IFC is delaying Thursday’s episode of “Documentary Now!” because of similarities to Wednesday’s TV news shooting.
“In light of yesterday’s tragic events, IFC decided to air ‘Kunuk’ as tonight’s episode of Documentary Now! in place of ‘Dronez’” the network said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the victims.”
The episode parodies Vice-style documentaries and follows Fred Armisen and Bill Hader as two journalists who track the infamous El Chingon drug kingpin, despite repeated cautions against the mission due to safety concerns.
The plan is to air the episode a week later, on Thursday, Sept. 3.
On Wednesday morning, WDBJ7 reporter Alison Parker, 24, and photographer Adam Ward, 27, were doing a standard live shot with a woman at Bridgewater Plaza near Moneta, Virginia, at 6:45 a.m. ET when a gunman opened fire on them. The two died in the attack, and the shooter later died of a self-inflicted wound.
IFC’s move to postpone an episode after Wednesday’s events comes after USA delayed the airing of the season finale of “Mr. Robot,” which the network said contained a scene “similar in nature” to the killings.
“The previously filmed season finale of ‘Mr. Robot’ contains a graphic scene similar in nature to today’s tragic events in Virginia,” USA said in a statement Wednesday. “Out of respect to the victims, their families and colleagues, and our viewers, we are postponing tonight’s episode. Our thoughts go out to all those affected during this difficult time.”
The episode of “Mr. Robot” will air next Wednesday.