Television productions across Hollywood are facing renewed chaos as the Omicron variant continues to trigger delays, shutdowns, and uncertainty. Among the most affected are CBS’s hit franchises NCIS and NCIS: Los Angeles, both of which have seen their filming schedules upended.
Production Halt for NCIS After Positive COVID Test
Production on NCIS was temporarily shut down following a positive COVID-19 case within Zone A—the group that includes the cast and others working in close contact with them. While the individual has not been publicly identified, sources believe the positive result may involve a cast member.
Despite the pause, insiders suggest that NCIS still hopes to resume filming in time for its planned crossover with NCIS: Hawai’i next week. However, given the current unpredictability surrounding Omicron, all plans remain tentative.
“It’s a mess—people keep getting COVID,” said one production insider.
NCIS: LA Takes a Longer Pause as a Precaution
Unlike NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles won’t be rushing back to set. Production on the show has been delayed until at least February. Sources indicate the decision was made out of an abundance of caution rather than necessity. With the show well ahead of its airing schedule and several episodes already completed, CBS can afford the extra downtime without disrupting the season’s broadcast timeline.
Hollywood Hit Hard by Omicron Wave
The surge in Omicron cases is wreaking havoc across the television industry. Even with strict safety protocols and high vaccination rates among cast and crew, productions are grappling with a rising number of breakthrough infections. One of CBS’s FBI shows has also paused for a day to evaluate exposure risks and conduct contact tracing.
Studios are said to be actively monitoring test results and infection rates across sets, with more decisions expected in the coming days. For now, everyone is bracing for further disruptions.
Broadcast Shows Under the Most Pressure
The stakes are especially high for broadcast dramas like NCIS, which operate under tight production timelines and must stay on schedule to meet weekly air dates. Studio executives are reportedly prioritizing these shows to keep them running as smoothly as possible, even as COVID cases mount.
In the meantime, Hollywood is once again adjusting to the unpredictable rhythm of pandemic-era production—balancing safety, deadlines, and the need to stay flexible in a rapidly shifting landscape.
