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Drew Barrymore talks about returning to her daytime talk show amid the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Earlier this year, The Drew Barrymore Show host stepped down from hosting duties at the MTV Movie & TV Awards to support the writers.
“I decided to walk away from the MTV, Film and Television Awards because I was the presenter and there was a direct conflict with what the strike was about, namely studios, streamers, film and television,” Barrymore said in an interview statement she shared on Instagram. “It was also in the first week of the strike and so I did what I thought was appropriate at the time to show solidarity with the writers.”
She continued, “And just to be clear, our talk show actually ended on April 20th, so we never had to end the show. However, I am also making the decision to come back for the first time in this strike for our show, which may have my name on it, but this is bigger than just me.”
The fourth season premiere of The Drew Barrymore Show is scheduled for Monday, September 18, a decision Barrymore says is hers alone and will be consistent with SAG-AFTRA and WGA strike rules.
“I own this choice. We adhere to not discussing or promoting films and TV shows that have been impacted in any way,” she added. “We launched live in a global pandemic. Built for sensitive times, our show only works through what the real world is going through in real time.”
Barrymore continued: “I want to be there to convey what authors do so well, and this is a way to bring us together or help us understand the human experience.” I hope for a resolution for everyone as quickly as possible . We’ve been through difficult times since we first went on the air. And so I take a step forward to begin Season 4 all over again with astute humility.”
A spokesperson for CBS Media Ventures, which is behind the daytime anchor, said in a statement to Deadline: “The Drew Barrymore Show will not undertake any writing work that falls under the WGA strike.”
Additionally, WGAE plans to host the show beginning Monday, September 11, when taping for the new season is scheduled to begin in New York. The guest lineup for the show’s first week has not yet been announced.
“The Drew Barrymore Show is a WGA covered hit show. It has not aired since the strike began on May 2, but has now (unfortunately) decided to return without its writers,” a WGAE spokesperson said in a statement to Deadline. “The Guild has and will continue to picket any striking show whose production continues for the duration of the strike.”