Drew Barrymore has long been known for her sweet, relatable personality, and her bubbly charm has earned her a place in the hearts of many. But recently, her talk show, The Drew Barrymore Show, has sparked controversy — and not in the way you’d expect. From awkward, cringe-worthy interviews to questionable behind-the-scenes decisions, Drew’s talk show is starting to feel more like a bizarre reality show rather than a platform for meaningful conversation.
Let’s dive into what makes Drew’s show so uncomfortable for both her guests and her audience, and why her recent behavior has left many people scratching their heads.
Cringe-Worthy Interview Style
One of the most noticeable aspects of The Drew Barrymore Show is Drew’s unusual approach to interviewing her guests. While some might call it quirky or unconventional, others see it as downright uncomfortable. Drew tends to invade her guests’ personal space — sitting too close, touching them, and often making them feel like they’ve just sat down for an intimate conversation with a very friendly (and perhaps overly affectionate) stranger.
In one particularly awkward moment, Drew interviewed Vice President Kamala Harris, where she referred to her as “Mamala” — a term of endearment used by Harris’ stepchildren. While the nickname may be sweet in certain contexts, Drew’s use of it felt forced and a bit cringe-inducing. She leaned in too close, grabbed Harris’ hands, and made a public declaration that the country needed Harris to be the “mamala of the nation.” It was one of those moments that left everyone watching collectively cringing.
It wasn’t just the words that felt off — it was the entire dynamic. Drew’s overly familiar approach with her guests, even those who are public figures, makes viewers feel uncomfortable. Instead of maintaining a respectful distance and letting her guests speak, Drew often crosses personal boundaries in a way that can feel intrusive.
The “BFF” Illusion — Too Much, Too Soon
Drew’s whole “I’m your best friend” persona might work in certain contexts, but it falls flat when you’re interviewing high-profile figures or people you don’t know well. Her casual, barefoot, cross-legged approach to interviews seems to suggest that she wants to create an informal, relaxed environment. However, this laid-back demeanor can come across as disrespectful, especially when Drew gets too comfortable with her guests.
It’s not unusual to see Drew sitting on the floor, or getting up close to her guests — even to the point of sitting on their laps or hugging them. While she probably sees it as a way to break down barriers, for many viewers, it feels more like a performance than a genuine attempt at human connection. It’s awkward to watch someone try so hard to create an emotional bond by using their physical presence. And while some guests might find it endearing, others likely feel uncomfortable being touched or hugged by a stranger on national television.
The Backlash Over the Writers’ Strike
Things took a turn for the worse when Drew made headlines for her controversial decision to resume production of The Drew Barrymore Show during the WGA (Writer’s Guild of America) strike. While other late-night shows and talk shows paused filming in solidarity with striking writers, Drew decided to go ahead with her show without the support of her writing team. This decision was met with massive backlash, not just from the public, but from the entertainment industry as a whole.
The fact that Drew chose to cross the picket line and continue her show without writers seemed to contradict her persona as a “people’s person” who cares about others. Her decision to prioritize her show’s production over standing with the writers who make it possible was seen as both tone-deaf and hypocritical.
Her actions didn’t sit well with many, and soon after, the National Book Awards rescinded their invitation for her to host the event. Drew tried to defend herself, issuing a public apology and explaining that she was trying to keep the show going during a difficult time, but many people saw through her explanation. They felt that her actions were motivated more by self-interest than by any sense of solidarity with her colleagues in the entertainment industry.
The Apology That Felt Like a PR Move
Drew’s apology for continuing her show during the writers’ strike left a lot of people unsatisfied. While she tearfully expressed regret and acknowledged her mistake, her apology felt more like a scripted response than a genuine admission of guilt. Many pointed out that Drew appeared to be reading from a script, which gave the whole thing a disingenuous vibe.
The problem with Drew’s apology is that it didn’t really address the core issue. She never truly took full accountability for crossing the picket line, and her explanation of how she was “just trying to do her job” felt hollow. It didn’t seem like she was fully aware of how her actions had hurt the writers and the people who rely on fair compensation in the entertainment industry.
Behind-the-Scenes Drama and Unhappy Staff
Drew’s behavior behind the scenes has also raised eyebrows. It’s been reported that some of her staff members were less than thrilled about her decision to bring the show back while the writers were on strike. The production team, writers, and even some of the show’s guests have voiced their displeasure with how Drew handled the situation.
In fact, some of Drew’s writers reportedly refused to return to the show after the strike ended. The tension was palpable as many felt that Drew had betrayed them by choosing to go back to work without them. There were even reports of audience members being kicked out of the studio for wearing pins supporting the WGA, which only added to the controversy surrounding her actions.
A Mixed Reputation
Drew Barrymore has always been loved for her vulnerability and her ability to connect with people, but her recent actions have caused many to question if that image was ever truly authentic. It’s hard to reconcile the image of a caring, “everyone’s friend” host with the actions of a person who would continue to produce her show without writers or support from her team. For some, it feels like Drew is more interested in maintaining her public image than in truly standing up for the people who made her successful.
Her behavior on the show, which many viewers have described as “uncomfortable” and “performative,” coupled with her controversial decision to cross the picket line, has led to a growing sense that Drew may not be the warm, genuine person she appears to be on camera. While she might still have a large fan base, many of them are starting to feel disillusioned.
Conclusion
Drew Barrymore’s talk show is quickly becoming known for its cringe-worthy moments, uncomfortable guest interactions, and behind-the-scenes drama. While Drew may still have the charm and the fanbase, her recent decisions and behavior are giving fans a serious case of the “ick.” The line between quirky and unprofessional has blurred, and Drew’s attempts to come off as the sweet, relatable host have started to feel more like an act than anything else.
As the public and industry reaction to her actions continues to unfold, Drew Barrymore has a lot of work to do if she hopes to repair her reputation and regain the trust of both her guests and her audience. Until then, it seems like the cringe-worthy moments will keep coming — and many are left wondering if this is the end of the road for Drew’s once-beloved talk show.
