Drew Barrymore Show Writers Choose Not to Return
In the realm of daytime television, “The Drew Barrymore Show” is gearing up for its grand return. However, an interesting twist unfolds as three prominent Writers Guild of America (WGA) writers have decided not to rejoin the ranks of the show’s writing team.
Drew Barrymore stirred up controversy last month with her announcement that her talk show would kick off its fourth season without its dedicated writing staff. This decision sent shockwaves through her fanbase, and the repercussions were soon felt with several guest cancellations. In response to the backlash and disruptions, Barrymore changed course, deciding to halt the show’s return until the WGA strike came to a conclusion.
With the WGA strike now officially over, “The Drew Barrymore Show” is slated to make its comeback on October 16. However, Chelsea White, Cristina Kinon, and Liz Koe, the show’s co-head writers, have chosen to decline the offer to return, according to insider sources. The production team is now actively searching for new writers who will be in compliance with the guild’s regulations.
During the show’s initial return to production in mid-September, White, Kinon, and Koe were highly visible and vocal in their protest. These three writers, who have held the title of co-head writer since the show’s first season, were often seen picketing outside Drew’s Manhattan studio. Their signs bore messages such as “Honk if you [love] union labor” or “Drew’s News: Strikes.”
On September 11, the day the show resumed production, they expressed their disappointment at not being informed about Drew’s return by their superiors or colleagues but rather through audience ticket giveaways on social media. White stated, “It is disheartening to learn that the show is resuming without valuing union writers.” Kinon added, “For me and the WGA writers on the show, it’s crucial to stand by our union. We deserve a fair contract, which is why we are here today.”
When asked if they intended to return to the show once the strike ended, White gave a succinct “no comment.”
Although Drew Barrymore’s initial decision to restart the show without her writing staff sparked controversy, it did not violate SAG-AFTRA rules. A SAG-AFTRA representative clarified that “The Drew Barrymore Show” operates under the Network Television Code, a separate contract that was unaffected by the strike. Thus, Drew’s role as the host did not breach the current strike rules. Nonetheless, Barrymore took to social media on September 10 to preemptively defend her choice, which led to her being the target of criticism.
In her statement, she took ownership of her decision and reminded her devoted fanbase of her previous solidarity with the WGA. Back in May, she had stepped down from her hosting duties at the MTV Movie and TV Awards in support of the WGA. On that night, she won the award for best host and used a prerecorded acceptance speech to acknowledge White, Kinon, and Koe as “our amazing, amazing writers.” She expressed her gratitude, saying, “This is definitely for them and every single person who makes this show.” It’s worth noting that the three writers have also earned two Emmy nominations for their invaluable contributions to the show.
This unexpected turn of events has certainly added a layer of complexity to the show’s return, with new writers set to take the reins as “The Drew Barrymore Show” prepares to make its comeback without the familiar trio of co-head writers
