Drew Barrymore Show writers refuse to return after huge backlash for filming

05 October 2023 , 08:12

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Drew Barrymore Show writers refuse to return after huge backlash for filming

Drew Barrymore may have more difficulty getting her show back on screen, despite the WGA strike finally being over, as her head writers refuse to return to the talkshow.

Sources revealed that three of her writers were "offered deals" after the WGA strike was lifted last month. It's believed that the trio shared the position of co-writer on the series and declined to take back their role, according to Variety.

Instead, new writers are being interviewed for the writer role ahead of the show's return, which is set for October 16th.

Drew was the centre of controversy after it was announced that her talk show would resume production while the writers' union WGA were on strike. It was suggested that the syndicated show would return without any writers and that it would comply with strike rules.

The WGA strike has come to an end (Getty Images)

Following a backlash over the announcement, Drew revealed that the show's return was "paused" until the end of the strike. She issued a statement confirming the news, which she shared with fans on Instagram.

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She wrote on the platform: "I have listened to everyone, and I am making the decision to pause the show's premiere until the strike is over." She went on to apologise to those "hurt" by the previous decision and apologised to her colleagues.

The statement comes after Drew reportedly apologised in a video - which is said to have since been deleted - that was shared just days ago. It came following criticism over the decision to resume production on the actor's talk show, with some suggesting it didn't show solidarity with those striking.

Drew was involved in controversy (Variety via Getty Images)

She apologised in a now deleted video (Getty Images)

The news that the 146-day strike may finally be ending comes after many long and consecutive days of negotiation. The Writers Guild of America and the labour group representing studios and streamers are said to have reached a "tentative" deal.

The Writers Guild of America emailed strike captains. Shortly thereafter, its negotiating committee emailed members. "We have reached a tentative agreement on a new 2023 MBA, which is to say an agreement in principle on all deal points, subject to drafting final contract language," the message read.

"We can say, with great pride, that this deal is exceptional – with meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of the membership. To be clear, no one is to return to work until specifically authorised to by the Guild.

"We are still on strike until then. But we are, as of today, suspending WGA picketing. Instead, if you are able, we encourage you to join the SAG-AFTRA picket lines this week," the statement concluded.

Lauren Gordon