LA TV Productions Resume Amid Wildfire Devastation

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Television production in Los Angeles is slowly resuming after a week-long pause due to devastating wildfires that have ravaged areas including Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and Altadena. Major networks ABC and CBS are among those restarting operations, though some shows remain on hold.

ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is set to resume tapings on Monday, Jan. 13, at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. Meanwhile, CBS’s “The Price Is Right” and “After Midnight” will remain paused through Monday and Tuesday, respectively, according to sources. “After Midnight,” hosted by Taylor Tomlinson, films on the Paramount lot, while “The Price Is Right,” hosted by Drew Carey, tapes at Haven Studios in Glendale.

Other CBS shows, including “NCIS: Origins,” “Poppa's House,” and “The Neighborhood,” are slated to resume shooting on Monday. An individual familiar with the situation confirmed that these productions will operate on closed sound stages with health and safety professionals monitoring conditions. Cast and crew members unable to attend due to fire-related disruptions will still receive their regular pay.

The wildfires, fueled by dry conditions and strong Santa Ana winds, have forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate. The Palisades fire has burned over 23,000 acres, while the Eaton fire has consumed more than 14,000 acres. Forecasts predict more strong winds later this week, potentially exacerbating the situation and complicating firefighting efforts.

This disruption is the latest challenge for Los Angeles’ entertainment industry, which has faced setbacks from COVID-19 lockdowns, writers’ and actors’ strikes, and the decline of the streaming bubble. Other affected productions include NBCUniversal‘s “Hacks,” “Suits: LA,” “Ted,” and “Loot,” as well as Amazon‘s “Fallout” Season 2.

As the city grapples with the ongoing crisis, the entertainment industry’s resilience is being tested once again. The full extent of the wildfires’ impact on production schedules remains uncertain, but networks are taking precautions to ensure safety while attempting to return to normal operations.