Are Television Shows Back in Production?

The entertainment industry is reopening after the widespread shutdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While large gatherings and close proximity were prohibited, many television shows halted production. Now, with precautions in place, some TV series are returning to set. Many shows are implementing comprehensive health and safety plans, following CDC guidelines, state and local orders, and network-specific protocols.

Several shows have successfully resumed filming. The Bold and the Beautiful returned to production in June at Television City in Los Angeles, with strict safety measures including regular testing, shorter workdays, and mandatory masks.

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America’s Got Talent resumed production in July and is currently airing new episodes. The show adapted to the pandemic with online auditions and judge cuts before returning to in-person filming with safety protocols in place.

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Tyler Perry’s BET series, Sistas and The Oval, filmed new seasons at his Atlanta studios with rigorous safety protocols, including private travel for the cast, on-site housing, and frequent COVID-19 testing.

Reality shows are also back in production. Big Brother: All Stars implemented a mandatory two-week quarantine and testing for contestants before entering the house. Love Island USA relocated its production to a Las Vegas hotel, implementing a quarantine bubble for cast and crew.

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Other shows that have resumed production include Wynonna Earp, The Real Housewives of Dallas, The Real Housewives of Orange County, The Young and the Restless, General Hospital, and Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

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Even amidst rising COVID-19 cases in certain areas, productions are finding ways to adapt. Many are implementing social distancing measures, mask requirements, and frequent testing to ensure the safety of cast and crew. The Bachelorette filmed its season with a quarantined resort, showcasing the lengths productions are going to in order to continue filming.

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New seasons of The Girlfriend Experience, Breeders, The Conners, and S.W.A.T. are also in production, demonstrating the resilience of the television industry. The return of these shows signifies a gradual return to normalcy for the entertainment industry while prioritizing safety amidst the ongoing pandemic.