TV Creators Grapple with Whether to Incorporate the Pandemic into Storylines Amid Viewers’ Desire for Escapism
As television networks navigate the complexities of creating content during a pandemic, a dilemma arises: should TV series directly address the Covid-19 crisis, or should they escape into worlds where the pandemic doesn’t exist? Some shows are incorporating the pandemic into their storylines, reflecting the real-world impact, while others are choosing to ignore it entirely in favor of escapism.
For instance, Hypothetical, a panel show on Dave, humorously avoids referencing the pandemic. In an outtake, co-host James Acaster reveals that the channel had instructed them not to mention Covid. “Can’t say it, can’t reference it,” he says, highlighting the tension faced by TV creatives. While entertainment channels like Dave emphasize the need for escapism during difficult times, they also understand that a refusal to acknowledge Covid can seem out of touch with viewers’ lived experiences.
Richard Watsham, director of commissioning at UKTV, noted that the goal is not to avoid mentioning Covid entirely but to minimize its presence, particularly in comedy and entertainment shows. He argues that TV, especially in the comedy genre, should provide an escape. However, as Covid continues to dominate everyday life, creators face the challenge of balancing reflection of reality with the desire to offer viewers a respite.
As the pandemic rages on, viewers are torn between seeking a reality that mirrors their own lives and a fictional universe free of Covid’s presence. The ongoing question for television creators is whether to adapt to the changing world or offer an alternate reality where the pandemic is non-existent.
