Is CBS’s “The Talk” coming back next week?
The word was the afternoon chat show was returning on Monday September 18th, same as Drew Barrymore’s show. It’s been off the air since May when the WGA strike began, as opposed to “The View” on ABC which has been live almost the whole time without writers.
Both shows are produced by CBS, but “The Talk” comes from Los Angeles while “Drew” is in New York. The latter show is now the subject of a very active protest and picket line, which is harming its PR.
So far there is no way to reserve audience tickets for “The Talk” next week. On the site for 1iota.com, there are tickets for “The View,” “Live with Kelly and Mark,” and other live shows. There is nothing for “The Talk.” One Twitter follower got a message from 1iota that the show was on hold until after the strikes are resolved.
On the CBS website there’s no mention of the new season of “The Talk.”
One person on “The Talk” who may be fighting the return is host Jerry O’Connell. He’s been photographed on the SAG picket line many times. (His Instagram page is full of supporting photos.) He’s a member and so is his wife, actress Rebecca Romijn. As glib as O’Connell is, it’s unclear if he could steer a daily hour without writers.
At “The Talk” production office in Los Angeles, someone who answered the phone said they had no idea if the show was returning next week.
PS I’m told they taped a rehearsal today, and will return on Monday without writers. The show will be ad-libbed live.