Should COVID Appear in TV Shows?

With increasingly available vaccines and more lenient rules being implemented in regards to COVID-19 comes a resurgence in many popular TV shows that had no choice but to be put on pause while the world dealt with the pandemic. However, a question that many producers and writers faced prior to the release of various new TV episodes was whether or not the pandemic should be included in the plots.

While it may be easy to ignore this major disruption to life that nobody has enjoyed dealing with, it would simply be too unrealistic for most shows not to at least acknowledge the pandemic. More specifically, in shows that aim to relate to everyday people and their lives, whether they are employees at a grocery store like in “Superstore” or investigators at a police station such as “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”, it would be an extremely poor decision to pretend as if the pandemic did not happen in the show’s fictional world. At its core, shows like these are aimed at portraying, at least in part, a realistic representation of what life looks like for a multitude of different people in order to appeal to the audience and give them something to relate to. Given that the entire world was affected by the pandemic in one way or another, it simply would not make sense for a “realistic” show to not have its characters also affected by the pandemic. 

Not only does this add to the authenticity of the plot of these shows, but it also gives viewers a sense of comfort. By seeing characters that one knows and loves go through the same challenges that people have experienced for the past year and a half, loyal followers of TV shows receive not only relief from their hardships through entertainment, but also a closer sense of connection to the show’s characters. A few notable shows that have managed to incorporate the pandemic into their stories include “Station 19”, “Black-ish”, and “Shameless”. From firefighters in Seattle to families in the suburbs to siblings struggling with their alcoholic father in Chicago, the inclusion of the pandemic in these shows has helped viewers see the effects of COVID-19 from all different angles. If Maya Bishop or Andre Johnson can still survive quarantine and the pandemic, so can their fans.

When it comes to shows such as medical dramas, the need for incorporating the pandemic is especially prevalent. In fact, it would be almost impossible to ignore a global pandemic when a major part of the show’s focus and success is based on the maintenance of a realistic portrayal of the medical world and its daily ongoing challenges. Luckily, most (if not all) of these shows have not shied away from acknowledging the coronavirus, as seen through shows such as “Grey’s Anatomy”, “The Good Doctor”, and “The Resident”. In these cases, the inclusion of the pandemic also serves to give viewers a glimpse into the true stress and strain that COVID-19 has induced on medical professionals, bolstering even more appreciation for these front-line heroes.

In addition to shows that have completely intertwined the pandemic into their latest seasons, there have also been shows that have aired pandemic specials that had a similar effect on audiences. For example, “Parks and Recreation” had a reunion special through video chat back in April of 2020, bringing back the beloved characters for one last emotional 25-minute episode. Throughout this special, the well-loved characters all updated each other on their lives through a daily video call check-in. The episode ends with all the characters singing “5,000 Candles in the Wind” together, a fan-favorite song from the show. This special definitely inspired people to keep in touch with each other during COVID-19, even if it is virtually. “All Rise” also had a similar episode that took place through a fictional video call, in which Judge Lola presides over a virtual trial involving a conflict between two brothers and a stolen car. Even more impressive is that this special was rehearsed and filmed virtually as well over the course of six days. Finally, even as an animated series, “South Park” was able to acknowledge the pandemic through its own special episode that also aired back in 2020. Through its signature satire, “South Park” was able to represent the pandemic as well, especially from a young student’s point of view. 

On the other hand, it is evident by now that most people are simply tired of the pandemic. Between Zoom fatigue, the separation from family and friends, and the inconvenience of mask mandates, it is completely understandable why so many references and talks about COVID-19 would deter people and make them groan in annoyance. After waiting so long for new TV show episodes that might entertain and distract people from the realities of the new pandemic world, it may be disappointing for viewers if shows contain references to COVID-19. Luckily, many shows seem to be jumping ahead in the timeline and returning to a more “normal” version of their fictional realities after a few episodes including the pandemic. This is not to say that these shows are skipping over the pandemic, but they are moving forward in the timeline closer to where society is now, where rules have become less strict. This ensures that the main plot of the show is not to be overshadowed by the presence of a pandemic.

So while the pandemic should not be completely ignored in TV shows, COVID-19 does not have to dominate the entire plot of a show at the risk of causing viewers to become disinterested. Instead, finding a nice balance between integrating the pandemic and keeping the focus on the show’s characters and plot is likely the best course of action.