As the world continues to adapt to life amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, live TV shows and reality competition shows such as America’s Got Talent, the Late Late Show, and the Emmys are figuring out how to film new seasons with minimal risk. 

America’s Got Talent, a popular competition series, was successfully able to air their 15th season this past summer, with spoken-word poet Brandon Leake recently being named the winner. The show was forced to adapt on the fly, ultimately filming much of the season outside with judges watching from a screen. For the final rounds, instead of performing in front of an audience of thousands, the live spectators joined a Zoom call on a massive screen behind the judges. Contestants who could not make the trip to Los Angeles had to perform virtually. Although this season was able to be completed, it was not without a fair share of COVID-19 scares. Judge Heidi Klum experienced COVID-19 symptoms and was forced to sit out for some of the season precautionarily. Her tests later came back negative. Modern Family’s Eric Stonestreet replaced her for the episodes she missed.

James Corden’s the Late Late Show was one of the many late night talk shows that was finally able to return to the studio after months of streaming from inside Corden’s home. The show’s producers were able to redesign the studio to allow for social distancing; James now sits where the audience used to be. Additionally, the show tests its heavily reduced crew and has a mask policy. Since returning, Corden has been able to host select guests in person, including singer-songwriter Alicia Keys. 

The Emmys, television’s most prestigious award show, was recently held mostly virtually, with only host Jimmy Kimmel and a few presenters actually at the Staple Center live. Kimmel delivered his opening monologue in front of an arena, with nominees using video kits sent to their homes to record themselves so they could be virtually in attendance. Emmy producers in hazmat tuxedos were sent to the homes of nominees to deliver trophies when winners were announced. The show went off without a hitch, and Schitt’s Creek and Succession won across the board.

As we continue to take measures to contain the virus and learn more about how to prevent its spread, life will hopefully continue on a path toward normalcy; one that, as many are anticipating, may see the return of America’s favorite TV shows.