Drew Barrymore Show Postpones Return Until Strike Resolution
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Drew Barrymore, announced on Sunday that she would postpone the return of her daytime talk show until strikes in Hollywood continue, resulting in an outpouring of anger. Picketers from the striking writers’ & performers’ unions protested the anticipated resumption of “The Drew Barrymore Show” as taping resumed last week. On Sunday, the actor posted on Instagram, “I have been listening to everyone, and I have taken the decision to pause the premiere of the show up until the strike is over.” Barrymore also offered her “deepest apologies to anyone I have offended.” Barrymore posted a video on Instagram on Friday indicating she was going ahead with plans to restart her talk show next week since so many jobs were at stake, but the clip was then deleted. Crew members on the programme have been out of work throughout the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, which halted production in May.
Other chat shows have stated their intentions to return to television. “Real Time” presenter Bill Maher announced the return of his HBO show minus written parts such as a monologue, instead focusing on debates with guests. The WGA stated that it was “challenging to imagine” Bill Maher, a WGA member, hosting the show while complying with strike regulations. The union stated its members would boycott the show’s filming. The Writers Guild of America has been on strike for 138 days, which might soon become the longest walkout by the WGA since a 154-day strike in 1988. The SAG-AFTRA union, which represents nearly 160,000 actors along with other performers, went on strike with the writers on July 13, introducing much of Hollywood to a halt, nevertheless, Barrymore’s daytime talk show hosting duties aren’t covered by the strike as long as she or union members refrain from discussing film or TV projects on her show.
Drew Barrymore has announced that ‘THE DREW BARRYMORE SHOW’ will no longer return until the strike is over. pic.twitter.com/wT13UvOljI
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 17, 2023
Drew Barrymore Daytime Talk Show Will ‘Pause’ Till The Hollywood Writer’s Strike Ends
Drew Barrymore stated on Sunday that she will postpone the season premiere of her daytime talk show until the writers’ union ends its months-long strike, apologising to the people she “hurt” following her initial choice to restart the production of The Drew Barrymore Show drew harsh criticism from striking writers and actors. Barrymore announced last week that her show was going to return to television without writers in order to comply with strike rules as well as allow the rest of her staff to return to work, a choice that was met with outrage on social media from writers as well as actors, which includes an entourage of Writers Guild of America members who immediately began protesting outside CBS Broadcast Centre. Barrymore originally stood by her decision as well as said as recently as Friday that the backlash had not influenced her mind, deeming the decision “complicated” and voting to “take full responsibility” for the show’s return, but adding that “there are other people’s jobs on the line,” presumably referring to the show’s non-writing staff. The presenter later altered her mind, saying in an Instagram post
CBS Media Ventures, which distributes Barrymore’s syndicated daytime show, told NBC News that it supports Barrymore’s decision to suspend production and recognises “how complicated and challenging the whole thing has been for her.” “We genuinely tried to figure out our way forward,” Barrymore wrote in her statement on Sunday. “And I truly hope that an arrangement for the entire industry can be reached very soon.”The Writers Guild of America has been on strike for 138 days, potentially becoming the longest WGA walkout since a 154-day strike in 1988. The SAG-AFTRA union, which represents nearly 160,000 actors as well as additional performers, went on strike with the writers on July 13, putting much of Hollywood to a slowdown, although Barrymore’s daytime talk show hosting responsibilities aren’t covered by the strike as long as she or union members refrain from speaking about film or TV projects on her show. Both groups are advocating for AI safeguards and higher residual compensation for shows on streaming platforms. The writers are also advocating for higher compensation and minimum staffing levels. Over 171,500 individuals are on strike in all.
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