TV writers are trying to figure how and when to tackle coronavirus crisis

The Hollywood Reporter

"We’re still very much in the middle of this,” says Black-ish's Kenya Barris, “and it’s really hard to write about the fight in the fifth round.” Some writers tell The Hollywood Reporter they worry about the lag time, and if their coronavirus-themed stories will still be relevant. Greg Berlanti says his shows that aren't set in the fantasy world are debating when to introduce a coronavirus storyline. Netflix's You, for instance, will have to address the subject. “You’re in a pact with your audience where you have to deal with real life sh*t,” he says. “And yes, there’s always an escapist element to entertainment, but at the same time the key to these kinds of shows is to find our own narrative way to deal with what the world is dealing with and for the audience to find some sense of connection in that.” Single Parents co-creator JJ Philbin initially expected coronavirus to blow over. Now Philbin, whose husband Michael Schur recently put on the quarantine-themed A Parks and Recreation Special, thinks “it would be jarring to depict a universe where people are in face masks and Playtex gloves standing 6 feet apart from each other, now it almost feels disingenuous not to."