Drew Barrymore is approaching the new season of her talk show with a different mindset.
In an interview, the host of The Drew Barrymore Show shared that she plans to give her guests a bit more personal space during interviews.
“I’m going to try to practice physical distance, which is not my strong point,” Barrymore said with a big laugh.
Reflecting on her experience during the pandemic, she added, “Do you know how hard it was for me? I was alone in a studio by myself! I love being around people!”
Barrymore also acknowledged that her touchy-feely interview style isn’t for everyone. “[It’s] not everyone’s favorite, but I’m sorry to those people,” she admitted.
The talk show host has gone viral in the past for getting physically close to her guests.
Celebrities like Jennifer Garner, Kerry Washington, Paris Hilton, Jennifer Aniston, Adam Sandler, and Lionel Richie have all experienced Barrymore’s enthusiasm, with her often hugging them or getting on her knees to hold their hands during conversations.
In April, she made headlines when she spoke with Vice President Kamala Harris, taking her hands after asking her to be “Mamala of the country.”
Barrymore went viral after asking Vice President Kamala Harris to be “Mamala of the country” and holding her hands on the show in April.
“I’ll try to practice physical distance, which is not my strong point.” — Drew Barrymore
One of the more talked-about moments of Barrymore’s hands-on approach was her December 2023 interview with Oprah Winfrey.
During the interview, Barrymore held Winfrey’s hands, caressed her arm, and kept her close, even as Winfrey tried to shift slightly on the couch.
Oprah Winfrey at Drew Barrymore Show
While some fans criticized Barrymore’s approach online, Winfrey told that she actually enjoyed the interaction.
She said it provided her with solace and added that she found Barrymore endearing, appreciating how the actress stayed true to herself.
Winfrey even joked that she now expects her longtime partner, Stedman Graham, to offer similar stroking sessions.
Barrymore and Oprah
Her interview with Oprah Winfrey garnered a lot of attention, especially for Winfrey’s reactions.
“We’re always going to be big on joy and laughter and feeling good, and that’s something I always wanted to do but never thought we would launch in a pandemic,” Barrymore told.
“Trying to lean into the joy and the feel-good and the comedy at that time was really weird and wacky.”
The Drew Barrymore Show premiered in December 2020 and received a two-season renewal, extending its run through 2026.
“We had a lot of years of uncertainty, and it feels all the more delicious because of that,” the 49-year-old said.
Barrymore hugs Christina Aguilera during a February interview. “The Drew Barrymore Show” has been renewed for two more seasons.
“When we decided to launch during a pandemic, it wasn’t the obvious choice, and it was a tremendous risk.
I think it led to a lot of uncertainty, but it also opened up possibilities. If we hadn’t been given that unorthodox timing, we wouldn’t be here today.”
