Wednesday (March 11) Walt Disney Television announced that Live With Kelly & Ryan, The Tamron Hall Show and The View will tape without studio audiences due to concerns over the coronavirus epidemic.
“Given the current developing situation in New York City, we have made the decision to suspend live audiences from attending our news broadcasts and talk shows,” a WDT spokesperson told TVLine.
Ryan Seacrest and Kelly Ripa addressed the decision at the start of Wednesday’s show. The audience wasn’t totally empty–producers and employees filled a couple of front rows.
“As you can see, things are a little different here today, given the developing situation in New York with the Coronavirus,” Ryan said. “The decision was made to suspend audiences from our show.”
Added Kelly, “While we don’t have our regular studio audience, except for some of our producers… that shouldn’t stop everyone from watching at home. Because, let’s face it: You can’t go anywhere else!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X99zdJsR4o
The Disney shows joins The Wendy Williams Show, Dr. Phil, Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. It’s only a matter of time before more shows follow. America’s Got Talent continues to film shows with live audiences, although judge Heidi Klum fell ill yesterday and is also staying home today.
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