Drew Barrymore's Head Writers Quit After Impatience During Strike

Drew Barrymore's hasty return to her eponymous talk show amid the WGA strike seems to have cost the actress three employees.

The Hollywood sensation fell from grace in September by announcing "The Drew Barrymore Show" would resume filming while the Writers Guild Association was picketing for better terms in their employment contracts.

The "Blended" star faced severe backlash for failing to support the laborers' strike, and she was forced to pause the program's production. In a cruel twist of fate, the WGA negotiations reached a favorable outcome a week later, but the Culver City native's writers will not be returning to their positions.

Although the WGA strike is over, three of its union's members — Chelsea White, Cristina Kinon, and Liz Koe — have refused to continue working on "The Drew Barrymore Show." The Hollywood Reporter broke the news, revealing the trio had declined the "Firestarter" actress's offer to return.

The women's refusal is understandable, given their vehement disapproval of Barrymore's decision to continue production amid the WGA strike. The union members, who were the talk show's co-head writers since its debut, publicly expressed dissatisfaction by picketing outside the entertainer's Manhattan studio.

The group was spotted on multiple occasions holding signs that read, “Honk if you [love] union labor” or “Drew’s News: Strikes.” Additionally, White, Kinon, and Koe claimed they did not learn about the show's return through Barrymore or their colleagues but discovered the truth on social media.

Apparently, showrunners had promoted the filming's continuation with audience ticket giveaways. “It is a bummer to hear that the show is going back because it sends a message that union writers are not valuable,” White lamented on September 11, the first day the program began production.

Kinon echoed similar sentiments, saying: “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.”

When asked if they would continue their relationship with Barrymore once the strike ended, White seemingly hinted at the trio's plans to quit by ambiguously responding, “Maybe, no comment.” With their confirmed departure, "The Drew Barrymore Show" production team is reportedly searching for new writers.

Additionally, they have learned a valuable lesson from the ordeal, and will be in compliance  with the WGA union from now on.

Fans may recall that Barrymore shocked the world with the news of "The Drew Barrymore Show" resuming its new season on September 10, saying, "I own this choice. 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."

However, after weeks of severe backlash, as outraged fans poured their anger on the "Charlie's Angels" star, she backtracked on her decision. Following what appeared to be a well-needed self-reflection on why the public had turned its back on her, Barrymore returned with an apologetic Instagram post.

“I have listened to everyone, and I am making the decision to pause the show’s premiere until the strike is over,” the Hollywood Walk of Fame honoree revealed.

“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,” the TV personality concluded. “We really tried to find our way forward. And I truly hope for a resolution for the entire industry very soon.”

A week after she forcefully paused her talk show, the WGA union unintentionally did Barrymore dirty by suspending the strike. Following the announcement, fans took to X to bash the TV personality for her impatience.

“Drew Barrymore ruined her good name just for them to reach an agreement days later,” someone quipped with another, speculating that the "50 First Dates" actress had influenced the end of the strike with her actions. The X user claimed:

“People are saying that Drew Barrymore could have just held out another week, but the WGA proving they could make an example of her probably sped things up quite a bit.”

Meanwhile, others rubbed the "Santa Clarita Diet" star's situation in her face, with someone writing: “Let what Drew Barrymore just did be a lesson in patience.” Another fan chimed: “Lmao at Drew Barrymore going through all of that so close to a deal being struck.”