EXCLUSIVE: Two of America’s longest-running gameshows, “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy!” are heading again to the studio.
Each exhibits had been hit by the COVID-19 manufacturing shutdown however Deadline understands that each syndicated exhibits, which come from Sony Footage Tv and CBS Tv Distribution, are set to begin filming this week and subsequent.
There’ll, nevertheless, be just a few changes.
In “Wheel of Fortune,” Deadline understands that the wheel has been redesigned to supply correct social distancing between contestants.
Over on “Jeopardy!,” the stage has been barely redesigned to permit for extra space between the three contestant podiums. The contestants can even be at a secure distance from host Alex Trebek at his lectern.
As you possibly can think about, each exhibits have taken well being and security precautions as they return to manufacturing in Culver Metropolis, California. Solely important workers and crew shall be allowed on stage, PPE shall be supplied for everybody behind the scenes and all workers and crew shall be examined regularly, whereas contestants can even be examined earlier than they arrive to the studio earlier than they tape. Social distancing measures can even be rigorously enforced each on-stage and off.
“Jeopardy!,” which is about to movie 5 episodes a day, two days per week, is predicted to be again within the studio this week, whereas “Wheel of Fortune” is aiming to return to filming subsequent week.
“Wheel of Fortune,” which is hosted by at Pat Sajak and Vanna White, is coming into its 38th season, whereas Alex Trebek-hosted “Jeopardy!” goes into its 37th season. Each exhibits, created by Merv Griffin, are contracted via to the 2022-2023 season and are exec produced by Mike Richards, who replaces the retiring Harry Friedman.
“’Wheel of Fortune’ and ‘Jeopardy!’ are returning to the studio to tape episodes for the exhibits’ upcoming seasons. The productions have protocols in place in accordance with present authorities pointers to guard contestants, workers, crew and expertise from the unfold of COVID-19. Whereas some issues might have modified behind the scenes and on the set to maintain everybody secure, followers can count on to see the identical ‘Wheel of Fortune’ and ‘Jeopardy!’ they’ve come to like when the season begins,” a studio spokeswoman advised Deadline.
Supply: nypost.com
