From early cancelations to fake crowds to CGI spit: How the pandemic affected TV over the past year

USA Today

"For the movie business, the pandemic changed everything rapidly. Theaters were shuttered, and major releases were delayed or eventually released via streaming – Warner Bros. is releasing its entire 2021 slate on HBO Max, at the same time as a limited theatrical release," reports USA Today. "On TV, the changes came more slowly, but they were no less monumental. Shows were delayed or canceled and streaming services blossomed. But months after TV production shut down, the pipeline of content slowed and streamers and cable networks with long lead times are finally feeling the pinch." The changes included early cancelations of beloved series that had already been renewed, fake crowds as a substitute for live audiences and fewer kissing. As USA Today also points out, The CW's Walker had to use computer-generated spit to avoid passing on coronavirus.