Insiders say CBS’ daytime series, “The Talk” is eyeing a return for Sept. 18 despite the ongoing WGA strike. CBS has declined to comment.
As they prepare for Season 14, it remains unclear if Akbar Gbajabiamila, Amanda Kloots, Natalie Morales, Jerry O’Connell, and Sheryl Underwood will all return as hosts. This season will be overseen by Rob Crabbe, who was tapped to replace Kristin Matthews as showrunner in June. Crabbe previously served as co-showrunner of “The Late Late Show with James Corden” for eight years.
“The Talk” halted production in May shortly after the strike was announced due its staff including several WGA writers.
The talkshow is only the latest in a trend of daytime shows that have faced criticism for their decision to return amid the Hollywood strikes. Most recently, Drew Barrymore released a statement announcing her show’s return and committing that the new season will still follow WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike rules.
“I own this choice,” she wrote in a Sept. 10 social media post. “We are in compliance with not discussing or promoting film and television that is struck of any kind. We launched live in a global pandemic. Our show was built for sensitive times and has only functioned through what the real world is going through in real time.”
“Sherri,” hosted by Sherri Shepherd and “The Jennifer Hudson Show” have also previously set Sept. 18 premiere dates. Hudson’s talk show, which is heading into its second season, has been promoting the show using clips from its first season. Like others in the daytime space, “The Jennifer Hudson Show” previously employed several WGA writers in its first season but “Sherri,” which is distributed by Debmar-Mercury, along with “Live With Kelly and Ryan” and “Tamron Hall” does not use WGA writers.
ABC’s “The View” has also faced criticism for continuing production amid the ongoing strikes as well despite previously employing writers in the guild. The WGA has picketed the show.
Deadline first reported this news.