'Saturday Night Live' suspends production because of coronavirus

NBC decided not to expose the cast, crew, or a live audience as coronavirus restrictions social interaction.
 By 
Proma Khosla
 on 
'Saturday Night Live' suspends production because of coronavirus
Kenan Thompson as Ben Carson and Beck Bennett as Mike Pence during the "Corona Virus" Cold Open on 'Saturday Night Live' February 29, 2020. Credit: Will Heath / NBC

Saturday Night Live will postpone its return to the airwaves due to concerns about the spread of coronavirus, NBC has confirmed to Mashable.

The show was scheduled to return March 28 with host John Krasinksi and musical guest Dua Lipa. Krasinski was originally intended to host the show while promoting A Quiet Place Part II, but the Paramount film's release has also been delayed because of COVID-19.

A Quiet Place Part II is one of many films pushed back because of coronavirus, and SNL is among many productions to halt in order to keep its cast and crew safe and socially distant at this time. Other shows that tape in front of a studio audience — late-night shows in particular — have either dispensed with the audience portion or taken temporary hiatus.

h/t Variety

Related Video: Here’s everything that’s been cancelled so far due to coronavirus

Topics NBC SNL COVID-19

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Proma Khosla

Proma Khosla is a Senior Entertainment Reporter writing about all things TV, from ranking Bridgerton crushes to composer interviews and leading Mashable's stateside coverage of Bollywood and South Asian representation. You might also catch her hosting video explainers or on Mashable's TikTok and Reels, or tweeting silly thoughts from @promawhatup.

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