The Unprecedented Impact of COVID-19 on Hollywood: Delayed Releases, Halted Productions, and Industry Transformation

The year 2020 brought with it an unforeseen global crisis: the COVID-19 pandemic. As the novel coronavirus spread rapidly across continents, its devastating effects rippled through every sector of society, from daily routines and educational institutions to global travel and major sporting events. With over 100,000 reported infections and a death toll exceeding 4,000 in its early stages, the world grappled with an unprecedented challenge. Hollywood, a global hub of entertainment and a colossal industry reliant on large gatherings, international travel, and intimate production environments, quickly found itself at the forefront of this disruption.

The initial shock waves were felt not only through widespread project delays and production shutdowns but also through personal health crises affecting some of the industry’s most beloved figures. The news that Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, had tested positive for the Coronavirus in Australia on March 11, served as a stark wake-up call. Hanks himself shared the devastating news with his followers on Twitter, turning a distant global health crisis into an immediate and personal reality for many within the entertainment community. This diagnosis immediately impacted his latest project, an untitled Elvis Presley biopic, which saw its production halted as Hanks entered quarantine. Their situation underscored the vulnerability of even the biggest stars and the intricate web of travel and human interaction that underpins film production.

A Global Pandemic’s Grips on Film and Television Production

As health concerns escalated, the pressure mounted on studios and production companies to prioritize safety. This led to a cascade of difficult decisions regarding release dates and ongoing productions for both the big screen and television. On March 12, actor and director John Krasinski announced via his Twitter account that his highly anticipated horror sequel, A Quiet Place Part II, would be delayed. This was just one of many such announcements that highlighted the industry’s scramble to adapt. Major films and popular TV shows, including the beloved teen drama Riverdale, the action-packed blockbuster Fast & Furious 9, and Apple’s critically acclaimed series The Morning Show, all faced the unfortunate necessity of making significant adjustments to their schedules. The collective impact represented an unprecedented standstill in an industry that rarely pauses. Below, we detail some of the most prominent projects affected during this initial period of uncertainty, showcasing the immense scale of the pandemic’s reach within entertainment.

Major Films and TV Shows Face Unprecedented Delays and Halts

• Friends Reunion Special — One of the most eagerly awaited reunions in television history, bringing together the six original cast members of the iconic sitcom, was put on indefinite hold. Our sister site Variety reported on March 18 that filming, originally scheduled for the following week, was pushed to May at the earliest. This special was meant to coincide with the launch of HBO Max in May, where all 10 seasons of Friends were slated to debut, making the delay a significant blow to the streaming service’s launch strategy.

• Riverdale (TV) — Production for the fourth season of The CW’s hit show Riverdale, actively shooting in Vancouver, Canada, came to an abrupt halt. This decision by Warner Bros. was made after a crew member reportedly came into contact with an individual who had tested positive for the virus, underscoring the immediate risk of contagion in a busy production environment and the swift measures taken to protect the cast and crew.

  

• The Morning Show (TV) — Apple’s star-studded, award-nominated series voluntarily entered a two-week hiatus. While no cast or crew members exhibited symptoms, the hiatus was a proactive measure driven by an abundance of caution regarding the rapidly spreading Coronavirus. This decision highlighted a growing trend of production companies prioritizing health and safety even in the absence of direct exposure, setting an early example for high-profile productions.

• Survivor (TV) — The highly anticipated filming for season 41 of the long-running reality competition series Survivor, initially planned for late March in Fiji, was postponed indefinitely. CBS made this strategic decision due to severe international travel constraints and the unpredictable nature of the virus’s global spread, which made coordinating an overseas production impossible and unsafe.

• The Amazing Race (TV) — Season 33 of another popular CBS reality competition, The Amazing Race, also saw its production halted. Although no direct impact on the show’s participants or crew was reported, CBS took this precautionary step to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved, reflecting the network’s commitment to responsible production during a global health crisis that heavily affected international travel.

