The Drew Barrymore Show to postpone return after backlash amid writer strikes

Drew Barrymore's talk show will no longer be returning to air amid the writers' strikes, it was announced yesterday.

Drew Barrymore received backlash from the actors' and writers' unions when it was announced her show, The Drew Barrymore Show, would resume production before the labour issues were resolved.

The first episode back was supposed to air tonight, Monday 18th September, without three of her writers who are a part of the striking WGA writer's union. Several episodes were taped in the show's New York studio last week, and the tapings were reportedly picketed by striking writers.

Barrymore announced the decision not to air the taped episodes or continue with production in a text post on her Instagram. "I have listened to everyone, and I am making the decision to pause the show’s premiere until the strike is over," she wrote. "I have no words to express my deepest apologies to anyone I have hurt and, of course, to our incredible team who works on the show and has made it what it is today. We really tried to find our way forward. And I truly hope for a resolution for the entire industry very soon."

 

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A post shared by Drew Barrymore (@drewbarrymore)

Over the weekend, Barrymore posted a since-deleted tearful apology video to her social media in which she took responsibility for wanting to resume production in accordance with the strike rules. “I wanted to do this because this is bigger than me, and there are other people’s jobs on the line,” she said.

However, those who supported the strike were not happy with her decision and called for a boycott of the show if it went to air.

Several other American daytime television shows have resumed production amidst the strike in accordance with strike rules, including The View and Live With Kelly and Ryan. The Jennifer Hudson Show, similar to The Drew Barrymore Show, was going to resume production but has since pushed the premiere back.

WGA protest outside Drew Barrymore Show at CBS Studios, Hell's Kitchen pic.twitter.com/YVlIFMEAqY

— Kathryn StomsVik (@KStomsvik) September 11, 2023

We said it wasn’t too late to do the right thing, and we meant it. Thank you, @DrewBarrymore for standing with us. #WGAStrong pic.twitter.com/NCCgOvWMf4

— David Slack (@slack2thefuture) September 17, 2023

It’s almost as if Drew Barrymore listening to criticism and doing the right thing is having positive results. It’s almost as if we should create a society that encourages people to listen and change. It’s almost as if we should be a society that forgives. https://t.co/RGR9Q1HeSQ

— Luke Barnett 👨🏻‍🍼 (@LukeBarnett) September 17, 2023