The show must go on but for Drew Barrymore, it will go on without three of her writers.
Writers Guild of America members Chelsea White, Cristina Kinon and Liz Koe have decided not to return to “The Drew Barrymore Show,” despite their union’s strike being over, according to an exclusive report from the Hollywood Reporter.
Barrymore, 48, has set Oct. 16 as the return date for the fourth season of her eponymous daytime talk show.
The trio of co-head writers, who had been staffers on the program since Season 1, have declined offers to return, causing show producers to go on a frantic search for new writers according to sources.
The Post contacted reps for Barrymore, White, Kinon, Koe and the Writers Guild for comment.
The “50 First Dates” actress made headlines last month when she announced that the show would return on Sept. 18 amid the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
“I am also making the choice to come back for the first time in this strike for our show, that may have my name on it but this is bigger than just me,” she wrote in a statement on Instagram. “I own this choice.”
Her message continued, “We are in compliance with not discussing or promoting film and television that is struck of any kind. We launched live in a global pandemic. Our show was built for sensitive times and has only functioned through what the real world is going through in real time.”
She added: “I want to be there to provide what writers do so well, which is a way to bring us together or help us make sense of the human experience. I hope for a resolve for everyone as soon as possible. We have navigated difficult times since we first came on air. And so I take a step forward to start season 4 once again with an astute humility.”
After facing backlash for taping during the WGA strike, Barrymore changed her tune and a week later announced that she had chosen to “pause” the Season 4 premiere of her talk show.
“I have listened to everyone, and I am making the decision to pause the show’s premiere until the strike is over,” wrote Barrymore 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.”
White, Kinon and Koe were at the forefront of the movement against Barrymore’s initial September return amid the strikes and were photographed protesting outside of the show’s New York City studio, holding up signs that read, “Honk if you [love] union labor” or “Drew’s News: Strikes.”
“It is a bummer to hear that the show is going back because it sends a message that union writers are not valuable,” White told THR after Barrymore initially announced her early return. “I understand that everybody has to do what they feel is best for them. For me and the WGA writers on the show, it’s important for us to stick with our union. We deserve a fair contract, so we are here today outside.”
“The Drew Barrymore Show” will air weekdays on CBS. Barrymore and Jason Kurtz are executive producers.
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