Ten has canned this year’s Pilot Week due to the pandemic’s impact on production companies.
The initiative, which began in 2018, is used by the network to see how shows rate for their chance to earn a full season. However, as travel restrictions disrupt the TV industry, many shows have had to suspend filming.
“At this stage we are unable to include Pilot Week 2020 in our program schedule due to the impacts that COVID-19 has had on production companies,” a Ten spokesperson says.
“We are extremely proud of the success Pilot Week has achieved and we hope to bring many more entertaining, innovative and groundbreaking pilots to viewers in 2021.”
Last year four shows ran during Pilot Week, including Sydney’s Crazy Rich Asians, I Am…Roxy!, My 80 Year Old Flatmate and Part Time Privates. Kinne Tonight, which first aired during 2018’s Pilot Week, is returning with its second season on Monday, while Drunk History, also from 2018, is also back this year.
Despite the travel and social distancing restrictions in place, Ten is still going ahead with The Amazing Race. The show will be filmed across Australia with no international travel.
“We continue to monitor domestic flight restrictions as well as social distancing regulations to ensure The Amazing Race Australia can go back into production at the right time,” a Ten spokesperson says.
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