The Australian TV industry is in chaos as lockdowns cause major production headaches.
Interruptions caused by COVID-19 restrictions have rocked more productions as episode orders are trimmed and other productions are moved to 2022.
Sources have exclusively told me that Channel 9 was able to accept delivery on only 4 episodes of the excellent true crime series Australian Crime Stories.
The finale for Season five with Adam Shand is set to air this week. The usual count of 8 episodes per season was not able to met due to restrictions on filming.
Nine announced Million Dollar Mysteries for 2021 last year at their annual upfronts but while some elements were able to be filmed, many reenactment scenes were halted due to the pandemic. The series is on track to air in 2022 and will be confirmed at the Nine upfronts on September 15th.
I can also exclusively reveal that the show will be retitled to Million Dollar Murders. The show will be hosted by former NSW detective Deborah Wallace and consist of 6 episodes.
Another upfront title from Nine, Beach House Escapes, has also been paused this year and won’t be air in 2021. Details surrounding its future are also expected to be announced by Nine on September 15th.
10 and NITV have also been affected by the pandemic with delivery of The First Inventors delayed. The documentary is still going ahead and will air now in 2022.
Currently, there is no news on Celebrity IOU Australia. The program was announced last year at Nine’s upfronts but no details have been announced about its production or airing.
