Striking Compromise: The Controversy of Drew Barrymore’s Talk Show
Television host Drew Barrymore announced the comeback of her daytime talk show, The Drew Barrymore Show, underscoring her commitment to strictly adhering to the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strike regulations.
If you’re wondering, “Who is Drew Barrymore?” she’s a celebrated American actress, director, and producer. Barrymore burst onto the scene with Spielberg’s groundbreaking movie E.T. and later has a reputation for romantic comedies. In 2020, she branched into her own daytime television with The Drew Barrymore Show. She is going to continue it with a brand-new season without the collaboration of writers.
Drew Barrymore: “I own this choice. We are in compliance with not discussing or promoting film and television that is struck of any kind." https://t.co/CBp3mW06bE
— Variety (@Variety) September 11, 2023
But why would her show continue without its writers? Barrymore shed light on this through social media, noting that The Drew Barrymore Show wrapped up its last season on April 20. This move stirred controversy when the WGA declared that any further content for Barrymore’s show would break strike rules.
Countering this, the show’s team confirmed their compliance with all strike regulations. The CBS-distributed show had a contract with SAG-AFTRA and had already won union members’ renewal and approval in 2022. Given the SAG-AFTRA strike conditions, future guest stars on Barrymore’s show must avoid discussing or promoting any projects related to the strike.
However, controversy flared again when rumors emerged that The Drew Barrymore Show crew removed two audience members sporting WGA badges during a taping. This sparked fresh debates on the show’s position during the strike. Some noted that other shows, such as The View, continued amid the WGA/SAG strike without facing similar criticisms.
Audience members wearing WGA support pins have been kicked out of ‘THE DREW BARRYMORE SHOW’.
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 11, 2023
The series has resumed filming today without any writers due the studio’s refusal to agree on a fair deal.
(Source: https://t.co/ct3uaKQZIB) pic.twitter.com/VeKLcqskMW
The View (most prominently) and other talk shows have continued production throughout the WGA/SAG strike in the same capacity without the pushback…
— luca (@LucaGuadagnegro) September 11, 2023
However, The Drew Barrymore show actually kicking out people with WGA/SAG support pins on their clothing is crazy, no? pic.twitter.com/q1F6LkqDg8
It’s essential to recognize Barrymore’s individual stance. She has repeatedly voiced her support for the strike. To demonstrate her solidarity, Barrymore declined to host the MTV Film and TV Awards, aligning herself with the striking WGA members. She emphasized in a post, “In the strike’s first week, standing with the writers felt like the only right decision.”
