Saturday Night Live Experiences COVID-19 Outbreak, Cast And Crew Are 'Fearful', Show May Not Be Live For Final Episode
Dec. 18 2021, Published 4:56 p.m. ET
Saturday Night Live may not be live on our screen this weekend due to the COVID-19 outbreak involving performers who have tested positive for the virus.
Reports indicated the show might put its final episode of the 2021 season on halt due to the news of the spread of the virus among in-house production members.
According to New York Post, an insider from the set revealed "four actors" have tested positive for the coronavirus.
In addition, "three others" have backed down from the show due to fear of getting exposed to the infection by going to the NBC Studios at 30 Rockefeller Center.
The informant shared the cast and crew are currently rehearsing at Studio 8H for the episode that will be hosted by Paul Rudd with musical guest Charli XCX.
Nonetheless, the source claimed "everyone is fearful here" before adding that "you know who" -presumably the founder and executive producer Lorne Michaels - is reportedly "trying to hold on" and proceed with the iconic sketch comedy show.
Another tipster told the outlet, Cecily Strong is one of the cast members who has brought up the worry about the outbreak.
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The report comes after a series of famous Broadway shows have been closed down temporarily due to growing concerns over the latest surge of COVID-19 and Omicron variants.
The shows canceled included Hamilton, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Company, Ain't Too Proud, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Freestyle Love Supreme and Tina -The Tina Turner Musical.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul told CNN Friday, providing an update about the latest wave of the virus, "This is changing so quickly. The numbers are going up exponentially by day."
The state has seen the highest number of new cases in the country, followed by Ohio and Illinois, according to data from Johns Hopkins Univesity
On Saturday afternoon, SNL issued a statement on Twitter announcing, "Due to the recent spike in the Omicron variant and out of an abundance of caution, there will be no live audience for tonight's taping of 'Saturday Night Live' and show will have limited cast and crew."
They added, "the show continues to follow all government safety guidelines in addition to a rigorous testing protocol. If you have won tickets to this show, you will be receiving more information soon. Thank you for your patience and understanding."