Drew Barrymore Pauses Talk Show Amid IATSE Strike:
Drew Barrymore recently announced that she is postponing the season premiere of her popular daytime talk show, The Drew Barrymore Show, due to the ongoing IATSE strike. IATSE, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, represents over 150,000 crew members who work behind the scenes on film and TV productions. They are currently negotiating for better working conditions and pay.
In a statement posted to Instagram, Barrymore expressed her support for the strike and her team:
“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. We really tried to find our way forward. And I truly hope for a resolution for the entire industry very soon.”
The Drew Barrymore Show premiered in 2020 and has been a ratings hit thanks to Barrymore’s infectious energy and celebrity interviews. The nationally syndicated daytime talk show is produced by CBS Media Ventures and tapes in New York City, meaning it relies heavily on IATSE crew members. Barrymore serves as an executive producer and host.
This is the first time the show has been forced to delay production since launching during the pandemic. Barrymore acknowledged the challenging circumstances but ultimately decided standing in solidarity with IATSE was the right call.
you may also like:
Drew Barrymore Show Resumes Filming Without Writers As WGA Strike Continues
The Impact of the IATSE Strike
The IATSE strike authorization vote passed with 98% support in early October 2022, granting the union bargaining committee the power to call a strike if necessary. With 60,000 members ready to strike, major studios are facing serious production delays and losses if a deal isn’t reached soon.
IATSE is seeking better pay, improved rest conditions, and more funding for understaffed departments. For crew members working long hours on demanding productions, the fight is for basic quality of life on the job. These behind-the-scenes workers make immense contributions but are often overlooked.
Barrymore’s decision demonstrates the immense pressure studios are facing from talent who support the strike. Other big names like Seth MacFarlane, Mindy Kaling, and Jane Fonda have also publicly sided with IATSE members. This support significantly strengthens the union’s negotiating position.
However, a strike could be very costly for both workers and studios. IATSE members will lose wages and studios stand to lose billions. There is incentive on both sides to reach a deal before the strike begins.
The Importance of Solidarity While The Drew Barrymore Show is just one production impacted by the potential strike, Barrymore’s high-profile support sends an important message. As a prominent actress, producer, and talk show host, she chose to stand in solidarity with IATSE crew members rather than cross the picket line.
This kind of solidarity empowers workers and builds crucial momentum for the union’s fight. It also signals to studios that they can’t ignore IATSE’s demands. With A-list talent refusing to work until a fair deal is struck, the pressure on studios intensifies.
Barrymore’s decision holds even more weight because she isn’t directly impacted as talent. She chose to use her platform and influence to support the people who make her show possible every day. This kind of allyship lends the issue mainstream awareness and demonstrates an understanding that workers’ rights are human rights.
As a beloved celebrity and producer, Drew Barrymore’s stand for IATSE makes waves. Her premier delay underscores how urgently studios must address the concerns of crew members who keep productions running smoothly. This pause puts studios on notice that talent stand behind IATSE’s fight for change.
Conclusion
With the IATSE strike looming, Drew Barrymore hit pause on her popular talk show to stand in solidarity with crew members seeking fair treatment. As a high-profile showrunner, her refusal to cross the picket line sends a powerful message about supporting workers’ rights. This adds immense pressure for studios to meet IATSE’s demands and avoid a costly, industry-wide strike. Barrymore’s decision demonstrates that talent recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of crew members. It also strengthens the union’s position considerably as negotiations continue. Stars like Barrymore standing up for below-the-line workers is instrumental in the ongoing push for labor reform in Hollywood.
for more interesting stories, news and posts please visit to our website www.scrollingdowns.com
Read also:
