The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on TV production, delaying or shutting down numerous programs. Though many shows were able to resume production again, they’ve had to implement strict protocols to limit potential virus spread. Such measures particularly affected the format and production of reality shows. Let’s take a look at how a few of these returning shows managed to continue filming.

The Bachelorette

The sixteenth season of The Bachelorette was originally scheduled to begin in May but was delayed due to the pandemic. When filming did commence in July, all cast and crew members were first quarantined for two weeks. This season was also meant to film partially in Italy but took place entirely at an isolated resort in Palm Springs. Additionally, host Chris Harrison had to take a two-week quarantine mid-season to help his son move to college.

Love Island

While the first season was filmed in Fiji, the second season of Love Island took place at The Cromwell Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. The show was initially slated for a May premiere as well, but it had to be pushed back to early August. The cast and crew quarantined for two weeks before the commencement of filming and remained in a quarantined bubble at the resort for the duration of the production.

Big Brother

Though Big Brother missed its usual June premier, it was able to return to TV relatively quickly, in early August. The isolated nature of the show was already well-suited to filming during a pandemic, but additional precautions such as a mandatory quarantine period for the cast and crew were taken as well. The contestants were tested before coming to the Big Brother house and continue to be tested every week. Live shows are also being filmed without a studio audience.

American Ninja Warrior

Production of the twelfth season of American Ninja Warrior was halted just one day before the first episode was set to be filmed in Los Angeles. The show was eventually able to resume filming but with an altered format. Instead of travelling all over the country, this shortened season brings 50 competitors to The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis to compete for a $100,000 rather than a $1,000,000 top prize.

America’s Got Talent

A top summer competition show, America’s Got Talent was in the process of filming auditions when production was shut down. The remaining audition episodes were later filmed without a live studio audience, and production headed outdoors in June for a shortened Judge Cuts round. The live quarter-finals, which are usually filmed at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre, took place at locations around Universal Studios this year as well.

COVID-19 measures may have changed some things about the shows you like to watch, but they also allowed production to move ahead. It is sure to be a unique but still highly entertaining television season this fall.