Last November, the National Enquirer published its report on Barrymore’s show, which was announced by CBS and Barrymore in October. With the Santa Clarita Diet actress’ highly-anticipated program, an industry insider told the publication that The Talk was on the chopping block after its nearly decade on air.
“Everyone is waiting to see what gets canceled to make room for Drew,” the unnamed source told the Enquirer. “Hot Bench, The Price Is Right and Let’s Make A Deal are all doing fine — and Dr. Phil is a ratings king. That leaves The Talk and a soap.” The long-running show had already been in the headlines that fall, as Julie Chen had announced her departure in September.
“With former CBS boss Les Moonves’ wife, Julie Chen, no longer on, Sharon Osbourne’s The Talk looks vulnerable,” the tipster explained. While the rumor was a little believable at first read, there were multiple details that didn’t quite add up and are worth mentioning.
Despite the source’s statement, there were actually two soap operas on the lineup: The Young & The Restless and The Bold & The Beautiful. There’s also Judge Judy, which wasn’t mentioned at all. Even larger than that is the fact that CBS doesn’t determine airtimes of syndicated shows, as that’s the job of local affiliates.
Plus, the programs are vastly different programs with different purposes — The Talk‘s roundtable approach is vastly different from how Barrymore has described her show in the press in the lead up to its debut. As it happens, the actress even joked about the Enquirer‘s past treatment of her when she talked about being open and honest on her show in a recent promotional interview with critics.
“You’re on the cover of the National Enquirer at 13 years old for being institutionalized, there’s not much people can throw your way,” she said. “Bring it!” Even when the outlet tried to throw a little bit of a compliment her way, it still ultimately came out wrong and looking outrageous.