'The Tonight Show', 'Late Show' and More Late Night Talk Shows Are Going Without Audiences Following Coronavirus Pandemic

The audiences of The Tonight Show, The Late Show, Late Night, and many more will be empty starting next Monday (March 16), THR reports.

The New York based late night shows are following suit as coronavirus continues to spread.

NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night With Seth Meyers, CBS’ The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Comedy Central’s The Daily Show With Trevor Noah, TBS’ Full Frontal With Samantha Bee, HBO’s Last Week Tonight and Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live will continue taping episodes, but without audiences.

“The safety of our guests and employees is our top priority,” NBC shared in a statement. “As a precautionary measure, starting Monday, March 16, we have decided to suspend live audiences for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night With Seth Meyers. Per guidance from New York City officials, the company is hoping to do its part to help to decrease the rate of transmission in our communities. Our shows will continue filming on their regular schedule, and currently, there will be no impact on air dates.”

CBS added in its’ own statement, “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert will film without a live, in-studio audience. This move is being made out of an abundance of caution regarding the spread of the COVID-19 virus and the uncertainty of the situation for future weeks.”

“There have not been any specific developments at The Ed Sullivan Theater to cause concern for audiences with plans to attend the show tonight, tomorrow, or who have attended in recent weeks. For several weeks, the team at the theater has been taking all necessary precautions to protect everyone who enters and works in the theater with enhanced cleaning and sanitizing procedures.”

These shows follow Ellen DeGeneres Show, Wendy Williams Show, Dr. Phil, The View and Live With Kelly and Ryan in filming without in-studio audiences.