TV Shows That Used COVID-Era Restrictions Creatively

The global pandemic disrupted television production on an unprecedented scale and forced creators to rethink how stories could be told. Writers and directors had to navigate strict safety protocols and travel bans while attempting to entertain an audience stuck in isolation. Some series incorporated the virus into their storylines while others utilized new technologies to film remotely without traditional crews. This period of constraint sparked a unique wave of innovation that resulted in some remarkably experimental and intimate television.

‘Staged’ (2020–2022)

David Tennant and Michael Sheen play fictionalized versions of themselves trying to rehearse a play over Zoom. The BBC comedy captured the mundanity and frustration of lockdown life with wit and improvisation. It utilized video conferencing technology as the primary visual medium throughout the series. The show managed to feature high-profile guest stars who filmed their own segments from home.

‘Mythic Quest’ (2020–Present)

The special episode titled Quarantine focused on the gaming studio employees working remotely. It effectively used the screen capture format to explore themes of isolation and mental health. Rob McElhenney and the cast filmed the entire production on iPhones supplied to them. The technical execution provided a surprisingly emotional resonance despite the physical distance between actors.

‘Bo Burnham: Inside’ (2021)

This comedy special features the comedian performing alone in his guest house without a crew or audience. Bo Burnham wrote and directed and filmed and edited the entire project over the course of a difficult year. The claustrophobic setting amplifies the exploration of deteriorating mental health and internet culture. It stands as a singular artistic artifact of the isolation experienced by many during the pandemic.

‘The Blacklist’ (2013–2023)

Season seven faced an abrupt production shutdown that left the finale unfilmed. The producers decided to complete the episode by animating the missing scenes in a graphic novel style. Actors recorded their dialogue from home while editors pieced together the live action footage with the new animation. This hybrid approach allowed the series to provide closure for the season narrative despite the lockdown.

‘Parks and Recreation’ (2009–2015)

The cast returned for a scripted fundraising special that explained the characters communicating via the Gryzzl communication platform. Leslie Knope checks in on her friends to ensure they are staying safe and sane during the quarantine. The writers cleverly integrated the plot into the existing lore while addressing the real world crisis. It successfully raised funds for food banks while offering comfort to fans of the sitcom.

‘South Park’ (1997–Present)

The enduring animated satire produced an hour long episode specifically tackling the global health crisis. Randy Marsh attempts to profit from the pandemic while the town struggles with masks and social distancing. The animation style allowed the creators to react quickly to current events without the logistical hurdles of live action. It marked the first of several specials dedicated to navigating the new normal.

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005–Present)

The medical drama dedicated its seventeenth season to depicting the realities of the pandemic within a major hospital. Meredith Grey contracts the virus and spends much of the season visiting deceased characters on a dream beach. This narrative device allowed for the return of fan favorites while the main character remained in a coma. The season honored frontline workers by showing the emotional and physical toll of the virus.

‘The Morning Show’ (2019–Present)

Production was halted and scripts were rewritten to incorporate the unfolding global health crisis into the second season. The storyline tracks the early days of the virus as it infiltrates the newsroom and affects the personal lives of the anchors. It highlights the confusion and fear that permeated the media industry during the initial outbreak. The show utilized empty city streets and remote broadcasting setups to reflect reality.

‘Superstore’ (2015–2021)

The final season of this workplace comedy tackled the pandemic from the perspective of essential retail workers. Employees at Cloud 9 deal with hoarding customers and mask mandates and safety protocols. The show balanced humor with the harsh reality of low wage workers risking their health daily. It served as a time capsule for the specific challenges faced by retail staff during that period.

‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (2013–2021)

The eighth season incorporated the pandemic alongside other major social issues affecting the police force. Officers are shown wearing masks and dealing with the difficulties of first responder duties during a health crisis. The writers aimed to balance the usual comedic tone with the seriousness of the real world situation. It demonstrated how even escapist comedies felt the need to acknowledge the changed world.

‘This Is Us’ (2016–2022)

The Pearson family navigates the pandemic with storylines involving social distancing and remote family gatherings. The writers adjusted the timeline to address the crisis immediately rather than ignoring it. Scenes often featured characters wearing masks or standing far apart to adhere to safety guidelines. The emotional drama continued to explore family dynamics within the constraints of the new safety protocols.

‘Shameless’ (2011–2021)

The final season of the Gallagher family saga integrated the pandemic into the poverty stricken struggles of the South Side. Frank Gallagher questions the validity of the virus while other characters try to survive the economic downturn. The show depicted the disparity in how the crisis affected different socioeconomic classes. It maintained its gritty tone while documenting the mask wearing and sanitation efforts of the era.

