“The Drew Barrymore Show” is set to return in less than two weeks — without three very important people.
A trio of Drew Barrymore’s co-head writers have reportedly decided to walk away from the gig following the actress’ controversial decisions amid the Writers Guild of America strike.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, producers are scrambling to find new writers after Chelsea White, Cristina Kinon and Liz Koe all quit their jobs after the months-long protest ended Tuesday.
All three women have worked on the show since its first season and were very vocal during the strike — even picketing outside of CBS’s NYC office on multiple occasions with signs that read, “Honk if you [love] union labor” or “Drew’s News: Strikes.”
In fact, when Barrymore announced that she would be returning to air despite the strike, two of the three scribes — who found out the news via social media rather than their boss — were quick to call the “50 First Dates” actress out.
“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 the Hollywood Reporter on Sept. 11, a day after Barrymore, 48, declared on social media that she would be resuming her hosting duties.
“I understand that everybody has to do what they feel is best for them,” Kinon echoed. “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 at the time whether they planned to return to the show once the strike ended, White flatly replied, “Maybe, no comment.”
Yet Barrymore’s staff weren’t the only ones upset by her decision.
After the “Charlie’s Angel” actress received backlash from fans, writers and everyone in between, she decided to put her return on “pause” until the strike concluded.
“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 Instagram Sept. 17. “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.”
Yet it appears her apology fell on deaf ears in her writers’ room.
Reps for Barrymore did not immediately return Pvnew’s request for comment.
Season 4 of “The Drew Barrymore Show” returns on Oct. 16.
