Drew Barrymore is feeling some heat after announcing that her talk show would return, even in the middle of a writers’ strike. In an Instagram post, Barrymore posted a tearful apology video, explaining that her decision to resume The Drew Barrymore Show was “complex” and that her intentions had “never been in a place to upset or hurt anyone.” For their part, the WGA – on its 137th strike day – insists that Barrymore is violating the terms of their strike and should not be on air while her writers are still struggling to reach a fair agreement with the AMPTP.
Drew Barrymore Resumes Talk Show Despite WGA Strike
On September 10th, actress and television personality Drew Barrymore announced that her talk show, The Drew Barrymore Show, would return for its fourth season. In her initial statement, conveyed via an Instagram post, Barrymore claimed that she was owning up to her decision, despite the fact that returning to the air would mean violating the terms of the Writers Guild of America strike that’s been going on since May 2nd, 2023. As she defended her decision on behalf of her production team, Drew Barrymore claimed that “our show was built for sensitive times” and that “I hope for a resolve for [the WGA] as soon as possible.”
The backlash of Barrymore’s announcement was almost immediate, with audiences and strike supporters labeling her a scab and criticizing her for violating the strike terms set forth by the WGA. No critic has been as loud as the WGA itself, which has labeled The Drew Barrymore Show as a “WGA covered, struck show” and claimed that “Any writing on “The Drew Barrymore Show” is in violation of WGA strike rules.”
“Drew Barrymore should not be on the air while her writers are on strike fighting for a fair deal,” the WGA told Deadline. “In reality, shows like this cannot operate without writing, and that is struck work.”
Drew Barrymore Apologizes, Stands By Her Decision
https://www.instagram.com/p/CxOH4U7LJhO/
In a second Instagram post from earlier today, Drew Barrymore posted a tear-filled, emotional apology video and elaborated on the reasoning behind her return. In the video, Barrymore explained that she “just put one foot in front of the other and make a show that’s there for people regardless of anything else that’s happening in the world” and reasoned that since her talk show outlasted the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, then why should the WGA strike of 2023 stop it?
“I don’t exactly know what to say because sometimes when things are so tough, it’s hard to make decisions from that place,” Barrymore stated. “So all I can say is that I wanted to accept responsibility, and no, I don’t have a PR machine behind this. My decision to go back to the show. I didn’t want to hide behind people, so I won’t…I’ll just stand out there and accept and be responsible.”
Importantly, Drew Barrymore did not rescind her decision to return The Drew Barrymore Show to the air, stating that the show has “navigated difficult times since [it] first came on air” and will be starting season 4 “with an astute humility.” Additionally, Barrymore has stated that her show will remain in compliance with WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike rules.
The Drew Barrymore Show season 4 will premiere on September 18th.
