It’s been over five months since Hollywood shut down production due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in the past, summer has been the time when reality TV shows start airing. Now that summer’s almost over, reality TV competitions are beginning to return, but with detailed health and safety protocols. Shows have switched filming locations, adjusted formats, changed contestants, or shortened seasons during the pandemic. These are just a few of the reality TV shows that have continued production or are set to air in the next month or so.
Big Brother
Big Brother usually airs in July, but this year the premiere was set back to August 5, and casting wasn’t revealed until the show’s premiere night. This season is All-Stars and the contestants were isolated and tested ahead of the season opener and the live shows have no studio audience.
America’s Got Talent
This summer competition show was in the middle of auditions before being shut down in March. The remaining auditions were held without an audience and production returned in June outdoors with socially distanced and abbreviated Judge Cuts rounds. The live shows are held at the Universal Studios lot, instead of Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre.
Love Island
Scheduled to premiere in May, the new season aired August 24 with shooting in Las Vegas instead of in Fiji. Contestants were quarantined and tested before arriving at The Cromwell hotel.
Dancing with the Stars
After announcing that co-hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews wouldn’t be returning for the upcoming season and replacing them with Tyra Banks, the competition show has been set for a September 14 premiere date. The pro dancers have already been announced, but the celebrity cast will be announced at a later date. Details about the format haven’t been released yet and it’s unclear if the show will air live.
Shark Tank
Shark Tank is another reality TV show that will be moving to Las Vegas for Season 12. There hasn’t been a premiere date announced yet, but filming has started.
