With the great writer’s strike of 2023 finally resolved, tv shows are beginning to air again. The late night hosts are back at it already, and more programs will be returning in the upcoming weeks. If Drew Barrymore had her way, she would’ve had her show back on the air sooner than that. In a seemingly affront to her writing staff (and the rest of the WGA), she originally planned bring her show back without the writers. This act did not go unforgotten as when Barrymore’s show officially returns, the head co-writers will not be returning with it.
Chelsea White, Cristina Kinon, and Liz Koe share the title of co-head writer, and have been with the “The Drew Barrymore Show” since its first season. They will not be returning for the fourth according to reports regarding the program.
There may have been a hint of this dating back to September 11th, 2023 during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. When White was asked about whether or not she would return to the show once the strike was over she replied, “Maybe no comment.” Not especially promising, even in the most generous interpretation.
As of the time of this writing, the three writers have not released any statement regarding their departure from the show. We can’t officially say then that Barrymore’s attempted continuation of the show was the reason for the writer’s not returning, but it would be staggering if it wasn’t the reason. Even though it has been pointed out that daytime television shows do not have to follow the same rules regarding the WGA as primetime television does, it’s hard not to see what Barrymore was doing as a scab move.
It should be noted in fairness, Barrymore did apologize for attempting to bring back her show sans writers but it did little to stem the backlash. If that wasn’t clear then it’s certainly clear now. The show is currently searching for new writers ahead of its fourth season premiere on October 16th. As for White, Kinon, and Koe, we wish them the very best in landing a new job where their talent can be utilized and respected to their fullest.
