Drew Barrymore has been one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars for decades. From her iconic role in E.T. to her career as a talk show host, she’s always managed to win audiences over with her charm and bubbly personality. However, her talk show, The Drew Barrymore Show, has started to receive some serious backlash—and it’s not for the reasons you might think. While Drew may have good intentions, her bizarre and often cringeworthy interview style has left many viewers and even her guests feeling incredibly uncomfortable.
The “Mom” Moment That Went Wrong
It all started with one awkward interaction with Vice President Kamala Harris. Drew, in what she likely thought was a heartwarming moment, told the VP, “We all really need a mom right now. We need you to be mamala of the country.” While it sounds sweet on the surface, it didn’t land the way Drew hoped. The term “mamala” is something Kamala’s stepchildren use, but Drew’s delivery came across as unprofessional and, frankly, uncomfortable. Leaning in and taking Kamala’s hands in her own, Drew tried to push the emotional envelope with her now-infamous line, “When we lift each other up, we all rise.” It was a classic Drew Barrymore attempt to be warm and vulnerable—but it felt more like a performance than a genuine interaction.
The response from viewers was swift and harsh, with many calling the moment cringey and awkward. It was as if Drew was overstepping a boundary that should have remained in a more formal setting, especially when interviewing a political figure. For some, her “caring” approach felt more like a forced, performative act than a genuine gesture of empathy.
The Interview Style That Makes Everyone Uncomfortable
Drew’s interview style has become a meme in its own right, largely due to her tendency to get way too physically close to her guests. She has been known to sit with her legs tucked under her on the couch, leaning in and touching her guests frequently, sometimes even hugging them. While she may think this is endearing or makes her seem more relatable, it often has the opposite effect.
People have called her out for disregarding personal space, and the internet is full of videos and memes mocking her style. One of the most common complaints is how Drew forces her guests into vulnerable positions—physically and emotionally—by getting so close to them. It’s one thing to be friendly, but sitting on the couch barefoot and getting in your guest’s personal space just feels off to many viewers. It’s no longer seen as quirky; it’s more cringe than anything else. Her need to make everyone cry, to push for emotional breakthroughs, can make it feel like she’s using her guests as a means of grabbing attention, rather than simply having a normal conversation.
The Controversy Over the Writer’s Strike
The most recent controversy surrounding Drew Barrymore isn’t about her awkward moments on stage—it’s about how she handled the 2023 writers’ strike. As the Writers Guild of America (WGA) took a stand for fair pay and better working conditions, Drew’s decision to continue filming The Drew Barrymore Show without her writers left many people furious.
During the height of the strike, Drew decided to cross the picket line and bring her show back into production, despite the fact that it relied heavily on writers to craft its content. She claimed that the show would continue without writers, which not only upset her own team but also caused a significant public outcry. The move was seen as tone-deaf and hypocritical, especially given that Drew’s entire persona is built around being a warm, caring, empathetic figure who stands by people in tough situations.
The backlash was severe. Writers, fans, and even major industry figures criticized Drew for putting her own interests above those of the workers who make her show possible. She was quickly branded a “scab” for continuing to work during the strike, which further tarnished her image in the eyes of many.
After facing a wave of criticism, Drew apologized and announced that her show would pause until the strike ended. While the apology came across as sincere, many felt it was too little, too late. It was clear that Drew’s actions had already damaged her reputation, especially within the writing community. Even the National Book Foundation dropped her as the host for their upcoming awards show, citing the need to show solidarity with writers.
A History of “Performative” Acts
What’s particularly frustrating for many people is that Drew’s actions often feel performative. In the context of her talk show, she repeatedly presents herself as a person who deeply cares about others and wants to connect on an emotional level. However, there’s a growing sense that this is more about her image than genuine connection.
In one viral TikTok video, a user pointed out how Drew’s entire show feels like an act—a performance designed to make her seem more relatable, when in fact it comes off as insincere. Drew’s constant need to invade people’s personal space, her insistence on creating emotional moments, and her over-the-top gestures of affection all feel more like marketing tactics than authentic human interaction.
As one viewer put it, “It’s like she’s trying so hard to be the ‘people’s princess,’ but it just comes across as disingenuous.” For many fans, Drew’s desire to seem down-to-earth and approachable has actually become a turn-off. Instead of fostering genuine moments of connection, her interview style makes people feel like they’re witnessing a rehearsed performance rather than an organic conversation.
The Backlash Continues
The negative response to Drew’s show and her handling of the writers’ strike hasn’t been limited to internet comments and social media posts. Her own staff has also expressed frustration. Writers who once worked on the show refused to return, and there were reports of audience members being asked to leave during tapings for wearing pins supporting the WGA strike. In a truly ironic twist, the show was even forced to remove a segment of the episode where Drew had planned to discuss the importance of writers—because, you know, she didn’t have any.
It’s clear that Drew is facing a reputation crisis, both in Hollywood and with her fans. Her apology for crossing the picket line felt half-hearted, and her actions haven’t inspired much confidence that she’s learned from her mistakes. Her previous “sweeter than pie” persona is starting to unravel, and what was once seen as endearing is now viewed as out of touch, self-serving, and, above all, cringey.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale
Drew Barrymore’s talk show, once thought to be a refreshing departure from traditional late-night interviews, has become a case study in how performative kindness and a disregard for professional boundaries can lead to an uncomfortable and awkward viewing experience. While Drew’s intentions may have been to create a cozy, intimate space for her guests, her uncomfortably close physical approach and often misguided attempts at vulnerability have left many feeling uneasy.
Coupled with her controversial handling of the writers’ strike, Drew has proven that even America’s sweetheart can make serious missteps. Whether she can repair her image and regain the trust of both her audience and her industry peers remains to be seen. For now, though, The Drew Barrymore Show has become more about cringing than connecting.
In the end, it serves as a reminder that while authenticity is key, so too is respect for personal space—and for the workers who make our entertainment possible.
