One day after choosing to tape shows without studio audiences, three major late-night talk shows have decided to suspend production of new episodes until at least March 30 due to the coronavirus risk.
Late Thursday, CBS’s “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” announced plans to postpone three original episodes planned for next week, leading into a weeklong scheduled hiatus during the week of March 23. The show will monitor the situation, with plans to return March 30.
Earlier Thursday NBC’s “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers’ “Late Night,” said they would suspend production through their previously planned hiatus, also scheduled for the week of March 23.
For Thursday, “The Tonight Show” taped an original episode without an audience, with guests Dr. Oz, Mandy Moore and Dane DeHaan.
“Late Night” is subbing in an encore episode Thursday night. A new “Closer Look” will be posted as a digital exclusive.
A syndicated daytime talk show, “The Wendy Williams Show,” also informed staffers late Thursday that production will be put on hold indefinitely.
Earlier Thursday, ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” CBS’ “The Late Late Show with James Corden” and HBO’s “Real Time With Bill Maher” became the latest major talk shows to go audience-free as officials seek to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The syndicated ”Ellen DeGeneres Show,” also based in Los Angeles, also will go crowd-free starting Monday.
Also going without audiences are CBS’ ”The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” HBO’s “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver,” and Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show With Trevor Noah,” along with TBS’ “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” and Bravo’s “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.” All are based in New York.
