Head Writers of 'Drew Barrymore Show' Decline Offer to Return to Show

LOS ANGELES – Three head writers of “The Drew Barrymore Show” have declined to return to the show despite the end of the WGA writers’ strike.

According to Variety, a source close to the show noted that writers Chelsea White, Cristina Kinon and Liz Koe were offered deals after the WGA strike order was lifted on Sept. 27. But all three declined.

The talk show is set to broadcast its first new episode in five months on Oct. 16. New writers are reportedly being interviewed to replace the trio.

Barrymore became a target of union members in the final weeks of the WGA strike after she announced plans for her talk show to return before the guild reached a new contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. She publicly doubling-down on her decision with an apology video posted on social media which has been deleted, where she stated “I own this choice.” But two days later, Barrymore reversed her decision.

“I have listened to everyone, and I am making the decision to pause the show’s premiere until the strike is over,” Barrymore posted on Instagram on 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. We really tried to find our way forward. And I truly hope for a resolution for the entire industry very soon.”