Drew Barrymore has decided that she’s going to start production again on her show in the middle of a writer’s strike and it’s disappointing AF. As someone who has enjoyed her content since her E.T. and Firestarter days, she’s always been an iconic presence in my life. And I’ve enjoyed her collaborations with Adam Sandler, her Charlie’s Angels time, and then her turn to TV. It just felt right every time she came up on my screen because Drew Barrymore sold kindness, empathy, and understanding as her brand.
That’s why her filming The Drew Barrymore Show hurts so much.
Barrymore goes and sells herself on TV and through her projects as someone who understands the plight of those who are not as fortunate as her despite having a networth of over $150 million and coming from a well-off family. But then she goes and turns around and decides to break WGA rules? Make it make sense, Barrymore. Because from where I’m standing you are saying on Instagram, “I own this choice. We are in compliance with not discussing or promoting film and television that is struck of any kind.” speaks of your ignorance about strikes put on your show as well.
According to the Writers Guild of America, The Drew Barrymore 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.” So for someone who has been in the industry for such a long time, you would think that Barrymore would know the inner workings of her show or her contract. But her statement, and returning to production, shows that she doesn’t know the ins and outs and is trying to place herself on some high moral ground as if she stuck it out for as long as she could but now she must do it for reasons?
Because I don’t see Barrymore talking about how it’s about putting money in the pockets of her writers. They wouldn’t be able to work on her show anyway because it’s a struck work and they would be considered scabs. But Barrymore says that she wants, “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.” To me, that’s giving “I have to provide a service to people AKA my viewers no matter what because I have a responsibility to make sense of the experience of humans.”
Girl, if you’re trying to make sense of the human experience then you would be outside picketing, not producing, and making sure your writers are supported throughout this experience. Because the human experience is what they are living right now. An experience where they are not being paid enough while people like you are sitting cozy in your air-conditioned studio working like nothing while people are not paid a fair wage, are on government assistance, or are losing their homes. But you continue talking about how you’re navigating this “difficult time” and that pandering about “astute humility.” Because from where I’m standing all I’m seeing is ignorance from someone that I truly admired for such a long time.
Gertie would be ashamed.
