Like nearly all other TV productions, ABC’s American Idol has had to rethink how it will go forward in the midst of the global coronavirus pandemic.
On Thursday (March 19), a source close to the told Billboard that due to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 crisis, some of the crew has been working remotely since last week and all new shoots are on hold for now.
The good news for fans is that there is plenty of material in the can, including the two upcoming Hollywood week episodes slated to air on Sunday (March 22) and Monday (March 23), followed the week after by the “Green Mile” showcase eps filmed in Hawaii.
As a precaution, the source said the contestants have been sent home to be with their families as the nation gets used to being in quarantine and social distancing in an effort to slow the spread of the disease.
Live shows were slated to begin on an as-yet-unannounced date in April, though at press time no additional information was available on when those episodes might air.
The unprecedented global lockdown has impacted dozens of daily and prime time series, from Ellen to the late night talk shows and filming on several upcoming series.
