logo
How COVID Changed TV Production Forever

How COVID Changed TV Production Forever

Yahoo12-03-2025

Five years ago this week, the television industry rose to the challenge of keeping news, daytime and late-night talk shows and other topical series on the air during the harsh early months of the COVID pandemic.
We didn't know it then, but March 2020 marked a huge inflection point for the television business. Stay-at-home orders, masks and antigen tests — it seems distant and not so distant all at once. The story of how COVID helped supercharge the streaming business — and the streaming wars — has been well documented in recent years.
More from Variety
Kickstarter Courts Professional Filmmakers to Drive Funding and Fan Engagement
Paul Scanlan, Legion M CEO and Co-Founder, on the Success of 'My Dead Friend Zoe'
'Kugel' Marks Big Moment for Israeli Streamer Izzy
But another big TV story unfolded during the early months of lockdown that hasn't gotten as much attention. The first few weeks of the pandemic spurred more seat-of-the-pants innovation to broadcast operations and engineering than had been done since the days of Sid Caesar and Milton Berle in the early 1950s. In media and entertainment, the show-must-go-on ethos is real. The last thing TV pros wanted to do was serve America dead air. Times were hard enough. By the end of 2020, the death toll from COVID in the U.S. alone had reached a staggering 400,000.
Listen to the full podcast:
The social distancing conditions imposed forced producers and crew members and technicans to create virtual control rooms on the fly. They had to figure out how to re-create networks for communications and video collaboration tools in a matter of days. They ordered a whole lot of digital video equipment from Amazon to assemble home bureaus in a box for anchors. Talk shows quickly moved to stack up monitors to create virtual studio audiences.
I've wanted to tackle the story of the great scramble of the early COVID months for several years. I had the privilege of as Colbert returned to filming shows with live audiences at the Ed Sullivan Theater. In those interviews it became apparent how much derring-do and experimentation had been going on behind the scenes at a time when production staff was spread far and wide.
I knew there were great stories there, but I didn't know how good they were until I started interviewing the 10 sources that you'll hear in this episode. They shared stories that captured this fraught period with moments of humor, moments of meltdowns involving both tech and tykes, and some moments of heartbreak. And in the end, what changes really mattered? What innovations stuck around beyond the crisis? We examine the lasting legacy of pandemic-era workarounds.
My guests are:
Linsey Davis – anchor of ABC News Live 'Prime' and 'World News Tonight' Sunday
Vin Di Bona – executive producer of 'America's Funniest Home Videos'
Chris Dinan – executive producer of ABC News' 'World News Tonight'
Tony Dokoupil – anchor of 'CBS Mornings'
Bill Hemmer – co-anchor of Fox News' 'America's Newsroom'
Jason Kurtz – executive producer and showrunner of 'The Drew Barrymore Show'
Simone Swink – executive producer of 'Good Morning America'
Shawna Thomas – executive producer of 'CBS Mornings'
Jon Tower – senior broadcast producer of 'CBS Mornings'
Scott Wilder – executive VP of of production and operations for Fox News Media
Highlights from the episode:
Davis: 'I remember the night that it really became real for us, and the NBA canceled a game, and it was just a moment unlike anything I've ever … I've been reporting for about 25 years, and I just remember texting friends of mine about and they were like, 'Wait, no, that can't be happening…''
Wilder: 'It was like zone defense. We were just trying to get people [equipment] and we tried to look where people live. I have a news photographer who lives in New Jersey and an anchor who lives in New Jersey. Marry that team up together. I have a news photographer who lives on Long Island and anchor who lives on Long Island. So, that's a team. Westchester, Connecticut, and so on and so forth. And that's how we started.'
Dokoupil: 'I tried to convince myself I was like Gay Talese — who I'd interviewed before — and who used to put a suit on to walk from the top floor of his brownstone down to the basement to go to work as a writer. And that was kind of like what I did. I got up, I put a suit on, and I walked from the living room down one floor to the basement and and tried to be a professional. But it was a very unfinished basement with water bugs, let's call them — we won't say cockroaches — crawling up out of the drain on a nightly basis.'
Tower: 'Over the course of 15 hours, they had to set up an entire workable control room and show for the next day. And under normal conditions, you would maybe give a team like that a week, maybe two, to do that. And they had literally the night.'
Thomas: 'New York City was a ghost town. It felt like one of those movies where you wake up and you're wandering through the streets, and a place that's normally bustling is is absolutely lifeless. And it was actually exactly like that.'
Dinan: 'It was interesting how quickly people adapted. They just found ways to work around issues and work around problems and make something happen. I look back at that time as a very innovative time for an industry that had never operated like that. Nobody generationally had experienced anything like this. So it was completely new.'
Kurtz: 'There were conversations [about postponing the launch of 'The Drew Barrymore Show'], but they were shut down very quickly. We all just collectively — the executives at CBS, myself, Drew and all the wonderful people that work here — it was just this collective feeling of we're doing this and we're focused, and maybe the world needs this bright spot right now, and hopefully we can be that. And that was sort of just collectively how we all felt. It was never really said out loud. It was never this big rah-rah mission. It just was this undertone and feeling we all had together that was — we're doing this, and we'll see everyone in September.'
Swink: 'We filmed Katy Perry in her backyard singing her brand new song 'Daisies.' And I would argue it was in many ways very cool that we had been forced to innovate into that because we were seeing a very famous pop star bring us a new song in a different kind of environment. It wasn't the usual slick stage production. So in some cases the innovations forced some great television.'
Di Bona: 'The poignant piece of it is that we kept people working and it was a very, very difficult time. But we had work and, hopefully, we kept America laughing. And you know, that's our job.'
(Pictured: Top row — Vin Di Bona, Tony Dokoupil, Simone Swink, Shawna Thomas and Scott Wilder. Bottom row — Jon Tower, Jason Kurtz, Bill Hemmer, Chris Dinan and Linsey Davis)
'Strictly Business' is Variety's weekly podcast featuring conversations with industry leaders about the business of media and entertainment. (Please click here to subscribe to our free newsletter.) New episodes debut every Wednesday and can be downloaded at Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, Google Play, SoundCloud and more.
Best of Variety
New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week
Oscars 2026: First Blind Predictions Including Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, 'Wicked: For Good' and More
What's Coming to Disney+ in March 2025