• Fast & Furious 9 (Film) — The ninth installment in the immensely popular Fast & Furious franchise experienced one of the most significant early delays, being pushed back an entire year to a 2021 release date. The decision was multifaceted, driven not only by concerns about box office performance in a global shutdown but also by the significant health risks posed to audiences attending crowded theaters and to the cast and crew during international premieres and promotional tours, which are crucial for a global blockbuster of this scale.

  

• Top Gun: Maverick (Film) — Paramount Studios confirmed that the highly anticipated sequel, starring Tom Cruise, which was already delayed from its original July 2019 release to June 26, 2020, faced further complications due to the pandemic. The film, marking Cruise’s return to the iconic role of Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, a character that launched him to stardom in 1986, was among the high-profile blockbusters whose theatrical viability was severely impacted by global cinema closures and uncertainty, leading to subsequent delays.

• A Quiet Place Part II (Film) — Star, writer, and director John Krasinski personally addressed fans on Twitter, explaining the decision to delay the film. He stated, “due to the ever-changing circumstances of what’s going on in the world around us, now is clearly not the right time…I’m gonna wait to release the film til we CAN all see it together.” This empathetic approach resonated with audiences, emphasizing the collective experience of cinema that the pandemic temporarily curtailed. A specific new release date was not immediately announced, reflecting the widespread uncertainty.

• No Time To Die (Film) — Daniel Craig‘s much-anticipated final portrayal of James Bond, originally set for a March 4 release, was one of the earliest major films to shift its schedule due to COVID-19 concerns, pushing its debut to November 2020. This decision set a precedent for many other blockbuster films to follow suit, acknowledging the global nature of the Bond franchise’s box office success and the necessity of worldwide cinema operations.

• Peter Rabbit 2 (Film) — The sequel to the charming James Corden-led family film, initially slated for a late March/early April release, was postponed to August worldwide. Family-friendly films often rely heavily on school holiday periods and international box office, both of which were significantly disrupted globally by lockdowns and public health measures.

• Mulan (Film) — Disney’s live-action reboot of one of its most cherished animated classics, Mulan, faced an immediate postponement from its planned March 27 theatrical release. This decision reflected Disney’s careful consideration of global box office potential and audience safety, especially in key international markets that were heavily impacted by the virus and forced cinema closures.

• Grey’s Anatomy (TV) — On March 12, the executive producers of the long-running medical drama issued an email to its cast and crew announcing an immediate production halt. “Out of an abundance of caution, production is postponed on Grey’s Anatomy effective immediately,” the memo stated, planning for at least a two-week hiatus. This decision was explicitly made to prioritize the health and safety of the entire team and their families, aligning with Mayor Garcetti’s recommendation against gatherings of more than 50 people. The email also emphasized self-care and hygiene, becoming a template for many other productions grappling with similar decisions.

• CBS TV Studios Shows (including Young Sheldon, the NCIS franchise, Bull, Dynasty, and The Good Fight) (TV) — A joint statement released on March 13 by CBS, Paramount Television Studios, and Showtime outlined a strategic approach. While some productions were temporarily postponed, decisions were made on a “case-by-case basis,” informed by expert health advice and government officials’ guidance. The statement clarified that some shows might continue if they did not involve live audiences or high-risk environments, underscoring the paramount importance of production team safety.

• NBCUniversal Shows (including America’s Got Talent, FBI, Law & Order: SVU, the One Chicago franchise, New Amsterdam, and The Kelly Clarkson Show) (TV) — NBCUniversal followed suit with a statement on March 13, emphasizing the safety and health of its cast, crew, and employees. The network announced a two-week production pause as a precautionary measure, with plans to reassess start dates. In some instances, they even accelerated plans to conclude physical production, highlighting varied strategies to manage the crisis while minimizing long-term disruption.

• Disney Movies (including The Little Mermaid, Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings, Home Alone, The Last Duel, Nightmare Alley, Peter Pan & Wendy, and Shrunk) (Film) — On March 13, Disney issued a comprehensive statement confirming a temporary pause on several of its live-action films. Despite “no confirmed cases of COVID-19” on their productions, the decision was made out of consideration for the “best interests of our cast and crew.” This widespread halt demonstrated Disney’s global footprint and its commitment to safety across its diverse film slate, impacting numerous high-profile projects simultaneously.