‘Euphoria’ (2019–Present)

Production delays led to the creation of two intimate bridge episodes focused on Rue and Jules. These specials used limited cast and crew members to adhere to strict safety bubbles. The stripped down aesthetic allowed for deep character studies and prolonged dialogue scenes. They bridged the long gap between seasons while maintaining the unique visual style of the series.

‘The White Lotus’ (2021–2025)

Mike White created this satire specifically to be filmed in a production bubble at a single resort location. The cast and crew lived together in isolation at the Four Seasons Maui during the shoot. This containment strategy allowed for a lavish production value despite the global travel restrictions. The setting itself became a crucial character in the story of wealthy vacationers unraveling.

‘Social Distance’ (2020)

Netflix commissioned this anthology series to tell self contained stories about life in quarantine. Each episode captures a different aspect of the lockdown experience ranging from funeral planning to alcoholism. The actors filmed themselves in their actual homes using equipment delivered to them. It stands as a direct artistic response to the limitations placed on traditional filmmaking.

‘Coastal Elites’ (2020)

This HBO special consists of five distinct monologues delivered by characters grappling with the political and health climate. The format mimics video calls and allows each actor to perform directly to the camera. It captures the anxiety and polarization that defined the year for many Americans. The static presentation relies entirely on the strength of the writing and the performances.

‘Black-ish’ (2014–2022)

The sitcom produced episodes that directly addressed the challenges of essential workers and remote schooling. Dre and Bow Johnson navigate the complexities of keeping their family safe and sane at home. The show mixed animated segments with live action to depict the chaotic nature of the pandemic. It provided a humorous yet poignant look at how the crisis impacted a wealthy Black family.

‘Connecting…’ (2020)

This NBC sitcom was set entirely within the realm of video chats between a group of friends. It chronicled the early months of the pandemic as the characters faced lockdowns and personal crises. The format allowed for immediate reaction to the unfolding events of that specific year. Although short lived it attempted to capture the digital lifeline that sustained friendships during isolation.

‘Saturday Night Live’ (1975–Present)

The sketch comedy institution pivoted to three episodes produced entirely from the cast members’ homes. Sketches were filmed on smartphones and edited remotely with varying degrees of production value. The host and musical guest also performed from their respective locations. It demonstrated the resilience of the cast and their ability to innovate under unprecedented constraints.

‘All Rise’ (2019–2023)

This legal drama produced a virtual episode showing the court system operating via video conferencing. The characters conduct a trial over FaceTime and Zoom while dealing with the personal impact of the lockdown. The production utilized visual effects to make the separate actors appear to be looking at each other. It was one of the first network dramas to successfully execute a remote episode.

‘Help’ (2021)

This British drama focuses on a care home worker and a patient during the early days of the pandemic in Liverpool. It utilizes long takes and breaking the fourth wall to create an intense and immersive experience. The production highlights the lack of PPE and the desperate situation faced by care facilities. It serves as a harrowing tribute to the unseen struggles of care workers.

‘Isolation Stories’ (2020)

ITV produced these four short dramas that were filmed in the homes of the actors. The stories reflect the sudden change in lifestyle brought about by the strict lockdown measures. Family members of the actors often served as the camera operators and lighting technicians. The project provided a rapid artistic response to the collective experience of the nation.

‘The Good Doctor’ (2017–2024)

The series opened its fourth season with a two part story focusing on the frontline response to the virus. Dr. Shaun Murphy and his colleagues face the frustration of treating a new and unknown disease. The episodes emphasize the separation between the doctors and their loved ones due to safety concerns. It portrayed the exhaustion and emotional strain placed on medical professionals.

‘Bull’ (2016–2022)

The legal procedural incorporated the pandemic by showing a court system adapted for social distancing. The gallery is empty and jurors are separated by plexiglass barriers during the trials. Characters frequently wear masks when moving through the courthouse or interacting in public spaces. The visual changes grounded the procedural stories in the reality of the filming period.

‘NCIS: New Orleans’ (2014–2021)

The show wove the pandemic into its narrative by highlighting the impact on the city of New Orleans. Pride and his team deal with crime while managing the restrictions affecting the local community. The series depicted the economic blow to the city music and restaurant industries. It integrated the masks and protocols naturally into the investigation procedurals.

Please share your thoughts on which show handled the restrictions best in the comments.