Contributed by Diamond Bullock
Several television programs are taking precautionary measures against coronavirus by continuing to tape episodes without live studio audiences. This includes talk shows, game shows, and sitcoms.
According to USA Today, Walt Disney Co. has confirmed that all of its news and talk shows will not have a studio audience, including “The View”, “Tamron Hall”, and “Live with Kelly and Ryan.” Additional shows that will not have a studio audience are “The Wendy Williams Show”, “Dr. Phil”, “Jeopardy!”, and “Wheel of Fortune.”
Yesterday, the production team of “The Wendy Williams Show” informed fans of this recent decision on Instagram:
Warner Bros. has taken a different approach and kept the studio audience for its programs, but the screening process for potential guests will be taken more seriously.
According to USA Today, “Guests must confirm that neither they, nor members of their household, have traveled in the last three weeks to a place given a Level 3 Travel Health Notice by the Centers for Disease Control.” Restricted travel destinations include China, Iran, South Korea and Italy. Shows affected by this new screening process include “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”, “The Bachelor”, “The Voice”, “Mom” and “The Real.”
Other programs and events have been affected by coronavirus as well, including the upcoming Democratic debate between Sen. Bernie Sanders and and former Vice President Joe Biden. The Democratic National Committee has requested for no live audience. Many musicians have cancelled or postponed upcoming concerts including Madonna, Miley Cyrus, Ciara, Queen, Khalid, Mariah Carey, Pearl Jam, Green Day and more.