Drew Barrymore’s Co-Head Writer Says Drew ‘Will Prolong the Strike’ by Resuming Show: ‘It’s Not Too Late’ to ‘Stand in Solidarity’ With the WGA

variety.com:

Zack Sharf Digital News Director Drew Barrymore’s co-head writer Cristina Kinon is sending a message to her boss: It’s not too late to scrap the decision to resume “The Drew Barrymore Show” amid the strikes.

Barrymore has generated backlash after announcing her daytime talk show is returning Sept. 18 amid the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.

While Barrymore herself is not violating SAG-AFTRA rules as a host (guild contracts for talk shows, game shows, variety shows and soap operas were renewed and ratified in 2022), her show does employ WGA writers like Kinon.

In its return, the show will not be performing any writing work covered by the WGA. “I personally understand that everybody has to make the best decision for themselves,” Kinon told The Daily Beast in an interview. “I know that this show has a crew of hundreds of people who need to be paid, and I understand the perspective of wanting to protect your cast, your crew and your staff.” However, Kinon suggested that it’s important for Barrymore to adhere to the strike because the WGA is just a small fish in a big pond. “We’re standing with all of labor and all of the unions across the world, because that is how it works,” Kinon said. “Unions only work when you stick together with unions across the labor spectrum.” After Barrymore announced her show’s return, CBS’ “The Talk” and HBO’s “Real Time With Bill Maher” set their own returns without WGA writers.