The coronavirus has disrupted all aspects of life. From regular trips to the grocery store to life here on campus, things have been altered in serious ways and the normal proceedings of life have been changed as such. The media industry has not escaped these changes either, with movie theaters shutting down for months, television production stalling and many musicians being forced out of the studio. 

However, artists have been doing their best to get work done and productions out in public despite the extenuating circumstances. From big-name directors making Netflix original movies to Disney releasing films previously slated for a theater release on Disney+, all media companies and organizations, including the artists themselves, are reacting in new, innovative ways to try their best to succeed during this unparalleled time.

Netflix has been among the pioneers in releasing media during the pandemic, from smashes like “Outer Banks” and “Tiger King” this spring to adding “Avatar: The Last Airbender” to its catalog this summer. Now, with four pivotal months approaching until the end of the year, the streaming service has a new slate of original projects to release to viewers to continue its dominance in 2020. One of its largest series titles, “The Crown” recently released the first trailer for its fourth season, reassuring a dedicated fan base that this highly anticipated installment made it through production before the gridlock initiated in mid-March.

“I’m Thinking of Ending Things,” set for release on Sept. 4, 2020, is the newest project from Charlie Kaufman, the mind behind “Being John Malkovich” and “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” Adapted from a novel of the same name, this film could play a role in the race for award shows such as the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards. Netflix has also lined up a star-studded cast for “The Devil All The Time,” including Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson and Sebastian Stan.

With parts of the country continuing to reopen, movie theaters are as well, giving studios the opportunity to release films that were previously projected for a summer theatrical release during the fall months. Christopher Nolan’s newest film, “Tenet,” has been long-delayed since its original release date of July 17. Now, the film from the director behind “The Dark Knight” and “Inception” is, for the time being, set to hit theaters on Sept. 3, wherever theaters are open.

Just one day after, on Sept. 4, Disney will take its own stab at re-entering the movie market. However, Disney is choosing to avoid the movie theater and will instead release the long-awaited live-action adaptation of “Mulan” on Disney+, giving the streaming service’s users the option to watch the film from the comfort of their own home. Following the trend that the studio took earlier this summer with the release of “Hamilton,” Disney remains Netflix’s main challenger for streaming dominance and may have the big blockbuster to knock Netflix off its mantle this fall.

While streaming services and movie studios have films set to be released this fall, television production has stalled as a result of the pandemic and studios are scrambling to find shows and projects to air. ABC is set to premiere a new mystery show, “Big Sky,” while NBC looks to compete with their newest show, “Law & Order: Organized Crime.” Studios are also planning on continuing with previously-airing programs and new seasons of hit shows like “This Is Us,” “The Voice” and “The Bachelorette” are all scheduled to air this fall.

The media industry is still trying to recover and learn how to operate in the modern pandemic environment, with the television and film industries looking to innovate and learn new ways to record and release products. Although things are more different now than ever before, the media industry still looks primed to unleash captivating projects, leaving us with one question: What film or television show will grab hold of viewers and listeners next?