'The Talk' Joins 'The Drew Barrymore Show' in Resuming Production Amid Strikes
The Drew Barrymore Show isn't the only daytime program returning amid the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
CBS confirmed to Deadline that The Talk is scheduled to return next week. Its cast—Amanda Kloots, Jerry O'Connell, Sheryl Underwood, Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, and moderator Natalie Morales—is slated to return to the studio soon to film the new season, which premieres on Monday, Sept. 18.
The news comes a few days after Drew Barrymore confirmed on Instagram that her talk show is returning for its fourth season despite the ongoing writers' strike. The new season will premiere on the same date as The Talk's return.
The actress defended her controversial decision in a statement, noting, "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, the choice was met with plenty of backlash on social media, with many TV writers and entertainment industry workers pleading for Barrymore to consider how this affects her show's writers.
The WGA also shared a statement in reaction to Barrymore's decision, noting, "The @DrewBarrymoreTV Show is a WGA covered, struck show that is planning to return without its writers. The Guild has, and will continue to, picket struck shows that are in production during the strike. Any writing on 'The Drew Barrymore Show' is in violation of WGA strike rules."
Throughout the week, WGA members have picketed outside the studio, including the show's writers. Barrymore was also dropped as host of this year's National Book Awards following her decision.
Next: Bill Maher's Controversial Take on the WGA Strike Sparks Major Internet Reaction
