Here are the good, the bad and the just plain sad of network TV incorporating coronavirus this fall

USA Today

"A few series are able to find empathy, humor and catharsis in the COVID-19 era. But for others, bringing a deadly pandemic into the mix is ill-advised, terrible behavior modeling and a huge downer," says Kelly Lawler. "No TV show that decided to include the pandemic is really excelling right now. Instead, most are treading water or sinking into an abyss. On ABC's Grey's Anatomy, NBC's Superstore and This Is Us, COVID-19 is incorporated with only some exploitation and occasional awkwardness. But others, including NBC's trio of Chicago series, All Rise on CBS and even usual ripped from the headlines stalwart Law & Order: SVU, adding coronavirus stories spells disaster. One of the biggest issues TV characters face is one of the biggest issues confronting the public: How to follow safety guidelines. Sure, behind the scenes studios are spending millions following strict protocols on set. But once the cameras start rolling, mask-wearing, testing and physical distance are hit or miss."