While CBS recently announced that “The Drew Barrymore Show” will be returning with new episodes on September 18, host Drew Barrymore took to Instagram to explain her stance on the ongoing Writers Guild of America, or WGA, strike.
The talk show host explained in her social media post that while she backed out of hosting the MTV Movie & TV Awards a few months ago, she’s made a decision to go ahead with the new season of her show because “this is bigger than just me.”
Drew Barrymore Speaks Out On Her Decision To Cross The Picket Line
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Barrymore addressed the situation and why she’s decided to come back during the strike.
“I made a choice to walk away from the MTV, film and television awards because I was the host and it had a direct conflict with what the strike was dealing with which was studios, streamers, film, and television. It was also in the first week of the strike and so I did what I thought was the appropriate thing at the time to stand in solidarity with the writers,” her Instagram announcement reads.
“And to be clear, our talk show actually wrapped on April 20th so we never had to shut down the show. However, I am also making the choice to come back for the first time in this strike for our show, that may have my name on it but this is bigger than just me.”
Drew Barrymore – Instagram
The “50 First Dates” actress continued to explain why she’s decided to “take a step forward to start season 4.”
“Our show was built for sensitive times and has only functioned through what the real world is going through in real time,” she continued. “I want to be there to provide what writers do so well, which is a way to bring us together or help us make sense of the human experience.”
Shortly after Barrymore shared her announcement, many took to the comments to leave their thoughts. At quick glance, the majority of comments are positive, supportive, and grateful.
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“MOTHER DREW DOES IT AGAIN!” one comment reads.
Another follower shared, “You’re helping keep your staffs’ rents paid and food on the table! Good for you! 👏👏👏”
Another person thanked Barrymore by writing, “Thank you for sticking by your morals and beliefs no matter what!”
One fan reminded the talk show host that she’s needed during tough times. “We need you on TV Drew…you help get us all through the tough times. 💗💗💗”
WGA Spokesperson Speaks Out On “The Drew Barrymore Show” Return Despite The Strike
The Drew Barrymore Show – Instagram
Jason Gordon, WGA spokesperson, recently spoke with Vanity Fair about “The Drew Barrymore Show” returning to television during the strike.
“‘The Drew Barrymore Show’ is a WGA-covered struck television show. It has stayed off the air since the strike began on May 2nd, but has now (unfortunately) decided to return without its writers,” he told Vanity Fair. “The Guild has, and will continue to, picket any struck show that continues production during the duration of the strike.”
Writers will be present at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City starting at 6:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 11 when audience members will be welcomed into Barrymore’s studio for tapings. Barrymore, her employees and audience members will have to cross a WGA picket line to attend the tapings.
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What about the show’s celebrity guests? Members of the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) have been on strike since mid-July, but they are allowed to appear on talk shows as long as they do not promote any work distributed, produced, or financed by studios or streaming platforms that are part of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
While it hasn’t been announced which celebrity guests will be on Barrymore‘s show this season, it’s been reported that her co-hosts will be returning. Ross Matthews, chef Pilar Valdes, sustainable lifestyle expert Danny Seo, interior designer Mikel Welch will be returning, as well as some new additions to the show including celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton.
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There will also be a new segment focusing on women’s health titled, “Take Care Everywhere.” Barrymore and The Menopause Bootcamp founder Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz will answer questions that people may be too embarrassed to discuss with their doctors.
The first episode of season 4 of “The Drew Barrymore Show” airs on CBS on Monday, Sept. 18.