Drew Barrymore is continuing to feel the fallout from her controversial decision to continue The Drew Barrymore Show amid the WGA strike. While the talk show host ultimately decided to hit “pause” on the Season 4 premiere, it’s been reported that three of her writers will not return — even though the strike officially ended last week.
Chelsea White, Cristina Kinon, and Liz Koe — the only three WGA writers employed on the staff — were reportedly offered new contracts to rejoin the upcoming season. However, they allegedly opted to reject the show’s offers, according to sources who spoke to The Hollywood Reporter.
The outlet further reports that The Drew Barrymore Show is currently interviewing new writers ahead of the new season, which is slated to premiere on Monday, Oct. 16.
Decider has reached out to reps for The Drew Barrymore Show but did not hear back by time of publication.
Last month, Barrymore faced backlash for planning to return to her daytime talk show before the end of the strike. Among those picketing outside of CBS Studios when tapings began were the three writers, including Kinon, who claimed Barrymore would “prolong the strike” by firing up cameras prematurely.
“I personally understand that everybody has to make the best decision for themselves. I know that this show has a crew of hundreds of people who need to be paid, and I understand the perspective of wanting to protect your cast, your crew, and your staff,” she told The Daily Beast at the time, before later adding, “It is frustrating, because it will prolong the strike, and we just want it to end.”
An Instagram post standing by her decision and a since-deleted tearful apology later, Barrymore ultimately decided to delay the premiere of her show, which was originally slated for Sept. 18.
“I have listened to everyone, and I am making the decision to pause the show’s premiere until the strike is over,” she wrote on her social media page. “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.”
The Drew Barrymore Show Season 4 will premiere Oct. 16. Check the website for local listings.