Talk Show Hosts Who Paused Their On-Air Returns After Facing Backlash Amid the WGA Strike
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) commenced its strike on May 2, and union members are still picketing. However, that didn’t stop several talk shows from coming back on the air without their writers.
Though several show hosts have explained that their return doesn’t break the rules of the WGA strike, celebrities such as Drew Barrymore, are facing backlash. Several are being called “scabs” — a.k.a. strikebreakers.
“I own this choice,” Drew wrote in a lengthy Instagram statement on September 11, announcing The Drew Barrymore Show’s return. “We are in compliance with not discussing or promoting film and television that is struck of any kind. … I want to be there to provide what writers do so well, which is a way to bring us together or help us make sense of the human experience. I hope for a resolve for everyone as soon as possible. We have navigated difficult times since we first came on air. And so I take a step forward to start season 4 once again with an astute humility.”
However, Drew and several other talk show hosts announced that they would pause their returns after facing extensive backlash.
Scroll through the gallery to see which talk show hosts suspended their on-air returns amid the strike.