CBS has temporarily stopped production for Season 33 of “The Amazing Race” over fears of the continuing spread of the coronavirus.
Nobody involved with the show has contracted the respiratory virus and the move was precautionary, the network said.
“Due to increased concerns and uncertainty regarding the coronavirus around the world, CBS and the producers of ‘The Amazing Race’ have taken the precautionary measure of temporarily suspending production on the 33rd season of the series,” a CBS spokesperson said.
“All contestants and production staff are in the process of returning home,” continued the statement. “At this time, no Racers or anyone on the production team travelling with them have contracted the virus, or shown symptoms, and we are not aware of anyone being exposed to it. Out of an abundance of caution, everyone involved in the show will continue to be monitored when they return home. The health and well-being of the Racers and the production team are our top priorities.”
The Racers had only visited England and Scotland when production was suspended and only three episodes had been filmed. A new start date has not been set.
As of Friday morning, coronavirus has spread to 83,909 cases and 2,869 deaths worldwide.
Variety was first to report on the production stop.