Coronavirus in Television and Film

This morning, I saw a post on Twitter that showed a recent episode of  The Simpsons where the residents of Springfield were wearing face masks. It made me think about how strange it’s going to be seeing how TV and film adapts - or doesn’t adapt - to the pandemic. I’ve already made my thoughts on the upcoming Michael Bay film Songbird  pretty clear. But how else are filmmakers and show runners going to respond?

Coronavirus has completely changed how the world works and how we live our lives. It would seem impossible for fictional worlds to ignore it, particularly TV shows running on a regular basis. How many of us have cringed when we watched a scene where characters were in close contact, partying, or hugging strangers, even though we know it’s from a different time? Our habits and lives have been transformed to the point where social distancing is almost second nature to us.

However, there are scripted shows such as the decade-spanning soap opera Eastenders where COVID-19 hasn’t been included in the plot, even though the series airs most evenings and is supposed to be in real time. Although this hasn’t stopped two team members of the cast catching the virus - read about it here .

It will be interesting to see how the virus is integrated into the world of TV and film. Of course, as an animated sitcom it’s a little easier for The Simpsons to adapt. But will we be seeing characters in the highly anticipated season 2 of Euphoria wearing face masks? Will the Suicide Squad sequel in 2021 feature Harley Quinn and co. applying hand sanitizer mid-fight? Probably not. But in terms of more grounded, reality-based television, only time will tell. Let us know in the comments what you think.