In a move that mirrors the decision made by the “Drew Barrymore Show,” CBS’ “The Talk” has announced the postponement of its season premiere due to the ongoing writers’ strike. This comes following Drew Barrymore’s recent announcement that she would not resume production until the strike was resolved.
Key Takeaway
‘The Talk’ has decided to postpone its season premiere following in the footsteps of the ‘Drew Barrymore Show.’ Both shows are impacted by the ongoing writers’ strike, and their decisions to delay are a response to the public pressure exerted by the Writers Guild of America.
Postponing the Season Premiere
A representative from CBS has confirmed that “The Talk” will be pausing its scheduled season premiere on September 18. The network is currently evaluating plans for a new launch date. While not as dramatic as Barrymore’s decision, it is evident that the delay is related to her choice to put the show on hold.
Unlike similar programs such as “The View,” “The Talk” employs union writers for their show. This difference likely played a role in the Writers Guild of America (WGA) exerting public pressure, leading to these postponements.
Drew Barrymore’s Flip-Flop
Drew Barrymore had initially announced her intention to resume shooting new episodes, but faced significant criticism and backlash. In a video apology, which has since been deleted, Barrymore expressed regret and announced her decision to pause the show’s premiere until the strike concluded. She acknowledged the hurt caused to others and extended her apologies to the show’s dedicated team.
This change of heart by Barrymore occurred shortly after Rosie O’Donnell publicly criticized her. O’Donnell provided guidance on how Barrymore could salvage her relationship with the union and the public. While not following O’Donnell’s exact instructions, Barrymore ultimately aligned with her sentiments.
Implications for the Industry
As the strike continues, it remains to be seen how other shows and hosts will respond to the pressure to honor the strike. Notable examples include “Real Time With Bill Maher,” “The Talk,” and Jennifer Hudson’s talk show, all of which are proceeding without their striking writers.
