The Bold and the Beautiful

News Update: How The Bold And The Beautiful Is The First U.S. TV Show To Return

Published by

Michael Maloney

5 years ago

The news leaked out via social media posts from actors on The Bold and the Beautiful that the show was returning to production after months of being on hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, the news is official — BB is back! Will other soap operas follow suit soon?

Safety Protocols For The Bold and the Beautiful

Deadline broke the news that BB “is the first U.S. broadcast series — and possibly the first scripted series on American soil — to return to production on stage. The daytime drama will resume filming its current season on Wednesday, June 17, at Television City in Los Angeles. There is no airdate set yet but the hope is for the half-hour soap to return to originals in early-to-mid July.”

Recently, BB was renewed for another two years, taking the show through the year 2022. Official pre-production began on Monday, June 15. BB will follow all COVID-19 safe protocols that have been set forth by a variety of groups including L.A. County, the City of Los Angeles, and also Television City’s owner Hackman Capital Partners.

The show’s producers reached an agreement with the Hollywood guilds, too. Both cast and crew were tested for coronavirus and regular testing, moving forward, is a key part of the new procedures. People will work abridged shifts and call times will be staggered. Fewer cast members will be on set at the same time. Some scripts that had already been completed were redone to accommodate new guidelines.

A New World For Soap Operas?

There’s at least one new worker on set — BB is employing a “COVID-19 coordinator.” This person will be on the show’s stage at all times, making sure that safety guidelines are being honored by the show. Masks will be worn except for when actors are shooting scenes.

Where We Left Things

BB has been airing classic episodes since late April. When the show last left off, Wyatt (Darin Brooks) walked back into the beach house — did he see an unconscious Flo (Katrina Bowden) on the floor, or had Sally (Courtney Hope) and Dr. Penny Escobar (Monica Ruiz) gotten her out of the room in time? The Bold and the Beautiful airs weekdays on CBS. Check local listings for air times.