New Amsterdam pulls pandemic episode
Art imitates life just a little too much for NBC.
- Published by David Knox
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- Filed under Coronavirus, News
Sometimes art imitates life just a little too much…
NBC has pulled an episode of its medical drama New Amsterdam that deals with a fictional flu pandemic.
Originally titled simply “Pandemic” but later changed to “Our Doors Are Always Open,” it was scheduled to air in the US on April 7th.
Instead, then network will air reruns on March 31 and April 7 before a season finale on April 14 — the show’s last produced episode before it shut down production.
“New Amsterdam has an episode that was written some time ago that focuses on a flu epidemic in New York City,” NBC said in a statement. “Being sensitive to the current climate, the producers, network and studio have decided that the episode will not air on NBC on April 7 as previously scheduled.”
Actor Daniel Dae Kim was to be introduced in the pandemic episode, but has tested positive for the coronavirus while one of the show’s writers is also ill.
“I am a writer of fiction. But if I may say, the world needs a lot less fiction right now, and a lot more facts,” series creator David Schulner stated.
“We shot a fictional pandemic episode right before a real pandemic hit. People are dying in real life. Do we really want to watch fake people die too?”
“Some would say yes. It’s not for nothing Contagion and Outbreak are at the top of the iTunes chart. The reason we engage with fiction is to watch our heroes battle the monsters we can’t and to learn from their struggle. There’s hope in that. Hope is the reason fiction exists.”
Schulner added “… it will air. Just not now.”
In Australia Nine is still 9 episodes behind the US playout.
Source: Hollywood Reporter
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13 Responses
Weirdly, I’m sure that would have been a sure fire hit. But good on them and opting not to add to hysteria, over building an audience.
I do expect all our medical dramas will have an episode dealing with the corona virus.
This must be the ep that Daniel Dae Kim will be on and was tested positive for covid-19 after filming
I just don’t get the interest in watching Contagion etc. at this time. Each to his own, I guess.
Not really my priority right now either David, but some people enjoy the thrill of visceral fear, like a rollercoaster.
It’s one of the most scientifically accurate portrayals of a pandemic.
No, I watched it a few years ago & it scared the shit out of me. No way would I watch it now. Too close to home.
The film is more accurate than the initial statements put out by Governments and the media.
Even if that’s true (and I’ll stick with health experts over Hollywood) why would I wanna watch more of it?
Maybe people really want to see Gwenyth Paltrow die? (Harsh)
or Kate W… I think either Contagion or 28 Days Later should be played in prime time on fta to scare the crap out of folk so they don’t breach the physical contact and other rules in place….it sends out the message…do as you are told …or else!!!
I’d love to watch 28 Days Later coz Danny Boyle is one of my favourite directors but I simply can’t handle gore.
I want to see that episode now.