Backlash Over Drew Barrymore Resuming Her Talk Show, Explained

These days, TV has been rife with controversy due to the ongoing strikes of writers and actors around the industry. Now, Drew Barrymore is part of the controversy surrounding the strike. Barrymore is getting backlash for returning to work and resuming episodes of the Drew Barrymore Show.

The star’s daytime talk show wrapped production earlier in 2023, right before the Writers Guild of America strikes started in May. Some people thought that she shut the show down in solidarity but were confused when the actress stated that her show would be airing in September during the strike.

Does The Drew Barrymore Show violate strike rules?

As Barrymore has been a working actress since the young age of five and is a SAG-AFTRA member, the fact that she has a talk show excludes her from the other contracts that have failed to reach a deal after expiring. Like sports, reality TV, and morning news shows, those who star in talk shows aren’t on strike right now.

While the celebrity herself hasn’t directly violated the many strikes going on, its WGA-member workers have been left behind.