• Netflix Productions (including Stranger Things, Lucifer, and Grace and Frankie) (TV and Film) — As a major global streaming giant with productions spanning numerous countries, Netflix also announced a halt to production on all projects for the time being. Skydance Television, producers of Grace and Frankie, specifically confirmed they ceased shooting the show’s final season to “ensure the safety of our cast and crew,” reflecting the streamer’s responsible approach to its vast content pipeline and global workforce.

• The Bachelorette (TV) — Warner Bros., the studio behind the popular Bachelor franchise, confirmed that production for the 2020 season of The Bachelorette was delayed. While no further details were provided, the reality show format, often involving international travel, large group settings, and intimate interactions, posed unique challenges during a pandemic, making safety protocols particularly complex.

• Mission Impossible: 7 (Film) — The seventh installment of the high-octane Tom Cruise franchise was scheduled for a crucial three-week shoot in Venice, Italy. However, with Italy becoming one of the earliest and hardest-hit nations, leading to a nationwide quarantine after over 10,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases, Paramount Pictures had no choice but to delay production, underscoring the profound impact of local outbreaks on global productions and meticulous planning.

• Family Feud (TV) — Fremantle, the company producing the long-running gameshow, issued a statement detailing proactive measures: “Due to the ongoing global situation around COVID-19, we have been working closely with our production teams and network partners to take measures to help minimize the risk of exposure to our cast, crew and live audiences.” This decision highlighted the particular challenge faced by shows reliant on live audiences and close contestant interaction.

• Carnival Row (TV) — Production for season 2 of Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne‘s Amazon Prime Video series, which was filming in Budapest, Hungary, was halted. Orlando Bloom himself shared on Instagram that he was being sent home to the United States as a direct consequence of coronavirus precautions, providing a celebrity’s firsthand account of the swift, international disruption.

• The Kelly Clarkson Show (TV) — Popular talk show host Kelly Clarkson personally took to social media to confirm the temporary pause on her show. “As you may know, production on The Kelly Clarkson Show was temporarily shut down late last night and out of concern and care for everyone’s safety,” she shared, reinforcing the industry-wide commitment to health and the immediate cessation of non-essential activities.

• Late Night Talk Shows (TV) — The highly topical and audience-dependent late-night landscape was significantly impacted, reflecting its unique challenges:

  • The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (CBS) went on hiatus, postponing its original episodes and planning to return in late March.
  • The Wendy Williams Show (Syndicated), after initially filming without an audience, was suspended “indefinitely” and resorted to airing repeats.
  • The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (NBC) and Late Night with Seth Meyers (NBC) both suspended production through at least the week of March 23, having also initially considered audience-free tapings before realizing broader precautions were needed.
  • The Daily Show With Trevor Noah (Comedy Central) temporarily suspended production starting March 16 as a precautionary measure, with plans to return later in the month.
  • Lights Out With David Spade (Comedy Central) also saw its production suspended with a similar return target.
  • Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC) suspended production from March 16, stating it was in the “best interest of the staff and crew” to ensure their safety.
  • Last Week Tonight With John Oliver (HBO) aired a shortened episode on March 15 before going on a “temporary hiatus, due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic,” showcasing adaptability.
  • Real Time With Bill Maher (HBO) aired a standard-length episode on March 13 before commencing a hiatus on March 16.

  These decisions highlighted the swift adaptation required for live, audience-driven programming and the rapid shift towards protecting staff and public health, often evolving from audience-free tapings to full production halts.

• General Hospital (TV) — The long-running ABC soap opera announced a production suspension from March 16 through Friday, April 10. Uniquely, they “don’t anticipate an interruption in the broadcast of original episodes,” indicating pre-filmed content or strategic scheduling to maintain continuity for its dedicated fanbase, a testament to the efficient planning of daily shows.

