The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the Australian TV industry, with many shows and productions temporarily halted while others had the plug pulled permanently.
WATCH: Ryan Johnson says an emotional goodbye to Doctor Doctor
And it appears two of Channel Nine’s most famous dramas Doctor Doctor and SeaChange are among those which have fallen victim to the chopping block.
Over the weekend, Doctor Doctor star Ryan Johnson said a touching goodbye to the show as he wrapped up season five – which is currently filming and will air in 2021.
“Nearly five years ago I walked into this place and thought it’d be a nice place to spend some time but you never know how long you’re going to get to spend somewhere,” he began.
“But I just shot my last scene in Cobbitty where we film all the homestead stuff. And never say never, we could get another one but what a glorious five years it’s been.
“I just shot my last scene with the beautiful Nicole da Silva for this season. So feeling the feels right now. Feeling the big feels. What a wonderful, wonderful experience it’s been shooting Doctor Doctor. Still got more to shoot next week but this is my last day on the farm.”
Doctor Doctor, which also stars Rodger Corser and Nicole da Silva, has been a ratings hit for the network since kicking off in 2016.
Meanwhile, it is a fate that seems likely to be shared by Channel Nine stablemate SeaChange.
The reboot of the classic Aussie series returned to screens last year with original cast members Sigrid Thorton and John Howard as well as new additions such as Brooke Satchwell and Darren McMullen.
On Friday, Brooke told news.com.au that it doesn’t look like there are plans for another season of the revived series.
“I don’t believe there is,” she told the publication. “There’s not any word on that at this stage.”
The local arts industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, with many productions shut down or put on pause when COVID hit.
What’s more, many workers in the industry are hired on short-term contracts or on a casual basis, meaning they weren’t eligible for JobKeeper or government initiatives.
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