Coronavirus Forces Late-Night Shows To Go Live Without Audience

The entertainment industry is feeling the heat because of the coronavirus outbreak for quite a while now. Many big organizations and celebrities have been forced to postpone or cancel their already scheduled events to help prevent the spread of the virus. And just recently, networks like NBC, CBS, and HBO have announced that all their talk shows will be taped live without an audience in the wake of the deadly pandemic.

In a statement obtained by the Hollywood Reporter, NBC confirmed that Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers will be hosting their shows with any audience. The statement further continued that the safety of the guests and employees is their “top priority.” The company also stated that the decision was taken after New York City officials issued guidelines amid the outbreak.

The statement concluded by saying that their shows — “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and “Late Night With Seth Meyers” — will be filmed regularly.

“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.’ Our shows will continue filming on their regular schedule, and currently, there will be no impact on air dates,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, CBS noted that “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” will also be filmed without the in-house audience. The media organization also noted that they will follow all the rules that have been put in front of them and the viewers will be notified for further details.

“Beginning Monday, March 16, ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’ will film without a live, in-studio audience. This move is being made out of an abundance of caution regarding the spread of the COVID-19 virus and the uncertainty of the situation for future weeks,” the statement read.

HBO and Comedy Central followed the pattern and said that the shooting of their respective talk shows will take place without an audience.

The decision comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a “pandemic.” The chief of WHO, Tedros Adhanon Ghebreyesus, noted that they are constantly in touch with every country, urging them to take urgent measures.

“We have called every day for countries to take urgent and aggressive action. We have rung the alarm bell loud and clear,” Adhanon Ghebreyesus said.

According to a report, more than 126,300 people have now been affected by the virus. The worldwide death toll has now reached 4,633.