The Forresters will be back scheming and sashaying on set on Wednesday when CBS' soap opera "The Bold and the Beautiful" becomes what is believed to be the first scripted U.S. broadcast series to return to production amid the pandemic.
The Emmy-winning series, which has filmed more than 8,000 episodes since its premiere in 1987, was recently renewed through 2022. Production has been shut down since March 17 because of coronavirus-related restrictions, and the last original episode aired in April.
Of course, it's unsure when viewers will be able to see the drama unfold, as no air date has been set for the series' return. But the hope is that it would be in early to mid-July, said Eva Basler, the vice president of communications at Bell-Phillip TV Productions, the studio that produces the series.
Safety protocols will include masks for all actors and crew members -- except the actors who are filming a scene -- as well as regular testing for cast and crew, and shorter work days with fewer actors on set and staggered call times. All of the measures are in accordance with the COVID-19 guidelines set by the city, county and state; the series also hired a COVID-19 coordinator to ensure compliance.
While "The Bold and the Beautiful" may be the first scripted network series to return to production, some reality shows have been continuing to tape remotely. "American Idol" and "The Voice" returned in May. "Idol" producers shipped video and lighting equipment to performers and asked them to record from their bedrooms, backyards or basements. "The Bachelorette" has not yet returned to production, but producers have been exploring renting a private resort for several weeks to do so.
Tyler Perry became the first Hollywood producer to announce a start date for a U.S. network show filming in North America last month when he said he planned to begin production of his Black Entertainment Television show "Sistas" on July 8 at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. He said he would fly out-of-town cast members to the set on his private plane and that cast and crew would live on campus at the studio, which is a 330-acre decommissioned U.S. Army compound.
Most U.S. TV studios have been targeting late August, September or October dates to resume production. The Emmy Awards are still set for Sept. 20, with Jimmy Kimmel hosting, but entry, nomination and voting deadlines have been moved back.