Drew Barrymore Delays Talk Show Return Amid Strikes

The highly anticipated return of Drew Barrymore’s talk show, “The Drew Barrymore Show,” has been postponed due to ongoing strikes in the entertainment industry. Barrymore announced her decision to pause the show’s premiere in an Instagram statement on September 17, expressing her apologies to those affected and hoping for a resolution in the industry soon.

Barrymore’s Controversial Return

Prior to the announcement, CBS Media Ventures had confirmed that the fourth season of “The Drew Barrymore Show” would begin on September 18. However, Barrymore kept quiet about her decision to return amidst the ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild (SAG) strikes until September 10. In a statement posted on Instagram, she stated that she made the choice to return while ensuring compliance with not discussing or promoting struck film and television.

The WGA, on the other hand, took to social media, encouraging picketers to gather outside the show’s studios in New York City on September 11. They urged protesters to join them “in holding the picket line at the Drew Barrymore Show as they resume taping, in the middle of dual Hollywood strikes.”

Barrymore’s Solidarity with the WGA

Showing her support for the WGA, Barrymore had previously stepped down from hosting the MTV Movie & TV Awards on May 4. Through an Instagram post, she stated that she stood with the WGA and hoped viewers would still watch the awards show. In her latest statement, Barrymore explained that her decision was influenced by the conflict between the strike and the issues surrounding studios, streamers, film, and television.

Despite the controversy, Barrymore aims to provide viewers with the quintessential talk show experience. She expressed her desire to bring people together and make sense of the human experience, emphasizing the importance of writers in achieving this goal.

Details of Season Four

Despite the restrictions imposed by the strike, season four of “The Drew Barrymore Show” promises exciting guests and segments. Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton and founder of Menopause Bootcamp, Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, are set to appear on the show. Additionally, a new segment titled “Take Care Everywhere” will be introduced. The talk show will continue to feature popular segments such as Drew-Gooders, Designed by Drew, and Cookbook Club.

However, Barrymore will not be able to feature actors promoting movies or scripted TV shows from studios within the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), as they are directly impacted by the ongoing strikes.

The Strikes: WGA and SAG-AFTRA

The strikes, initiated by the WGA on May 1, revolve around concerns regarding residuals from streaming platforms and the use of artificial intelligence to create scripts. Joined by SAG-AFTRA in July, the unions share similar concerns regarding artificial intelligence and the ownership of an actor’s likeness if reproduced.

In conclusion, Drew Barrymore’s decision to postpone the premiere of “The Drew Barrymore Show” has brought attention to the ongoing strikes in the entertainment industry. Barrymore’s support for the WGA and her desire to provide an enriching talk show experience highlight the importance of resolving the strikes for the entire industry.