US game shows to film without studio audiences
Jeopardy! & Wheel Of Fortune will film without studio audiences in USA, due to fears around coronavirus.
- Published by David Knox
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- Filed under Coronavirus, News
Is this a sign of things to come…?
US game shows Jeopardy! and Wheel Of Fortune have confirmed they will film episodes without studio audiences for the foreseeable future, due to fears around the coronavirus.
Factoring into the decision is the fact that the game shows’ audiences are generally older and come from out of town. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently advised people over 60 and those with underlying health problems to strongly consider avoiding activities that involve large crowds and going on long flights.
In Australia no productions have yet cancelled or signalled impacts on audience crowds such as Dancing with the Stars, The Voice, Hot Seat, Q&A or Australian Ninja Warrior.
10’s Amazing Race Australia is currently assessing a suitable route for its upcoming season which is due to film in June.
Source: Deadline
11 Responses
they should pipe in some audience noise/applause
I’m assuming price is right will stop filming completely as their studio audience is pretty important. Been watching a bit of it on CBS All Access recently. Fun show.
Announcer: It’s America’s Favourite Game
Audience:
Crickets: *chirp*
Can’t imagine Wheel of Fortune without the crowd chant.
They actually dispensed with the audience on “Wheel” when Vanna White stood in for Sajak during his illness. You could only tell because the family members of the winning contestant were pictured standing in the wings rather than sitting in the audience. Canned laughter and applause throughout rest of the show.
The fear factor is causing more damage than the actual virus..?
Yet…
I think this is a bit overboard for the current state of covid-19, it’s not really that much of a threat to the US right now.
It’s better to be precautious and proactive. Besides it would be terrible publicity if your live audience contributed to the transmission of the virus or worse a death!
In this case both hosts have had health issues so probably for their protection more than anything.
Could this impact the August season of Australian Survivor or has that already been filmed/is filming?
Filming soon. I’m no expert but I suspect isolation aspect would favour it, and Fiji not high on the lists. Airport transit would be the greatest risk.