As the skies turn orange and the air thickens with smoke, the entertainment industry is feeling the heat of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. The flames, which have been raging for days, have forced the suspension of production on two popular TV shows, ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ and ‘After Midnight’. The sudden halt in production is a stark reminder of the unpredictable power of nature and the need for safety above all else.
In a typical week, the bustling streets of Hollywood would be filled with the sounds of cameras rolling, laughter echoing, and the hum of the city’s vibrant energy. But as the wildfires continue to spread, the usually serene streets of LA have been transformed into a scene of chaos and uncertainty. The usually stoic Hollywood sign, a symbol of the city’s iconic status, now stands as a haunting reminder of the destruction and devastation that has been wrought.
As the situation continues to unfold, we’ll be keeping a close eye on the latest developments and bringing you updates on the impact of
Production Halts: A Growing Trend
As the LA fires continue to rage across the Pacific Palisades and in Pasadena, the television world is suspending production on a slew of shows as a result of safety concerns. CBS game show The Price Is Right, late-night series After Midnight and Jimmy Kimmel Live! are among the unscripted shows that we hear are pausing production.
After Midnight, which is hosted by Taylor Tomlinson, films on Stage 29 of the Paramount Pictures lot at 898 N Gower St. The show will air a repeat on CBS tonight and tomorrow (it airs at 12:35am). The Price Is Right generally shoots at least three episodes per day at Haven Studios in Glendale, California, which is right in the midst of the evacuation zone related to the Eaton Fire, which has burned over 2,000 acres and led to a number of fatalities.
Watch on Morningpicker Jimmy Kimmel Live!, meanwhile, shoots at the El Capitan on Hollywood Blvd in the middle of the city. The ABC show will air a repeat this evening; Wicked’s Cynthia Erivo and The English Teacher’s Brian Jordan Alvarez were set to be guests tonight. Timothée Chalamet and Fernanda Torres, who won a Golden Globe for I’m Still Here, are due to be guests tomorrow but we’ll update you if that changes.
One of the main issues for all three shows is that they have guest audiences and they don’t want to put even more people in danger.
Scripted Shows Join the List
Universal Studio Group’s Hacks, Happy’s Place, Loot, Suits LA and Ted will not film today due to NBCUniversal closing the lower lot at Universal Studios for the day. The company also is closing the Universal Studios theme park Wednesday with fires nearby.
- Hacks
- Happy’s Place
- Loot
- Suits LA
- Ted
We will update with information on more production suspensions if/when it becomes available.
Awards and Premieres Cancelled
The Critics Choice Awards have been pushed back two weeks, the latest Hollywood event impacted by the Los Angeles County wildfires, which have already put a halt to many film sets, awards season events and film premieres as they continue to blaze out of control.
The Critics Choice Awards, originally scheduled for Sunday, have been postponed to January 26, spokesperson Julia Rossen told Morningpicker Wednesday afternoon.
The awards ceremony, the next major stop on the film awards circuit, will broadcast live on E! from its original location of the Santa Monica Airport’s Barker Hangar in Los Angeles County, and it will be available on Peacock to stream the following day.
The Critics Choice Awards are the latest postponement in a series of Hollywood events called off amid the Los Angeles County wildfires, which have prompted the evacuation of tens of thousands and killed two people.
- The Critics Choice Awards
- Unstoppable
- Better Man
- The Last Showgirl
What Other TV Shows Have Paused—like Jimmy Kimmel, ‘The Price Is Right’? Several shows paused daily tapings, including “The Price Is Right,” Taylor Tomlinson’s “After Midnight” and Jimmy Kimmel’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
Deadline and Variety reported. “The Price Is Right” shoots at Haven Studios in Glendale, California, which is within the Eaton Fire evacuation zone. Both “After Midnight” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will air repeat episodes Wednesday night.
Cynthia Erivo and Brian Jordan Alvarez were set to be guests on Kimmel’s show, and tomorrow night’s episode scheduled to feature Timothée Chalamet and Fernanda Torres has not yet been canceled.
Why Are Scripted Shows Like ‘NCIS’ Paused Due To Wildfires?
A few scripted shows, including “Hacks,” “NCIS,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Suits LA” and “Ted” have also paused production, according to Deadline and Variety.
FilmLA, which provides filming permits in Los Angeles, said in a statement the “LA County Fire Department has specifically instructed that all permits issued for filming in the communities of Altadena, La Crescenta, La Canada/Flintridge and unincorporated Pasadena are withdrawn. Other permit revocations are possible,” and that some resources may not be available to film sets during the state of emergency.
Which Film Premieres Were Canceled Due To Fires? Some Los Angeles film premieres that were set to attract big stars were canceled, including a premiere of the biographical wrestling drama “Unstoppable,” which would’ve been attended by stars Jennifer Lopez and Jharrel Jerome, multiple outlets reported.
A Wednesday night screening of the Robbie Williams biopic “Better Man” was canceled, Paramount confirmed to multiple outlets. “The Last Showgirl,” starring Pamela Anderson in an award-winning performance, also had a Thursday screening canceled ahead of the film’s wide theatrical release on Friday.
Screenings for other awards contenders, including Netflix’s “Emilia Pérez” and Searchlight Pictures’ “A Complete Unknown” were also called off.
Safety Concerns and Practical Aspects
The LA County Fire Department has specifically instructed that all permits issued for filming in the communities of Altadena, La Crescenta, La Canada/Flintridge and unincorporated Pasadena are withdrawn. Other permit revocations are possible, and some resources may not be available to film sets during the state of emergency.
Watch on Morningpicker the impact on cast and crew, as well as the economic implications of these suspensions, including the potential for delays and increased costs.
Conclusion
As the devastating Los Angeles wildfires continue to rage on, two popular TV shows, ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ and ‘After Midnight’, have been forced to suspend production, joining the ranks of numerous productions that have been impacted by the crisis. The suspension of production not only affects the livelihoods of the shows’ cast and crew but also deals a significant blow to the entertainment industry as a whole. With many productions already on the brink of delay, this latest development serves as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of climate change and the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of those involved.
The suspension of production also raises questions about the future of entertainment in the face of natural disasters. As climate change continues to wreak havoc on our planet, the entertainment industry must adapt and find ways to mitigate its impact. This may involve implementing new safety protocols, relocating productions, or even using the platform to raise awareness about environmental issues. Whatever the solution may be, it is clear that the entertainment industry must take a proactive stance in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
In conclusion, the suspension of production for ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ and ‘After Midnight’ serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of climate change on our daily lives. As we navigate this uncertain future, it is crucial that we prioritize the safety and well-being of those involved in the entertainment industry and take proactive steps to mitigate its effects. As we move forward, let us use this moment to redefine what it means to be resilient in the face of adversity and to use our platforms to inspire change.