so networks can fill their slots.

Here are some of the effects of COVID-19 on the entertainment industry, and a few more newsworthy items to look out forward to in the future. 

—

Riverdale was the first show to shut down production this week amid COVID-19 concerns. Deadline reports that the series opted to suspend production over concerns that a person working on the show was recently in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. The team member is under medical evaluation and the show is cooperating with Vancouver public health officials to identify and contact all individuals who might have been in contact with said team member.

Apple TV’s The Morning Show has suspended production on Season 2 over the outbreak. The series’ studio Media Res, reportedly made the decision in conjunction with Apple. A Deadline report stresses that this decision was a proactive precautionary measure and is not related to any possible risk of exposure. 

Several WarnerMedia series have been delayed due to coronavirus concerns. Amongst these series are TNT’s Snowpiecer and Euphoria, HBO’s The Righteous Gemstones. HBO Max series produced by its sister studio have shut down as well amid COVID-19 concerns, including The Flight Attendant starring Kaley Cuoco.  There are also “…some high-profile series that are slated to go into production not imminently but soon; their status is being evaluated. That includes HBO’s Succession and Barry and HBO Max’s Gossip Girl reboot from WBTV.”

Warner Brothers Television Group has also shut down production on many series including CBS’ Young Sheldon, All Rise, Bob Hearts Abishola and God Friended Me, the CW’s Supergirl and Batwoman, TNT’s Claws, OWN’s Queen Sugar, Epix’s Pennyworth. In a statement obtained by Deadline, the production company cited the reason for the cancellation as an abundance of caution for their employees, cast, and crews.

Scott Foley (Scandal and Whiskey Cavalier) has landed a new role in the Fox dramedy pilot The Big Leap. The show is described as… “a funny and contemporary tale about second chances, chasing your dreams and taking back what’s yours. The show revolves around a group of diverse underdogs from all different walks of life who compete to be part of a competition reality series that is putting on a modern, hip remake of Swan Lake. Deadline reports that Foley will play Nick Smart, the executive producer of the reality series. He isn’t completely devoid of conscience but he likes to make entertaining television. 

CBS TV has halted production on NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, and NCIS: New Orleans as well as Bull, Dynasty, Nancy Drew, and Charmed. The Good Fight is also on the list of shows whose production has come to a standstill. Deadline reports that many of the broadcast series shows only have one or two more series to film before production wrapped. Due to additional start-up costs, some of those shows may not be returning and fans may be left with truncated seasons. This applies more to dramas as most CBS TV comedies have wrapped already except for The Neighborhood, which will shoot for one more week without a live studio audience. 

Grey’s Anatomy also announced that it would be shutting down production this week. Deadline reports that production of the medical drama has been suspended for two weeks. The news comes as the series wraps its 21st episode of a 25 episode order for its 16th season. The unplanned hiatus also comes shortly after Los Angeles Mayor Eric  Garcetti’s order to suspend gatherings of 50 or more people. 

More shows that have halted production include Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, Chicago P.D., Law & Order: SVU, Superstore, New Amsterdam, and FBI, among many others.

Timeless alum Goran Višnjić is set to play Dracula on The Brides. According to Deadline, Višnjić’s Count Dracula is “…the powerful, ageless, and iconic King of Night who “turned” each of his three brides, Dracula is left for dead at his destroyed castle in the Carpathian mountains while his three wives — Cleo, Renée, and Lily — flee to start a new life together.”  This casting reunites Višnjić with Warner Brothers TV, which cast the doctor in his breakout role as Luca Kovac on ER.

The fate of the final seasons of The 100 and Supernatural is up in the air. Production on Supernatural was suspended on Friday, with just a few weeks left to film on the series fifteenth and final season. According to Deadline, should the suspension cause a significant delay, viewers can expect a possible interruption in the airing of the final episodes. The 100, on the other hand, is filming its series finale with just a couple days left. The producers are going to try to finish the series before sending everyone home. 

Station 19 has been renewed for Season 4 by ABC.  The firefighter spin-off of Grey’s Anatomy has officially been granted a fourth outing. Deadline reports that Station 19, “…ranks as the No. 1 program in the Thursday 8 PM hour this season in total viewers and Adults 18-49. Its viewership is up +9% vs last season as Station 19 is on track to deliver its most-watched season ever.”

Netflix has halted filming on all shows currently being produced in the United States and Canada including Stranger Things. According to Deadline, Netflix is currently the largest media company to shut down production. The cessation of production will last for at least two weeks starting Monday, March 16th and includes Lucifer and Grace & Frankie as well as a host of other television and movies under the streamer’s umbrella. 

Uni TV has put production on hold for Russian Doll, Rutherford Falls, and Little America. A Deadline exclusive report details that these three series, in particular, had no begun filming and currently did not have delivery dates for their series, giving production some wiggle room. Writing as casting on the series will continue. 

—

So with all this news and the realization that a lot of us might be self-quarantining or practicing social distancing, what are you binge-watching right now? Leave a rec in the comments below. 

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

25 Beloved TV Doctors from the Last 15 Years