'Jeopardy!' And 'Wheel Of Fortune' Nix Audiences Over Coronavirus

Los Angeles CA

10 March, 2020

11:57 AM

Description

CULVER CITY, CA — Television game shows "Jeopardy" and "Wheel of Fortune,"which are both based in Culver City, will start taping shows without an audience this week due to fears over the new coronavirus, according to reports Tuesday. Production sources at the two shows told TMZ that the precautionary move was made due to "Jeopardy" host Alex Trebek's pancreatic cancer, the high average age of the shows' core audience and the fact that many audience members are from out-of-town. Older people and those with compromised immune systems from existing medical conditions are considered at greater risk for COVID-19. The shows will tape without a live audience at Sony Pictures studios in Culver City for the time being as officials continue to monitor the outbreak, according to TMZ. Viewers won't immediately notice the difference, however, as both shows tape their episodes well in advance of airing. Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters. City News Service contributed to this post