The three co-head writers for The Drew Barrymore Show aren't returning to production, despite the Hollywood writers strike coming to an end.
Sources close to the production told NBC that offers were extended to all three after the work stoppage was lifted on Sept. 27, but that all three declined. The sources did not reveal the reason behind their decision.
Barrymore received intense backlash from industry professionals and fans alike earlier in September when she announced that her daytime talk show would be returning amid the strike, without writers.
“I own this choice. ... Our show was built for sensitive times and has only functioned through what the real world is going through in real time,” Barrymore wrote on Instagram. “I want to be there to provide what writers do so well, which is a way to bring us together or help us make sense of the human experience.
According to the Writer's Guild of America, any writing on shows — such as introductions, monologues, sketches, and questions for the show’s guests — violate the union's strike rules, as it replaces the work of union members. The WGA subsequently announced it would be picketing Barrymore's show upon her return.
Barrymore was dropped as the host of the National Book Awards in response. The actor walked back her decision just a week later and paused her show's return, apologizing to those who felt disappointed in her choices.
"I have listened to everyone, and I am making the decision to pause the show's premiere until the strike is over," Barrymore wrote." 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."
The writers' strike would go on to end less than ten days later.