• Academy of Country Music Awards (TV) — The live broadcast of the annual awards ceremony, originally scheduled for Sunday, April 5, was postponed. Large-scale live events, especially those involving significant travel for nominees and performers and large public gatherings, were among the first to be deemed unfeasible and unsafe, highlighting the broad impact on the music industry’s award season.

• Saturday Night Live (TV) — The iconic NBC sketch comedy show, renowned for its live studio audience and topical humor, postponed its next three shows. Our sister site, Variety, reported this decision, affecting episodes featuring scheduled hosts like John Krasinski and musical guest Dua Lipa, further demonstrating the challenge of producing live, audience-dependent content in a pandemic environment where public gatherings were restricted.

• Black Widow (Film) — Scarlett Johansson’s highly anticipated standalone Marvel Cinematic Universe film, initially set for a May 1 release, was postponed without an immediate new release date. This delay impacted not only the film itself but also the interconnected release schedule of the entire Marvel franchise, a finely tuned cinematic universe where each film’s timing is crucial to the overarching storyline and box office strategy.

• 2020 Daytime Emmy Awards — The 47th edition of the annual awards show, although not televised, was officially canceled. Terry O’Reilly, chairman of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, cited “too many unknowns” and the impracticality of staging an event with over a thousand participants. He emphasized the irresponsibility of making “significant financial commitments” under such uncertain circumstances, revealing the profound financial strains imposed by the pandemic on award ceremonies and their organizers.

• The Walking Dead (TV) — On March 24, AMC revealed that the Season 10 finale of its hugely popular zombie drama would be postponed. This decision left fans with an unexpected cliffhanger and highlighted how even shows with a strong narrative arc and dedicated fanbase had to adjust to the new reality of halted post-production, impacting audience anticipation.

• Full Frontal with Samantha Bee (TV) and The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (TV) — These shows innovated rapidly in response to the crisis. From March 25, Samantha Bee and her team began producing Full Frontal remotely from their homes, having been on hiatus since March 12. Similarly, Trevor Noah launched The Daily Social Distancing Show online during The Daily Show’s hiatus, which eventually aired in its regular Comedy Central timeslot. These examples showcased early industry resilience and adaptability through remote production, paving the way for a new era of content creation.

• Other Noteworthy Delays: Numerous other shows also postponed shooting for at least three weeks, including American Housewife, Big Shot, Empire, Pose, The Resident, Queen of the South, The Orville, and Last Man Standing. The breadth of these delays underscored the universal impact across networks and genres, demonstrating that almost no production was immune to the pandemic’s reach.

The Enduring Transformation of the Entertainment Landscape

The initial wave of COVID-19 in 2020 forced Hollywood into an unprecedented shutdown, revealing its inherent vulnerabilities to global health crises. From A-list stars testing positive to the intricate logistics of international filming, every facet of the industry faced immediate and profound disruption. The decisions made during this period — prioritizing health, postponing releases, and halting productions — were not merely temporary inconveniences but signals of a deeper transformation that would reshape the entertainment landscape.

As the world adapted, so too did Hollywood. Remote production became a viable, if challenging, alternative for many talk shows and news programs, demonstrating creative solutions to ongoing content demands. The concept of theatrical exclusivity was significantly challenged, leading to accelerated video-on-demand (VOD) releases and hybrid distribution models that continue to evolve. The painstaking process of developing and implementing robust health and safety protocols became a new, essential component of every production budget and schedule, fundamentally altering how films and television shows are made, from pre-production through post-production.

The events of 2020 served as a powerful catalyst, accelerating changes that might have otherwise taken years to materialize. They highlighted the industry’s resilience and its remarkable capacity for innovation under duress, forcing a re-evaluation of traditional practices. While the immediate focus was on navigating the crisis and ensuring the safety of all involved, the long-term implications for release strategies, production practices, labor relations, and even the very nature of storytelling in a post-pandemic world are still unfolding. The entertainment industry, a powerful reflection of global culture and human connection, was profoundly reshaped by this period, forever changing how content reaches its eager and ever-evolving audiences.