Late-night television hosts Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon are among those whose nightly programs will be taped without audiences beginning Monday because of the Coronavirus outbreak.
In addition to NBC-TV’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and CBS-TV’s The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, other New York-based comedy programs will likewise be produced in front of rows of bleachers. They include:
*Late Night with Seth Meyers (NBC).
*The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (Comedy Central).
*Full Frontal with Samantha Bee (TBS).
*Last Week Tonight (HBO).
*Watch What Happens Live (Bravo).
Typical of the announcements from the affected networks was the statement from NBC Wednesday that said:
“The safety of our guests and employees is our top priority. As a precautionary measure, starting Monday, March 16, we have decided to suspend live audiences for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night With Seth Meyers. Per guidance from New York City officials, the company is hoping to do its part to help to decrease the rate of transmission in our communities. Our shows will continue filming on their regular schedule, and currently, there will be no impact on air dates.”
These precautions come on the heels of several network morning programs making similar decisions. These include ABC’s Good Morning America, The View and Live With Kelly and Ryan, NBC’s Today and the syndicated Dr. Phil. More taped-before-live-audience programs are expected to follow suit.
One Gotham-based show that so far isn’t affected by the pandemic is Saturday Night Live, which returns from hiatus March 28.