Apple TV+ has launched a surprise interview series with former talk show Oprah Winfrey talking about the global coronavirus pandemic. In its first episode, Winfrey spoke to actor Idris Eba, one of several celebrities to test positive for COVID-19.
The series – entitled “Oprah Talks COVID-19“- debuted Saturday, with little production value for a quick-to-air show. Winfrey’s first installment features FaceTime interviews with Elba and his wife, Sabrina Dhowre.
Like millions of people all over the world, I've been staying safer at home for over a week now. I know a lot of people are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, & uncertain. Bc of that, I want to offer some hope & gather thought leaders & people going through it to add some perspective
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) March 22, 2020
Watch our Apple TV conversation for FREE here: https://t.co/IaZyx3G8lV
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) March 22, 2020
“Oprah Talks COVID-19” is available on Apple TV+ and can be viewed in more than 100 countries, according to Apple.
In the interview, Elba discussed the moment he and his wife realized they probably had COVID-19. “If I had caught it, she had certainly caught it in that time period as well,” he said.
The actor went on to point out that while social distancing is very important, he and his wife “made a calculated decision as a family to stick together through this.”
Episode two is with pastor Wintley Phipps, senior pastor to several churches in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, discussing the spiritual meaning behind the pandemic.
In a tweet on Saturday, Winfrey confirmed she had been isolating herself at home for a week.
“I know a lot of people are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and uncertain,” wrote Winfrey. “Because of that, I want to offer some hope and gather thought leaders and people going through it to add some perspective.”
Neither Apple or Winfrey are previewing future episodes or disclosing the frequency of shows to come.
“Oprah Talks COVID-19” is currently available to view for free to view, without the need for an Apple TV+ subscription.
