The Drew Barrymore Show recently resumed filming amidst the ongoing writers’ and actors’ strike, drawing criticism from the show’s scribes who gathered outside the studio in protest. The Writers Guild of America East, in a Twitter statement, confirmed that “The Drew Barrymore Show” falls under their coverage and is affected by the strike, expressing their disapproval of the show’s decision to continue without its writers. The statement went on to declare their intent to picket against struck shows still in production, emphasizing that any writing on the show would be in violation of WGA strike regulations.
Chelsea White, one of the writers picketing outside CBS’ studios, expressed disappointment regarding the network’s choice to proceed with the show. She stressed that this issue extends beyond just the three writers from “The Drew Barrymore Show,” remarking, “I think in general, this is obviously a broader concern than the three of us on the show. It’s disheartening to witness the show’s return because it conveys a message that union writers are not valued, running counter to the joint efforts of unions like WGA and SAG-AFTRA to combat the avarice of the studios.”
While CBS Media Ventures clarified that “The Drew Barrymore Show” would not engage in any writing work covered by the WGA strike, the decision to resume the show’s production raised questions about its ethical implications. The popular daytime talk show, now in its fourth season, is slated to return on Monday, September 18, as per CBS’s announcement. Although, from a SAG-AFTRA strike rules perspective, Barrymore is technically permitted to film the show, the involvement of Writers Guild of America members in the production has left some unconvinced about the ethical standpoint of producing the TV show without these writers. In the absence of the show’s writers, producers and other staff members are expected to assume responsibility for tasks such as crafting jokes, preparing interview questions, and composing the opening monologue, effectively redistributing the writing responsibilities that guild members typically handle.
