'The Drew Barrymore Show' Hits A Snag After Several Key Writers Refuse To Return

The Drew Barrymore Show is gearing up for its October 16 return to television...but there is one significant problem.

The show's three co-head writers—Chelsea White, Cristina Kinon and Liz Koe—have refused to return following the WGA strike.

Of course, it may not come as a huge surprise given Barrymore shared last month that she would be moving forward with the show's fourth season without the head writers who were on strike.

Not only that, but the writers also told THR that they found out the show was going back into production not from the host or any other employees of the show, but from social media posts about audience ticket giveaways.

White explained:

“It is a bummer to hear that the show is going back because it sends a message that union writers are not valuable."

And Kinon added:

“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.”

But, as we now know, the host backpedalled on her decision given the swift backlash her statement garnered, not to mention the guests who cancelled, and vowed to resume only when the strike was over.

Well, that time has come—but White, Kinon and Koe have declined to return as writers of the show, forcing production to search for new writers.

'Drew Barrymore Show' Writers Refuse to Return After Writers Strike (Exclusive) | THR News youtu.be

And people on social media applauded the writers for acknowledging their worth.

Barrymore did admit her mistake and apologize, writing on September 17:

“I have listened to everyone, and I am making the decision to pause the show’s premiere until the strike is over."

“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.”

But the damage was already done.