Cancelled TV shows: All the series productions Coronavirus has halted

The coronavirus (otherwise known as COVID-19) is really giving everyone a run for their money. Airlines are having to shut down flights, entire school districts are declaring two-week shutdowns, and people are investing their money into creating palaces of toilet paper. 

One thing we might not have anticipated is the effect the illness has had on the film industry. Surely the realm of entertainment is too sacred for a virus to touch, right? Coronavirus has to have mercy on the area of tension release our society so desperately needs in this moment of crisis. 

Unfortunately, COVID-19 is a heartless jerk and is no respecter of industry. Many shows have halted production because of concerns for contracting and/or spreading the virus. Here is a list of TV shows that have been cancelled, at least for the time being, because of health risks:

Grey’s Anatomy (ABC)

Grey’s Anatomy, the iconic and very long-standing medical drama, suspended its season 16. The executive producers describe their decision as proceeding from “an abundance of caution.” We would say that’s probably a smart move considering Washington, the state that Grey’s Anatomy is shot in, currently has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the United States. 

American Ninja Warrior (NBC)

Not even the fit people that compete in this grueling athletic competition are hard enough to throw caution to the wind when it comes to warding off the coronavirus. NBC’s American Ninja Warrior has postponed its production for two weeks due to health concerns regarding the coronavirus. 

Grace and Frankie (Netflix)

This Netflix comedy series is not laughing in the face of danger. Considering this is their seventh and final season, this might leave fans crying but the production crew is taking COVID-19 very seriously. It has temporarily suspended filming until further notice. There is no current return date set just yet since producers are opting to keep a close eye on the situation. 

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (CBS)

Many late-night TV shows have already cancelled their live tapings with studio audiences on account of coronavirus fears. After all, getting a bunch of people in a small room and having them laugh and breathe all over each other is not exactly the smartest move in the current health atmosphere. What’s more, The Tonight Show has moved it’s scheduled hiatus from March 23 to a week ahead of schedule. Fallon taped his last episode until further notice on March 12. 

Riverdale (The CW)

Riverdale, which was recording in Vancouver, has currently stopped production due to one of the crew members coming into contact with someone who has already contracted the virus. They have informed the public that the crew member is receiving medical treatment and that they are doing their best to alert Canadian authorities to what people that person might have come in contact with. 

Wheel of Time (Amazon Prime Video) 

Robert Jordan fans everywhere have been clutching their hands in anticipation for the Wheel of Time series adaptation that has been filming for months. Unfortunately, it has been filming in Prague, a general location pretty heavily affected by the pandemic. It’s no surprise they have decided to halt production. 

Apparently, they are considering saving what they planned on being the last few episodes of season one, to appear in season two. It’s not their preference though, so they’re still holding their breath that the situation will clear up. 

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Disney+)

Did we mention Prague? The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is also filming in Prague, so they’ve shut down operations too.

Foundation (Apple TV+)

The Isaac Asimov science-fiction novel adaptation has halted production along with so many other shows. It was being filmed in Ireland and the Irish Prime Minister demanded the country take restrictive measures. This includes cancelling gatherings of large amounts of people. They’ve got to obey the sheriff in town.

Card Sharks (ABC)

This popular game show stopped production for very practical reasons. Even if they decided to only cancel a live studio audience, it would be kind of awkward to watch the host try to call on non-existent studio members. 

So, there you have it. The coronavirus has terrorized many tv show production schedules on all kinds of TV networks. This isn’t even an exhaustive list. Hopefully, the medical community will put this monster to bed quickly so our TV show beloveds can get back to going viral in a good way.