'Drew Barrymore Show' head writers decline to return after host's strike controversy

"The Drew Barrymore Show" is planning its on air comeback following last week's official end of the Writers Guild of America strike. But the syndicated show will be without its three head writers.

On Wednesday, Drew Barrymore's set announced on Instagram a new premiere date to kick off Season 4 on Oct. 16. However, the three co-head writers previously employed on the talk show — Cristina Kinon, Chelsea White and Liz Koe — declined offers from "The Drew Barrymore Show" to return, a person familiar with the situation but not authorized to speak publicly told USA TODAY on Wednesday.

The show is in the process of interviewing replacement writers and will be in compliance with the guild.

The WGA, the union representing most of the writers behind your favorite TV shows and films, went on strike at the beginning of May, fighting for improved compensation, benefits and other issues.

More:Why the Hollywood strikes are not over even after screenwriters and studios reach agreement

Barrymore drew social media backlash and picketers at the New York City studios after announcing on Sept. 10 that her show would return on air during the strike. A week later, Barrymore backtracked and announced on Instagram that she was "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," Barrymore wrote.

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"The Talk" and "The Jennifer Hudson Show" also planned Sept. 18 returns, but likewise scrapped their plans.

With the Hollywood writers' strike ending Sept. 27, daytime shows are beginning to return. Hudson's syndicated talk show is currently airing new episodes and "The Talk" returns Oct. 9.

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