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

AMC theaters to play longer ads in lieu of more-expensive tickets
AMC theaters to play longer ads in lieu of more-expensive tickets

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

AMC theaters to play longer ads in lieu of more-expensive tickets

The advertisements before movies are expected to get longer at AMC Cinemas. But it's to combat one thing. The cinema chain is joining major competitors in running even more commercials starting in July under a new partnership with cinema advertising company National CineMedia, USA Today reported. Under the deal, AMC will play commercials in the 'platinum spot,' the part right before the movie begins. The goal is to add revenue without increasing customer ticket prices as theaters continues to struggle financially and recover from COVID-19 losses. 'For the past five years, AMC has sought out crucial revenue that is not reliant on the increase of base ticket prices,' the company said in a statement to the New York Times. While AMC expressed it was reluctant to bring this to theaters, the company also said its competitors have fully participated for more than five years, without any direct impact to their attendance. It is unclear how long the advertisements will run and what kind of ads viewers can expect to see. Find your closest AMC theater here. A Juneteenth tribute to Afro-Caribbean traditions in art, dance in Holyoke; plus an events listing WMass adds its voice to 'No Kings' Day protest at federal building on Saturday Springfield mayor to announce $420K for kids' summer programs Disney to make final payment of $439 million for full control of Hulu Costco to offer new perk for customers — but there's a catch Read the original article on MassLive. Sign in to access your portfolio

Yes, Prime Video Has Added More Ads Lately — Like, a Lot More
Yes, Prime Video Has Added More Ads Lately — Like, a Lot More

Yahoo

time2 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Yes, Prime Video Has Added More Ads Lately — Like, a Lot More

You're not imagining things: It does take longer to watch a TV show on Prime Video these days. The ad load on Amazon's streaming service has essentially doubled in recent months, from two and a half to three minutes of commercials per hour to four to six minutes per hour, according to a report from AdWeek. More from TVLine Casting News: black-ish Star Joins Boston Blue, Carrie TV Series Adds 14 and More Steven Universe Sequel Series in Development at Prime Video Maxton Hall Gets Very Early Season 3 Renewal at Amazon - Watch Stars Share the News 'Prime Video ad load has gradually increased to four to six minutes per hour,' an Amazon representative admitted in an email to an ad buyer earlier this month. Amazon defended the move in a statement: 'While demand continues to grow, our commitment is to improving ad experiences rather than simply increasing the number of ads shown.' Prime Video was ad-free when it debuted in 2006 as an add-on to Amazon's Prime subscription service that offers free delivery of Amazon products for an annual fee. In January 2024, though, Prime Video introduced ads on all of its films and TV shows, asking subscribers to pay an additional $2.99 per month fee for an ad-free experience. (Other streamers like Netflix, Hulu and Disney+ all offer cheaper subscription tiers with ads as well.) 'This change will allow us to continue investing in compelling content and keep increasing that investment over a long period of time,' the streamer said in a message to subscribers at the time, adding: 'We aim to have meaningfully fewer ads than linear TV and other streaming TV providers.' Have you noticed the uptick in ads on Prime Video shows lately? Is it making you more likely to pay for no ads, or more likely to drop Prime Video altogether? Let us know in the comments! Best of TVLine 'Missing' Shows, Found! Get the Latest on Ahsoka, Monarch, P-Valley, Sugar, Anansi Boys and 25+ Others Yellowjackets Mysteries: An Up-to-Date List of the Series' Biggest Questions (and Answers?) The Emmys' Most Memorable Moments: Laughter, Tears, Historical Wins, 'The Big One' and More

