Drew Barrymore and ‘The Talk’ Delay Their Talk Shows Amid Ongoing Hollywood Strikes

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Drew Barrymore, who faced public disapproval for proceeding with new episodes of her daytime talk show amidst the active strikes involving writers and actors, has now declared that she will suspend her show until the labor disputes are settled. Shortly afterward, CBS’s “The Talk” also announced a similar postponement.

“On Sunday, I conveyed through Instagram that the show’s premiere will be on hold until the resolution of the strike,” stated Barrymore. “I offer my sincerest apologies to those who may have been offended, and I express my gratitude to our remarkable team who has built the show to what it is today.”

Initially, Barrymore planned to air her show on Monday without her three union-affiliated writers and despite the presence of striking writers picketing outside her New York studio, leading to substantial criticism on social platforms.

A spokesperson for CBS Media Ventures commented, “We are in agreement with Drew’s choice to suspend the return of the show and acknowledge the intricacies and challenges she has faced throughout this process.”

While other daytime shows like ABC’s “The View,” “Tamron Hall,” and “Live With Kelly and Ryan”—which are not bound by Writers Guild regulations—have already started airing new episodes, “The Jennifer Hudson Show” is slated to recommence its broadcast on Monday.

Additional Coverage

• Strikes in Hollywood Progress as Daytime Shows Like Barrymore’s Resume Despite Pickets
• Drew Barrymore Disqualified as Host for National Book Awards Following Resumption of Her Show Amid Strike
• Trespassing Incident at Fashion Show Linked to Suspect Stalking Drew Barrymore, According to Police

“The Talk” has also abandoned its Monday relaunch plans. “We are currently reassessing plans for a new launch date,” stated CBC in an official release on Sunday.

Ariel Dumas, the chief writer and supervising producer for “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” commented on X, formerly known as Twitter: “It’s commendable,” she wrote, indicating that “The Drew Barrymore Show” had “opted for the right course of action. I hope shows like @TheView will take a similar approach.”

It’s important to note that as long as the talk show hosts and their guests avoid discussing or promoting work that falls under television, theatrical, or streaming contracts, they are not technically violating the strike. This is due to talk shows being regulated under a different agreement known as the Network Code, which is distinct from the contracts that actors and writers are currently striking over. The Network Code also encompasses reality TV, sports broadcasts, morning news programs, soap operas, and game shows.

In response to Barrymore’s decision, the National Book Awards rescinded her hosting invitation for their November event. The decision was made “in light of the announcement that ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’ will continue production.”

The ongoing labor strike involves the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, who are in conflict with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. The latter organization represents industry giants such as Disney, Netflix, Amazon, and others.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hollywood strikes

More about Hollywood strikes

• Drew Barrymore’s Instagram Statement
• CBS Official Release on “The Talk”
• Writers Guild of America’s Update on the Strike
• National Book Awards Official Announcement
• Coverage on Ongoing Hollywood Strikes
• Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists Statement
• Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers
• Analysis on the Impact of Strikes on Daytime Shows
• Public Reaction on Social Media