The CW shows Riverdale and Batwoman are resuming production in Vancouver after going dark for a week due to delays in testing for COVID-19. Riverdale, the teen drama based on characters from the Archie Comics, started filming again in September after ending its fourth season prematurely. Batwoman, a newer addition to the Arrowverse, also restarted production in September. The superhero show recently cast Javicia Leslie as the new character in the Batwoman suit after star Ruby Rose decided to exit the show.
Things had been looking up for fans of both the Arrowverse and Riverdale until most of The CW’s shows had to be shut down once more at the beginning of October due to delays in testing. Now, according to Deadline, both Riverdale and Batwoman, as well as Netflix show, Maid, are back to filming. Other Arrowverse shows, including The Flash, are still on pause but are expected to resume production shortly.
The delays were due to an overload of COVID-19 tests at one particular lab in Vancouver. Several shows film in the same area in Canada, meaning tests must be plentiful and speedy. Another reason for the delay, though, is likely because the majority of tests are reserved for students returning to in-person schooling.
These delays and restarts come as many TV shows and movies attempt to get back on schedule. Several are running into positive COVID-19 tests, including The Batman, which has now been pushed back to 2022. With many fans eagerly awaiting the fate of Archie and his pals in season five of Riverdale, as well as the identity of the new Batwoman, hopefully, these two shows will stop running into roadblocks.
Source: Deadline