The Drew Barrymore Show head writers decline to return to show after strike
The Drew Barrymore Show is returning – for real this time – but the head writers that were shunted during Barrymore's attempt to start production during the writer's strike will not be returning with it, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Though the Writer's Guild of America Strike has now concluded, co-head writers Chelsea White, Cristina Kinon and Liz Koe, who are a part of the union, are declining to return to the show that they have been with since season one, after host Drew Barrymore attempted to start production on season four last month without them.
The host faced backlash for her decision, apologising for her decision but continuing to double down on her stance.
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Drew Barrymore will be resuming production on her show but the writers she excluded will not be returning. Instagram
"I am also making the choice to come back for the first time in this strike for our show, that may have my name on it but this is bigger than just me," she had said in a quickly-deleted apology video posted to her Instagram account.
"I know there's just nothing I can do that will make this okay for those this is not okay with. I fully accept that.
"I deeply apologise to writers," she added, "I deeply apologise to unions."
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The host apologised but doubled down on her stance. Instagram
The writers in questions were not told of the decision to resume production by either their bosses or Barrymore, instead finding out through an announcement for audience ticket giveaways that had been posted on social media.
"It is a bummer to hear that the show is going back because it sends a message that union writers are not valuable," White had told The Hollywood Reporter that morning.
Kinon added: "I understand that everybody has to do what they feel is best for them. For me and the WGA writers on the show, it's important for us to stick with our union. We deserve a fair contract, so we are here today outside."
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When asked whether they would be returning, to the show, White had simply said, "Maybe no comment."
Just two days later, Barrymore announced that she will be halting production on the show.
"I have listened to everyone, and I am making the decision to pause the show's premiere until the strike is over," she wrote in statement posted to Instagram.
"I have no words to express my deepest apologies to anyone I have hurt and, of course, to our incredible team who works on the show and has made it what it is today."
Barrymore's talk show was still allowed to continue throughout the Screen Actor's Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists strike as it did not violate the acting union's rules.
A representative from the union stated at the time, "The Drew Barrymore Show is produced under the Network Television Code which is a separate contract and is not struck. It is permissible work and Drew's role as host does not violate the current strike rules."
