Drew Barrymore reversing decision to bring show back during writers strike

Talk-show host Drew Barrymore announced Sunday that she will reverse her decision to bring back her show during the writers strike. 

“I have listened to everyone, and I am making the decision to pause the show’s premiere until the strike is over,” Barrymore posted Sunday on 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.”

“We really tried to find our way forward. And I truly hope for a resolution for the entire industry very soon,” she added.

Barrymore announced last week that her show would return to the air Monday without three writers represented by the Writers Guild of America (WGA). The decision was met with immediate pushback on social media, and the WGA said that the show should not return to air. 

Members of the WGA picketed outside Barrymore’s studio as she resumed taping last week. She had also attempted to defend her decision in a now-deleted video posted Friday on Instagram.

“I don’t exactly know what to say because sometimes when things are so tough, it’s hard to make decisions from that place,” Barrymore said in the now-deleted video. “My decision to go back to the show — I didn’t want to hide behind people … I won’t polish this with bells and whistles and publicists and corporate rhetoric.”

The National Book Foundation also announced it was rescinding Barrymore’s invitation to host the National Book Award ceremony amid her decision to return to air.

If hosts and guests on talk shows do not discuss work covered by television, theatrical or streaming contracts, they are not technically breaking strike rules. However, WGA members have expressed disapproval about daytime talk shows returning to the air.