18 Fun And Fashionable Gift Ideas For The Cool Dad
18 Fun And Fashionable Gift Ideas For The Cool Dad

Forbes

time2 hours ago

  • Forbes

18 Fun And Fashionable Gift Ideas For The Cool Dad

With Father's Day this weekend, I thought it would be a great time to round up some of my favorite gift ideas and go-to fashion, wellness, and lifestyle favorites that are great to give the dads in your life. Amazon Echo Show 15 | $299 Amazon's Echo Show devices are a game changer in any household, but this bigger screen is an amazing upgrade. This is the ultimate multimedia and organization device. Dad can watch his favorite shows, plan his week on the calendar, get his favorite news updates, and more, all with the help of Alexa voice commands. And the highly anticipated Alexa+ is coming soon! Hexclad 10-Piece Sous-Chef Cutlery Bundle | $699 For a gift with major wow factor, give Dad this incredible set of knives. These stunning knives are designed to stand the test of time, with quality trusted by top professional chefs. They have an intricate wood grain design on the blade and a luxurious weight to the handle. This set comes complete with a cutting board, sharpener, and magnetic stand! Vuori Ponto Performance Half Zip Hoodie ($118) and Pant ($98) Vuori's DreamKnitTM fabric really is a dream! This incredibly soft material always feels (and looks) amazing on the body, and can be worn all day or even to sleep. I recommend pairing the Ponto Performance Half Zip Hoodie with the Ponto Performance Pant for a flattering athleisure look. This is the ultimate loungewear for Dad, and he'll thank you every time he wears it! Xbox Game Pass Ultimate | $19.99/month For the Xbox-loving dad, there's no better gift than a Game Pass Ultimate Annual Subscription. This pass gives access to all his favorite games, as well as other perks like online console membership, cloud gaming, and an EA Play membership. New, high-quality games are added every month, too, including day one releases, so this gift keeps on giving all year! Xbox is upping its game this year, pun intended, with major new title releases and even a new handheld console, so it's the perfect time to give this gift. Shokz OpenDots ONE | $199 For the dad who loves to exercise, the new Shokz OpenDots earbuds are a fantastic gift. These new open-ear clip-on earbuds feature JointArc technology and soft, contoured silicone that keeps your ears comfortable while staying securely in place. I actually forget I'm wearing them, since I can barely feel them when I have them on! The sound on these is rich too, utilizing premium Dolby Audio. Pre-Owned Rolex Day-Date 228239 | $65,995 For the showstopping Father's Day gift, give Dad a luxe watch from REKLAIM, a newly-launched direct-to-consumer luxury marketplace for watches and handbags. It's the best place to source stunning and rare Rolex watches, including the rare Rolex Day-Date 40 that Tom Cruise himself sported on his recent Mission: Impossible press tour. REKLAIM's curated collections, like the Timeless Collection, sift through to find the best of the best in luxury watches to select from and find the one that's perfect for every stylish dad. Our Place Titanium Pro Cookware + Bakeware Set | $584 For the dad who loves to cook and bake, Our Place's stunning new titanium pans are the perfect way to show your appreciation this Father's Day. These are the first non-toxic nonstick pans without any coating, and are dishwasher and metal utensil safe. They have a lifetime warranty and can withstand temperatures up to 1000°F (750°F for the Gold color)! If those specs aren't enough, he'll love them when he tests them out! Plus, a bonus set of nonstick bakeware is included in this set for his favorite breads and tray bakes (or to keep to yourself if he doesn't bake!). Brümate Müv 35oz + Trio Bundle | $65 If it's time to replace Dad's travel coffee mug, Brümate makes the best leakproof mugs and cups! The Müv mug is the gift he didn't know he needed, and will love every day. It has leakproof technology, a grip on the bottom, and keeps drinks hot for 6+ hours (or cold for 24+ hours). This bundle includes a Hopsulator Trio as well, which fits 12oz or 16oz cans to keep his favorite canned beverages cold for hours! (Bonus: it converts into a tumbler with the included leakproof lid.) HigherDOSE Sauna Blanket Starter Kit | $825 This is sure to wow any health nut dad. Treat Dad to an at-home sauna experience with this bundle from HigherDOSE. This