Yahoo Entertainment Jennifer Hudson Delays Talk Show Return Amid Backlash Regarding Ongoing WGA Strike
The Jennifer Hudson Show has delayed its season two return following backlash regarding the WGA strike.
Hudson planned to resume production and proceed with the talk show’s new season without writers until the strike ceased and a new contract was in place. Her decision appeared to be a domino effect after Drew Barrymore faced surmountable criticism about returning to daytime.
WGA told Variety, “Drew Barrymore should not be on the air while her writers are on strike fighting for a fair deal. In reality, shows like this cannot operate without writing, and that is struck work.”
On Sunday (Sept. 17), the 50 First Dates actress responded to the Guild and critics via social media, saying, “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 Jennifer Hudson Show and Sherri were both renewed for second seasons, but the latter can return without contest because it doesn’t employ WGA writers. During its premiere, Sherri Shepherd addressed the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes.
“There has been so much confusion about who can work and who can’t work […] here’s the thing, talk shows in general fall under a different union contract code, so we’re allowed to come back unless you’re a WGA show. The ‘Sherri’ show is not a WGA show and we have never employed WGA writers, so us coming back to work isn’t crossing the picket line,” explained the comedian, 56.
She added that she’s the writer of her show and her topics are her personal “comedic take on headlines,” that gets reviewed by her producers.
Shepherd continued, “My heart is breaking for all of the people that can’t work right now and I hope our industry can get this strike resolved soon. I stand in solidarity with my union.”
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