Despite ongoing strikes in the entertainment industry, Drew Barrymore’s popular talk show, ‘The Drew Barrymore Show,’ is set to make a return for its fourth season. However, this decision has not been well received by one of the guilds, with the Writers Guild of America (WGA) labeling her a scab.
Key Takeaway
Drew Barrymore’s talk show, ‘The Drew Barrymore Show,’ is making a return for its fourth season amidst ongoing industry strikes. The decision has sparked criticism from the Writers Guild of America (WGA), who accuse her of violating strike rules. However, Barrymore maintains that the show will comply with strike regulations and refrain from discussing or promoting any struck film or television material.
Standing Firm in the Face of Criticism
Addressing the controversy surrounding her show’s return, Drew Barrymore defended her decision while acknowledging the potential backlash. She assured her audience that she would adhere to strike regulations, even as she anticipated causing further disruptions in the industry.
In a statement, Drew explained her rationale, “I made a choice to walk away from the MTV, film, and television awards because I was the host, and it conflicted directly with the strike’s focus on studios, streamers, film, and television. It was also in the strike’s first week, so I believed it was the appropriate action to stand in solidarity with the writers. And to be clear, our talk show actually wrapped on April 20th.”
However, she also acknowledged her decision to resume the show amidst the strike, emphasizing that it was not just about her own name. She asserted, “I am also making the choice to come back for the first time during this strike for our show. We are in compliance with not discussing or promoting any struck film or television.”
Addressing the Audience’s Needs
Drew Barrymore recognized the importance of her show for people, particularly during these challenging times. She expressed her desire to provide the kind of connection and understanding that writers excel at, strengthening the bonds between individuals and making sense of the human experience.
In her closing remarks, Drew mentioned hoping for a swift resolution for everyone involved, highlighting the difficulties they have already faced. Despite the controversy, she took a humble step forward, ready to start the fourth season with determination.
‘The Drew Barrymore Show’ is one of the two daytime talk shows, along with ‘The Talk,’ that employs union writers. CBS, the parent company of the show, has clarified that the writing work covered by the WGA strike, including literary material, will not be performed.
The fourth season of ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’ is scheduled to premiere on September 18. It remains to be seen if Barrymore will address the controversy on-air.
