Several TV shows delay production again due to COVID-19 surge in Los Angeles

Universal Television is extending the hiatus from production of “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and five other TV shows that film in LA to respond to the recent COVID-19 surge. This comes after other studios such as CBS, who extended their hiatus of shows like “SEAL Team” and “NCIS.” The act follows after the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) released a letter recommending the entertainment industry to pause their productions as COVID-19 cases continue to be on the rise in Los Angeles.

The LACDPH wrote in an email on December 24, “Although music, TV and film productions are allowed to operate, we ask you to strongly consider pausing work for a few weeks during this catastrophic surge in COVID cases. Identify and delay higher risk activities, and focus on lower-risk work for now, if at all possible.”

According to Deadline, Universal Television are delaying production on six of their shows, including “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” upcoming series “Kenan,” “Mr. Mayor,” “Never Have I Ever,” “Good Girls,” and “Hacks.” All the shows except “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” are expected to resume production by January 11, while the cop comedy series will resume production on January 18.

Warner Bros. TV has also followed the recommendation from the public health department and stopped shooting several shows, including CBS comedies “B Positive,” “Mom,” “Bob Hearts Abishola,” Netflix hit show “You,” and Showtime’s “Shameless.” Production is expected to resume on January 11.

Similarly, Walt Disney-owned 20th Television and ABC Signature delayed production on almost all of their shows. The following shows have stopped production and are expected to resume on January 18: “9-1-1” (Fox), “9-1-1: Lone Star” (Fox), “American Crime Story: Impeachment” (FX), “American Horror Story” (FX), “American Housewife” (ABC), “Big Shot” (Disney+), “black-ish” (ABC); “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC), “Last Man Standing” (Fox), “Love,” “Victor” (Hulu), “Mayans” (FX), “mixed-ish” (ABC), “The Orville” (Fox), “Rebel” (ABC), “Station 19” (ABC) and “This is Us” (NBC).

Although these dates have gotten fans excited for the upcoming seasons, the pandemic has caused so many release and production delays within the industry that it is difficult to confirm that the dates are final.

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