infrared sauna blanket has amazing health benefits, like increasing blood flow, restoring energy, boosting mood, burning calories and improving sleep! If that sounds amazing to you, bring the spa right to your home, and let him relax into this luxurious experience. Mario Kart™ World | $79 For the Nintendo-obsessed dad who patiently waited for the new Nintendo Switch 2 console, gift him a new game he'll love. The new Mario Kart™ World game is packed with upgrades beyond amazing graphics, like a seamless open world and up to 24 players in one race! Add on the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera so he can see and chat with friends while playing for a fun, wholesome gaming experience. Brightland Golden State Capsule ($270) and Pizza Night Set ($89) For the olive oil lover or at-home chef dad, the Golden State Capsule set is the perfect gift! The quality of these olive oils noticeably improves the flavor of any dish. They also taste amazing on their own, and Brightland recommends delicious food pairings for each bottle. Give Dad his very own California olive oil tasting at home with this gorgeous gift! I'm also obsessed with The Pizza Night Set, which includes the best jalapeño & herb olive oil and blackberry balsamic vinegar for your at-home pizza night! Shark® Cordless PowerDetect™ Clean & Empty System | $449 The Shark vacuum is perfect for the dad who loves to clean (and they do exist)! This is the best vacuum I've used. This powerful device auto detects different floor types and adjusts to the surface and cleaning direction that it's vacuuming. You can really feel the power boost and see the difference this makes in increased cleaning. And it auto empties after every clean, right from the charging base! MUNICIPAL Origin Shoes | $180 Cool dads wear cool sneakers, and MUNICIPAL makes some of the coolest sneakers around. Their Origin Shoes are designed for comfort and style, and feature a proprietary layered system that maximizes performance and comfort. The neon green accent on the soles and extra laces adds an extra punch to a classic sneaker. Compartes Macallan Scotch Whiskey Truffles | $69 Treat Dad to a box of gourmet chocolates for Father's Day, because dads love chocolate too! Compartes makes amazing quality chocolate with a fun flair that's sure to wow any dad. This truffle pairs his favorite 18-year Macallan single-malt scotch and blends it with dark chocolate ganache for the ultimate luxury experience! You can truly taste the difference when you choose Compartes for your gourmet chocolate needs. Kroma Wellness High Protein Bundle | $165 Kroma's High Protein Bundle is the perfect treat for Dad this Father's Day, featuring high-quality ingredients he'll love. Once you introduce him to these delicious products, he'll never go back to his old ones. The Super Porridge is one of my favorite breakfasts of all time, and the 24K Chicken Bone Broth is so rich in flavor, I can't believe it's packed with so much protein! Cuts Skyline Knit Overshirt ($98) and SoHo Trouser ($124) Cuts Clothing is one of those brands I can guarantee Dad covets. Their clothing is so innovative, from shirts with different hems for every style, to wrinkle-free trousers, to rich new colors, to designs that flatter different body types. You can't go wrong with anything from their site, but some of my favorites for him are the flattering SoHo Trouser, the cool Skyline Knit Overshirt, and the comfy AO Polo. Fishwife The Starter Pack With Gift Tin | $88 For the dad who loves fish, Fishwife makes the best gift sets. Fishwife packaging is the best of the best, and their gift set tins don't miss a single detail. This brand isn't just about gorgeous packaging; the quality of the fish is amazing as well! I love grabbing a tin of the Sardines with Preserved Lemon and pairing it with some crackers and a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc for the perfect date night snack. Big Ass Luxuries The Baby Big Ass Bundle | $257 For the homebody dad who loves a good candle, gift him a Big Ass Candle! Recently featured on Shark Tank and landing a deal with Lori, there's a reason this company has taken over the home fragrance market! The Jazz Lounge scent will remind Dad of a luxury cigar lounge or jazz club. With notes of amber, vanilla, musk, and spiced clove, it balances out the tobacco leaf and patchouli notes beautifully for an iconic scent.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store