The entertainment world has undergone restructuring in recent months due to the ongoing writers strike conducted by the Writers Guild of America (WGA). Some shows agreed to halt production of new seasons but before Friday, Drew Barrymore was intent on continuing The Drew Barrymore Show, a decision that drew condemnation from across the picket line and from Rosie O’Donnell.
Different programs have taken on different approaches to responding to the WGA strike. Some networks are relying on unscripted shows while others continue on with writers outside the guild. Initially, Barrymore planned on proceeding without writers but has since backtracked and canceled the program’s premiere.
Rosie O’Donnell slammed Drew Barrymore for her initial decision to proceed with her talk show
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Before the weekend, Barrymore was sticking to plans to bring her show back for a fourth season, which was due to premiere on Monday, September 18. By Friday, she posted a tearful video explaining her choice as a way of providing viewers with consistency no matter what else was going on out in the world.
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O’Donnell took to Instagram to slam this initial decision. “Stop taping the show,” she urged Barrymore. “Stop asking audiences to cross the picket line, Then ask someone to help you craft three declarative sentences. They should follow along these lines: I made an error. I apologize to the WGA for disrespecting the work of professional writers. I apologize to all union members who are withstanding real hardship as I live a life of luxury.”
‘The Drew Barrymore Show’ will not go on, as O’Donnell wanted
O’Donnell is just one of many voices criticizing Barrymore – and other hosts – for planning to continue their show amid the WGA strike. The act is referred to as “scabbing.” Over the weekend, Barrymore ultimately walked back her decision and season four did not premiere on Monday as planned.
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“I have listened to everyone, and I am making the decision to pause the show’s premiere until the strike is over,” she declared 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.”
Similarly, Bill Maher, who had initially said the WGA writers are “not the only people with issues, problems, and concerns,” agreed to halt Real Time With Bill Maher until the strike was resolved.
