‘The Drew Barrymore Show’ Renewed for Season 5 Despite Recent Controversy
Photo Credit: The Drew Barrymore Show/CBS Reading Time: 2 minutes
The Drew Barrymore Show has been renewed for a fifth season and will continue airing on CBS-owned stations. The announcement comes after some controversy surrounding host Drew Barrymore’s actions during the recent Hollywood strikes.
The Drew Barrymore Show Renewed for Season 5
CBS-owned stations have renewed The Drew Barrymore Show for a fifth season, keeping the daytime talk show on the air through at least 2024 to 2025. The announcement came after the show’s fourth season premiered in October and has so far featured big-name guests like Meryl Streep and Oprah Winfrey.
The renewal is a vote of confidence in host Barrymore, whose heartfelt interview style and upbeat energy have driven the show. While average daily viewership of 1.1 million is only slightly up from last season, the fourth season has seen The Drew Barrymore Show gain creative momentum.
The show’s format involves Barrymore conducting open, earnest interviews with guests. Her friendly persona and living room-like set help celebs open up for insightful conversations. Fans feel as if they’re listening in on two friends chatting.
Having creative control and ownership stake gives Barrymore more leverage than the typical celebrity host. She received praise for broadcasting from her own home during COVID.
Industry observers see Barrymore’s renewal as proof that her brand of aspirational, socially-conscious entertainment remains appealing. She’s carved out a niche with her uniquely upbeat, thoughtful tone.
Renewal Follows Controversy Over Premiering During Strikes
While The Drew Barrymore Show now sees smooth sailing, the road to renewal wasn’t without speedbumps.
In September 2023, Barrymore found herself in hot water after announcing the show would resume production for Season 4 despite ongoing Hollywood strikes. Both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA had authorized strikes over failed contract negotiations.
Barrymore claimed she wanted to provide an alternative source of entertainment amid the strikes. However, her decision provoked backlash from writers who saw it as crossing the picket line.
After protests outside her studio, Barrymore reversed course and delayed the Season 4 premiere until after the strikes concluded. However, three writers declined to return to the show following the controversy.
While Barrymore’s initial actions were contentious, her quick course correction and successful Season 4 have regained positive momentum.
