CHEK TV prime time programs, “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy!”, have both taken precautionary measures amid fears of COVID-19.
It has been released that both shows will be taped indefinitely without studio audiences in attendance as the coronavirus continues to spread.
Both shows are filmed out of the same studio in Culver City, California and multiple reports are indicating that the ages of the show hosts played a factor in the decision.
The provincial health officer in BC, Dr. Bonnie Henry, has echoed the sentiments of many doctors in that those who are older or have underlying health issues are more susceptible to getting the disease. With Canadian-born “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek battling pancreatic cancer at age 79 and Wheel of Fortune hosts Pat Sajak and Vanna White all over 60, the faces of the game shows fall into that higher risk category.
It was only just last week that Trebek crossed the one year mark of his fight with cancer, posting a heartwarming message of optimism online.
Show producers have taken the precautionary step as coronavirus continues to sweep across the world. The global rate has climbed over 130,000 as of Tuesday morning, while the death toll has reached over 4,000 worldwide.
The popular television shows are just another domino in the entertainment industry to fall as big events like the South by Southwest country music festival have been cancelled, major sports leagues like the NHL have restricted media and fan access to games, and movie premieres like the new James Bond have been postponed indefinitely.
The two shows do film episodes well in advance of their air date so it won’t be immediately that viewers notice the quieter set.
CHEK Viewers can catch both shows back-to-back, weekdays beginning at 7 pm.
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