Drew Barrymore is being criticized on social media by other actors, writers and fans for resurrecting her namesake daytime talk show during the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. "The Drew Barrymore Show" is set to return on September 18.
While Barrymore's show does not violate SAG-AFTRA standards as the host (guild contracts for talk shows, game shows, variety shows, and soap operas were extended and ratified in 2022), it does employ WGA writers. This means that future episodes of "The Drew Barrymore Show" will have to use either violating WGA members, non-WGA authors, or no one at all. According to a spokeswoman for CBS Media Ventures, the show will "not be performing any writing work covered by the WGA strike."
A fan Claire Willett wrote on X (Twitter) “Because the strike prevents studios from sending them out to promote work, I intend to heavily side-eye every celebrity actor friend of Drew Barrymore who comes to sit on her couch and talk about skincare or their childhoods while their fellow union members are picketing”.
TV writer Gennefer Gross posted on Facebook, "Drew Barrymore has always been someone who recognized her privilege and aimed to evolve, Therefore, I'm hoping she'll rethink her rash decision to openly support scabbing in order to pay her workforce, as doing so damages both unions.”
"This is incredibly disappointing," wrote writer and comic Adam Conover.
In a September 10 social media post, Barrymore justified her decision to return, stating, "I own this choice." We agree to refrain from discussing or promoting any type of strike film or television. We went live during a global pandemic. Our show was created for delicate times and has only functioned in response to what the real world is experiencing in real time."
Her statement was widely condemned, with many urging her to reconsider her decision.
While another fan tweeted, “This is quite discouraging. WGA writers are presently on strike on @DrewBarrymore's show. She has decided to return to the air without them, forcing her guests to cross a picket line. Drew: This is detrimental to your authors and other union workers. Please think about it.”
Another one wrote “Worst of all, Drew and her production business claim to be abiding with WGA strike guidelines. They are not; they are breaking the rules by creating a WGA-covered, written show during a strike that does not include WGA writers”.
Fans did admire the "Never Been Kissed" star as well. "In my opinion, your show is really important to a lot of people, and I think it's great that you're finding a way to come back," one user commented.
The Drew Barrymore Show is shot in New York City and debuted in 2020.