Sherri Shepherd, host of the daytime talk show “Sherri,” is making it clear that her show’s return does not cross any picket lines.
During her first episode since the SAG-AFTRA strike began in July and the WGA strike in May, Shepherd addressed the strikes and the confusion surrounding who can work and who can’t. She mentioned her involvement with fellow SAG-AFTRA members on the picket lines in Los Angeles.
Explaining why her show could return while others like Drew Barrymore’s, Bill Maher’s, and Jennifer Hudson’s shows decided to delay their planned returns during the ongoing work stoppage, Shepherd highlighted the nuances of the situation.
Shepherd clarified, “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.”
Shepherd also detailed her show’s creative process, emphasizing her role in crafting the jokes and content. She mentioned that her show doesn’t rely on WGA writers because she is actively involved in writing and shaping the material.
In closing, Shepherd expressed her solidarity with the SAG-AFTRA strike, acknowledging key issues such as the use of artificial intelligence and residuals. She expressed empathy for those unable to work due to the strikes and hoped for a swift resolution in the entertainment industry.
Sherri Shepherd’s return to TV coincided with new episodes of “The Drew Barrymore Show,” “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” and “The Talk.” Drew Barrymore had faced criticism for defending her show’s return during the WGA strike in an Instagram video but later issued an apology and reversed her decision. Similar statements from the other two daytime shows and Bill Maher’s late-night talk show followed.