Drew Barrymore Show head writers decline to return after hosts strike controversy The Drew Barrymore Show is gearing up for its on-air return after the Writers Guild of America strike officially ended last week. However, the syndicated show will be facing a setback as it will not have its three former head writers on board.
On Wednesday, the production team of Drew Barrymore’s show took to Instagram to announce a new premiere date for Season 4, which is set to kick off on October 16. Unfortunately, the three co-head writers who were previously part of the talk show – Cristina Kanon, Chelsea White, and Liz Koe – have turned down offers to rejoin the team, according to an individual familiar with the matter, who spoke to USA TODAY on Wednesday but requested anonymity due to a lack of authorization to speak publicly.
As a result, the show is currently in the process of conducting interviews to find replacement writers and ensure compliance with the guild’s regulations.
In early May, the Writers Guild of America (WGA), the union that represents the writers responsible for many beloved TV shows and movies, initiated a strike to advocate for better compensation, benefits, and other important concerns.
Barrymore faced a wave of social media criticism and encountered picketers outside New York City studios after revealing on September 10th that her show would resume airing amidst the strike. However, just a week later, Barrymore reversed course and used Instagram to declare that she had chosen to postpone the show’s premiere until after the strike concludes.
“I lack the words to adequately convey my profound apologies to those I have harmed, including our remarkable team that has contributed to the show’s current success,” Barrymore expressed.
Late-night television has made its return! However, shows like Fallon, Kimmel, and Colbert must navigate a world post-WGA strike.
Meanwhile, “The Talk” and “The Jennifer Hudson Show” had initially scheduled their comebacks for September 18 but decided to cancel those plans as well.
After the Hollywood writers’ strike concluded on September 27, daytime shows are now making their comeback. Hudson’s syndicated talk show is currently broadcasting fresh episodes, and fans can look forward to the return of “The Talk” on October 9th.