To Mask or Not to Mask

When the country shut down in March of last year, the production of television shows halted as well. As shows have begun airing again, viewers are seeing the presence of COVID-19 within the storylines. And they have mixed reactions.

On NBC, the global pandemic has led to the creation of a new comedy where most scenes are in a Zoom-style format. “Connecting…” features characters video chatting with their friends from their own homes. Viewers see them in small boxes on the screen ­­­­­­­– a sight with which the world is familiar.

The majority of shows are incorporating COVID-19 in some way. CBS’s crime show, “NCIS New Orleans,” began the season with a mystery surrounding faulty face masks. Popular medical dramas like “The Resident,” “New Amsterdam” and “Grey’s Anatomy” are focusing on lack of hospital space, constant deaths and the vaccine.

However, the mask usage in some shows is rather disappointing. NBC’s long-running show “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” left viewers confused and frustrated with its inconsistencies. The detectives wear masks as they walk down the street, but then take them off to talk to victims or suspects in crowded buildings. As they enter the precinct, they are temperature-checked and apply hand sanitizer, but neglect all other precautions. Apparently, COVID-19 doesn’t spread within the 16th precinct.

“The Good Doctor,” an increasingly-popular medical drama on ABC, took an interesting approach. Season four began with a two-part episode about the pandemic, but episode three started with a message from the lead actor, Freddie Highmore.

“The following episode portrays our hope for the future,” Highmore said straight to the camera. “A future where no one will have to wear masks or take other steps to stay safe from COVID. Until then, please protect yourself and others.” After that message, the season continued on as if it were a pre-pandemic world.

Some comedies, such as CBS’s “Bob Loves Abishola” and “The Unicorn” are ignoring COVID-19 completely. And it’s honestly a relief. After the stress of maintaining six feet, washing hands and carrying a mask everywhere, it’s refreshing to see a world where the pandemic doesn’t exist. Television is supposed to be a break from reality anyway, right?

Hannah Drewieck is a junior

business administration and communication major

from Stoughton, Wis.