Her image as America’s beloved granddaughter, which has followed her since Steven Spielberg’s E.T., has taken a hit. Under fire from the writers’ guild on strike since May, Drew Barrymore has backtracked: his daily talk show, The Drew Barrymore Show broadcast by CBS, will not resume until the strike is over.
“I listened to everyone and I am making the decision to suspend the premiere of the show until the end of the strike,” the actress wrote in a statement on Instagram on Sunday. “I do not have words strong enough to express my sincerest apologies to everyone I have hurt. And, of course, to our incredible team. We really tried to find a solution but it didn’t work.”
Drew Barrymore announced last week her intention to make her television comeback on Monday September 18. Without the authors of the texts of the show, member of the guild and therefore on strike. She also pledged not to invite any stars to promote current films or series. What the double strike of actors and screenwriters against Hollywood studios prohibits. The actress explained that she wanted to come back to save her show and the jobs it generates for technicians and assistants.
Because The Drew Barrymore Show is in syndication, the show must provide a minimum number of episodes to local television stations that air the show to remain on the air. On average, it is necessary to provide enough to fill the grids for 35 to 40 weeks. If this objective is not achieved, the program may be canceled.
This argument did not convince his peers or the guild which had invited its members to set up strike pickets during the recording of the first shows last week. This weekend, several renowned actors, such as Bradley Whitford (The Handmaid’s Tale), Debra Messing (Will and Grace) and Alyssa Milano (Charmed), urged Drew Barrymore to reconsider his decision.
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Faced with this outcry, Drew Barrymore removed the apology video from Instagram that she had posted a few hours earlier on Friday. In the near-tears clip, she explained: “There’s nothing I can’t do or say right now to make everything okay. I wanted to own my decision which does not result from or reflect any public relations strategy. I take full responsibility for my actions.” Given the economic issues in the spotlight, Drew Barrymore probably acted on the advice of his producers.
The Drew Barrymore Show, recorded last week, will not be broadcast. CBS will show reruns. The Drew Barrymore Show is not the only talk show to have to give up returning to the air: Bill Maher, who works on HBO, also had to give up. The screenwriters guild and studio representatives are due to meet for a new discussion session this Wednesday.