‘Drew Barrymore Show’ Writers Refuse To Return After WGA Strike Ends, Report Says

Forbes Business Breaking ‘Drew Barrymore Show’ Writers Refuse To Return After WGA Strike Ends, Report Says Brian Bushard Forbes Staff I cover breaking news for Forbes Following Oct 4, 2023, 06:07pm EDT | Press play to listen to this article! Got it! Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Topline Three Writers Guild of America staff writers on The Drew Barrymore Show refused to come back to the show after Barrymore announced the program’s long-awaited return following the resolution of the WGA strike, sources told the Hollywood Reporter on Wednesday afternoon, less than a month after Barrymore sparked controversy by announcing the show would air before the WGA strike ended. Three writers on The Drew Barrymore Show will not return to the show when it airs. NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images Key Facts The three writers—Cristina Kinon, Liz Koe and Chelsea White—rejected an offer to return to their old jobs writing for the daytime talk show, which had been slated to return for its fourth season before the end of the strike last month before Barrymore backtracked and delayed its return date on October 16 following heavy backlash.

Barrymore, who starred in 50 First Dates, Never Been Kissed, E. T. The Extra-Terrestrial and Donnie Darko , among other high-profile roles, announced plans last month to bring back the show nearly five months into the WGA’s strike, which began in May as writers demanded better pay from studios along with protections from artificial intelligence.

She apologized to her writers and striking members of the WGA in an Instagram video last month, though she doubled down on her pledge to bring back the show, saying: “there are other people’s jobs on the line,” including production workers not represented by the WGA. Two days later, however, Barrymore backtracked on the decision, saying the season four premiere would be delayed until the end of the WGA strike (the National Book Foundation later rescinded its invitation to Barrymore to host its National Book Awards Ceremony in November). Tangent Barrymore’s return announcement came just days after HBO’s Real Time host Bill Maher said his show would resume production without its writers, even as his late-night counterparts swore off returns, instead launching a joint podcast with proceeds supporting their out-of-work staff members.

What To Watch For Shows returning . Saturday Night Live announced its long-awaited return on Wednesday, with the NBC mainstay coming back on October 14. Throughout October, Americans can expect the return of CBS’ The Talk and NBC’s The Kelly Clarkson Show , while major network late-night talk shows, including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Late Night with Seth Meyers, returned on Monday.

Further Reading Drew Barrymore Apologizes —But Stands By Decision To Continue Talk Show During Writers’ Strike (Forbes) Drew Barrymore Backtracks: Talk Show Paused Until Hollywood Strikes End After Union Criticism (Forbes) Writers’ Strike Is Over: ‘Saturday Night Live’ Announces Return Date As These Other Shows Return To Air (Forbes) Send me a secure tip . Brian Bushard Editorial Standards Print Reprints & Permissions.