All Rise to Air a Virtually Shot Social Distancing Episode
As COVID-19 brings the entertainment industry to a near-standstill, some outlets are getting creative to both provide content and address our new reality. Now, All Rise and CBS are finding a new way to step up for fans.
While the world continues to grapple with the devastation of the coronavirus, it’s increasingly clear that television will be changed for the foreseeable future.
With showrunners, actors, writers, and crew all isolating, the ability to film shows as we know them has been lost. It’s a hard time for everyone, especially those shows that will never end the way they were meant to.
In response, we’ve seen an increasing number of creators find innovative ways to produce content, such as recording from their homes with technology like Zoom. From live personal concerts to clip shows on YouTube, entertainers are working to lift spirits in trying times.
There have been conversations around bringing tv shows briefly back to life in these ways, but All Rise is likely the first to take action in producing content that will actually air on CBS and in the show’s usual timeslot.
The yet-titled episode was pitched by showrunners and soon began production “using FaceTime, WebEx, Zoom and other available social media and online technology.” It will portray the show’s characters working to adapt their roles in a world of social isolation.
The full description reads:
[… ]After debating the merits of continuing their work during this time, Judge Benner (Marg Helgenberger) authorizes Lola to preside over a virtual trial that involves a dispute between brothers and a stolen car. Emily (Jessica Camacho) represents the defendant, a graffiti artist, and Mark (Wilson Bethel) prosecutes for the D.A.’s office, marking the first time he tries a case in Lola’s “court.”
Also, Mark and Quinn (Lindsey Gort) continue to explore their romantic (and sexual) relationship while quarantined in separate homes; Judge Benner oversees court from afar and struggles to learn how to cook; and Sara (Lindsay Mendez) has to balance her day job with a new side hustle as a food delivery driver. Luke (J. Alex Brinson) and Emily’s relationship is taxed by separation, and germaphobe and type-A Sherri (Ruthie Ann Miles) contends with the new world (dis)order.
What do you think of this approach to TV? Are you looking forward to see how this effort turns out? Tell us what you think — and what you’d like to see from the episode — in the comments!
All Rise airs Mondays at 9/8c on CBS.
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Caitlin Wyneken
Caitlin is an elder millennial with an only slightly unhealthy dedication to a random selection of TV shows, from PBS Masterpiece dramas to some of the less popular series on popular networks. Outside of screen time, she's dedicated to the public sector and worthy nonprofits, working to make a difference in the world outside of media.