New Developments in Hollywood Labor Strike as Daytime TV Hosts Return to Work
In a surprising turn of events, “The Drew Barrymore Show” is set to resume airing fresh episodes despite ongoing labor strikes in Hollywood, making the typically bubbly host, Drew Barrymore, a central figure in the controversy. The strike, which has been ongoing for approximately four months, has seen picketers gather outside the studio where the show is filmed, adding another layer of tension to the situation.
However, “The Drew Barrymore Show” is not alone in its decision to return to production. Other daytime shows like “The View,” “Tamron Hall,” and “Live With Kelly and Ryan” have also resumed filming, albeit without facing the same union writer-related challenges. “The Jennifer Hudson Show” and “The Talk” are also slated to restart their broadcasts.
One key factor allowing these shows to continue production is that, as long as hosts and guests refrain from discussing or promoting work covered by television, theatrical, or streaming contracts, they are not technically in violation of the strike. Talk shows operate under a separate contract known as the Network Code, which differs from the agreements governing actors and writers currently striking in the industry. The Network Code encompasses various genres, including reality TV, sports, morning news shows, soap operas, and game shows.
Drew Barrymore addressed the situation in a video posted on Instagram, stating, “I know there is just nothing I can do that will make this OK to those that it is not OK with. I fully accept that. I just want everyone to know my intentions have never been in a place to upset or hurt anyone. It’s not who I am.”
The ongoing strike is a standoff between the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, representing major industry players such as Disney, Netflix, and Amazon.
However, the return of daytime hosts to work alongside producers and studio crews is expected to create some uncomfortable situations, as they cross picket lines formed by their own writers. Zayd Ayers Dohrn, a writer, professor, and director at Northwestern University, commented on this unusual dynamic, saying, “They’re literally walking past the picket line of the workers who they say they’re supporting.”
Drew Barrymore’s decision to return to work has not been without criticism, with social media users expressing disappointment. Even actor and activist Alyssa Milano, a longtime friend of Barrymore’s, voiced her disapproval, stating, “I’m sure in her eyes it’s the right move for her and the show, but as far as the WGA and SAG and union strong — not a great move.”
Interestingly, Barrymore had previously withdrawn from hosting the MTV Movie & TV Awards live in solidarity with the strike, stating her commitment to respecting the writers. She also lost another hosting opportunity, the National Book Awards, due to the resumption of “The Drew Barrymore Show.”
Labor expert Michael H. LeRoy cautioned that shows like Barrymore’s may face long-term consequences for not using union writers, as future collaboration could be strained. He drew parallels with past strikes in different industries that resulted in lasting bitterness among those involved.
Viewers tuning into daytime talk shows amid the strike are experiencing a shift in content. A-list celebrities promoting TV shows and films have been replaced by authors, musicians, and comedians. This week’s lineup includes Neil deGrasse Tyson discussing the science behind the Hulk on “Live With Kelly and Ryan” and Cedric The Entertainer talking about his debut novel on “Tamron Hall.” Matthew McConaughey appeared on “The View” to promote his book, “Just Because.”
Hosts like Drew Barrymore find themselves in a difficult position, contractually obligated to return to work but facing backlash from industry colleagues. Barrymore acknowledged the broader significance of the strike, saying, “This is bigger than just me.”
Similarly, Bill Maher, who also announced his return to his late-night talk show, framed his decision as an attempt to support all staff members, stating, “Writers are not the only people with issues, problems, and concerns.”
However, critics like Zayd Ayers Dohrn argue that these hosts, who are not struggling financially, could take a stronger stance in solidarity with their fellow industry workers by refusing to contribute to studio production until a fair agreement is reached.