Title: Drew Barrymore Delays Premiere of Talkshow Amidst Ongoing Strikes
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KP INSIDER – Renowned actress and talkshow host Drew Barrymore has made the difficult decision to postpone the premiere of her highly anticipated talkshow, The Drew Barrymore Show, until the ongoing writers’ and actors’ strikes come to a resolution.
Barrymore’s choice comes in response to the criticism she faced after taping new episodes of her show despite the strikes initiated by the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. However, she has now publicly acknowledged her mistake, expressing her deepest apologies on Instagram to anyone she may have hurt and to her hardworking team.
In solidarity with the strikes, CBS talkshow The Talk has also decided to delay its return. Nevertheless, other daytime shows including The View, Tamron Hall, and Live With Kelly and Ryan have resumed production since they are not bound by the same regulations enforced by the writers’ guild.
While some shows have chosen to forge ahead despite the strikes, Barrymore has taken a firm stance. The episodes of The Drew Barrymore Show that were previously taped will not be aired, and instead, viewers will be treated to repeats. This comes as Barrymore’s unwavering dedication to the cause led to her being uninvited from hosting the National Book Awards in November.
It is important to note that talkshows only contribute to breaking the strike if hosts and guests discuss or promote work covered by television, theatrical, or streaming contracts. Therefore, as long as these topics are avoided, the shows are not technically in violation.
Barrymore’s decision has not gone unnoticed, as she garnered support from notable figures in the industry like Ariel Dumas, head writer and supervising producer for The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. Applauding Barrymore’s choice, Dumas praised her commitment to the plight of the striking workers.
As the writers’ guild and the actor’s federation continue to battle the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, representing major entertainment companies, the industry’s landscape remains uncertain. In the midst of this ongoing strike, Barrymore’s steadfast commitment to the cause is a testament to her integrity as an artist and a voice for labor rights within the entertainment industry.