By Lynn Elber, Television Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) --The ripple effect of the new coronavirus on the entertainment industry reached late-night television and far beyond to the series "Survivor" in Fiji.
"The Tonight Show" and other late-night talk shows in New York announced Wednesday they will tape without audiences, while CBS said that production on the next season of "Survivor" was being postponed.
In a statement Wednesday, NBC said it was suspending live audiences for Jimmy Fallon's "Tonight Show" and "Late Night with Seth Meyers" starting Monday, citing the safety of guest and employees as the "top priority."
CBS announced that "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" also will tape without an in-studio audience, as did Comedy Central's "The Daily Show with Trevor Noah," HBO's "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" and Bravo's "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen."
"For the past several weeks, 'The Late Show' producers have consulted daily to share information with other New York-based late night shows, who will also be moving forward without an audience," CBS said in a statement.
The step was taken based on guidance from New York City officials, CBS said, and out of an "abundance of caution regarding" the virus and the uncertainty of the situation.
The shows' broadcasts will be unaffected.
Also Wednesday, CBS said production on the 41st edition of "Survivor" has been postponed in response to the spread of the coronavirus. Filming was scheduled to begin later this month in Fiji, but CBS now said production will start on May 19, depending on events.
The entertainment sector's response to the unfolding crisis has included cancellation of the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas, and delays of events include California's Coachella festival and the release of the latest James Bond movie.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.
AP Entertainment Writer Mark Kennedy in New York contributed to this report.
“Scandal” cast will reunite for online script reading for hurricane relief in western North Carolina
The cast of ABC's hit political drama "Scandal" may need to brush up on their snappy, speedy delivery known as "Scandal-pace," because they're reuniting for a good cause. Its stars including Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn and Bellamy Young will take part in a live virtual script reading on Nov. 17 to raise money for hurricane relief in western North Carolina.
Beginning Friday, fans can go online and donate to reserve a spot for the online reading. Proceeds will benefit United Way of North Carolina. Everyone who donates will be able to take part in a virtual pre-event with the cast and Shonda Rhimes will give an introduction.
Additional guest stars will also be announced. The online fundraising platform Prizeo is also holding a contest where one person who donates online via their site will be selected to read a role from the script with the actors. The winner should not worry about the "Scandal"-pace, assured Young over Zoom.
"Whomever the lucky reader is can read at whatever pace they want," she said.
Young, who played Mellie Young, the first lady and later Republican presidential nominee on "Scandal," was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina. She came up with the idea for the effort with a friend and took it to her fellow "Scandal" actors, who all jumped on board. Young said this is the first script reading the cast has all done together since the show ended after seven seasons in 2018.
Which episode they will be reading has not been announced yet.
Young said it's "been devastating" to see so many parts of her hometown badly damaged by Hurricane Helene, which ravaged western North Carolina one month ago.
To research the best use for donations, Young spoke with numerous political leaders, including North... Read More