TV’s future uncertain after the pandemic

What will the future of TV look like after the ongoing pandemic? It’s hard to predict.

Expect more one-offs like “House Hunters: Comedians on Couches” (10 and 10:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, HGTV).

Broadcasters are reconsidering past decisions: The “Daytime Emmy Awards” will air for the first time in years at 8 p.m. June 26 on CBS.

Movie nights have returned with the “CBS Sunday Night Movies” — this weekend, it’s a “Grease Sing-A-Long” (8:30 p.m. Sunday) — and ABC’s “Wonderful World of Disney,” (8-10 p.m. Wednesdays) which next week features “Big Hero 6.”

Animation has gotten a boost with NBC’s “The Blacklist” using animated scenes to complete its season finale. Pop TV’s “One Day at a Time” completed an animated episode airing at 9:30 p.m. June 16.

Looking ahead to fall, things are murkier.

Fox and The CW are relying on content held back from spring and summer and acquiring previously released shows.

CBS went the opposite route, announcing a fall schedule overflowing with returning scripted series that haven’t returned to production. ABC and NBC haven’t released any fall schedules.

Actors and actresses will not necessarily be willing to risk returning to work — even when studios do institute new practices meant to protect workers.

On May 20, California Gov. Gavin Newsom hosted a Zoom call with Californians in the entertainment industry, including “This Is Us” actor Jon Huertas, who said series creator Dan Fogelman suggested the NBC hit may not resume production until January 2021.

Then there’s the content: Will TV shows acknowledge the pandemic? Will viewers want an escape from COVID-19?

“That’s the question every writer in Hollywood is asking him or herself right now,” said Mike Schur, who produced the “Parks and Recreation” reunion special on NBC. “It sort of depends on what the themes of that show are and what the world of that show is.”