Drew Barrymore, known for her warm, candid interviews on The Drew Barrymore Show, has always stood out for her intimate and personal approach to hosting. However, her style is now the subject of increasing scrutiny, with some even advising her to adjust the level of physical closeness she maintains with her guests. As the popular talk show host prepares for the current season of her show, the question arises: will Drew Barrymore change her interviewing style to meet growing concerns?
Let’s break down the latest developments, the controversy surrounding her style, and whether Barrymore can maintain her unique charm while addressing the growing concerns about her personal space and boundaries during interviews.
Drew Barrymore’s Interview Style: A Personal Approach That Stands Out
Barrymore has always made a mark with her relaxed, conversational tone, which makes her guests feel at ease and gives the show a friendly vibe. This distinct approach, where she often sits very close to her interviewees, creates a sense of intimacy and comfort. It’s no wonder that celebrity guests like Oprah Winfrey, Austin Butler, Martha Stewart, and Kamala Harris have all appeared on her show, offering honest and unfiltered conversations.
However, it’s also become clear that Barrymore’s closeness sometimes raises eyebrows. Many have pointed out how often she invades personal space during interviews, which can make both the audience and guests uncomfortable.
The Latest Controversy: Barrymore’s Close Interaction with Cynthia Erivo
The latest example of Barrymore’s close style came during an interview with Cynthia Erivo, the Tony Award-winning actress and star of Wicked. While discussing the close friendship between Erivo and co-star Ariana Grande, Barrymore couldn’t help but probe into the nature of their physical connection.
Barrymore, always candid, joked about how she tends to be “so touchy” and even admitted that people have told her, “Back off a little bit.” She also expressed her confusion at why others found this too much, implying that she was simply trying to connect.
During the same episode, Erivo shared that she and Grande often hold hands and that physical touch was an important form of communication between them. “Sometimes, you can’t say anything, and it’s just a squeeze of a hand,” Erivo explained. “It’s a physical way of communicating with someone.”
Why Barrymore’s Style is Stirring Debate: Is It Too Much?
There’s no doubt that Barrymore’s unique style has made her a fan favourite, but the growing conversation about her physical proximity to guests highlights a delicate issue that many in the industry are beginning to address: the boundaries of personal space.
Here are some of the reasons why Barrymore’s approach is under fire:
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Physical Proximity and Boundaries: Barrymore has often been criticized for sitting too close to her guests, creating what some may feel is an uncomfortable level of intimacy. While it’s clear that she has no ill intentions, physical boundaries are important, especially when the line between personal space and professional space is blurred.
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Celebrity Expectations and Comfort: Celebrities are well-versed in media interviews, but they aren’t always prepared for the level of closeness that Barrymore often brings. For some, it might feel like an invasion of privacy, even if they’re in the public eye.
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Cultural Shifts in Personal Space: In the wake of the pandemic, society has become more aware of the importance of respecting personal space and physical distance. As a result, some people may feel uneasy with Barrymore’s up-close style, even if it was considered acceptable before.
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Viewer Reactions: Viewers who are used to more formal interviews might find Barrymore’s approach too informal or inappropriate, leading to backlash on social media and in the press.
Barrymore’s Response: Will She Adjust?
While the criticisms continue, Barrymore has acknowledged the issue and expressed her willingness to adapt. In a past interview with Entertainment Tonight, she admitted that she sometimes struggles with maintaining physical distance, especially when it comes to guests she admires or feels a personal connection to. She even mentioned that the pandemic had been particularly difficult for her because she was forced to be alone in the studio without the usual warmth and physical connection that she craves.
“I’ll try to practice physical distance,” she said, acknowledging her tendency to be too touchy. However, this change won’t be easy for Barrymore, given how much her up-close style has become a signature part of her show’s identity.
What Does This Mean for The Drew Barrymore Show?
For Drew Barrymore, the big question remains: will she make the necessary adjustments to her interviewing style in response to the growing concerns about personal space and boundaries? Here’s what we might expect moving forward:
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More Awareness of Boundaries: Barrymore will likely be more conscious of respecting her guests’ personal space, particularly with new guests who may not be as familiar with her style. She could also introduce more clear boundaries for her interviews to ensure that both her guests and viewers feel comfortable.
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A Shift in the Show’s Dynamic: While it’s unlikely that Barrymore will abandon her personal style entirely, we might see a slight shift in how close she gets to her guests. The show may become more focused on verbal interaction rather than physical proximity.
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Continued Adaptation: As an empathetic host, Barrymore will probably continue to evolve her approach based on audience feedback and guest comfort. She has proven time and again that she’s adaptable and open to change, and this situation will likely be no different.
Conclusion: Can Drew Barrymore Stay True to Her Unique Style While Respecting Boundaries?
Drew Barrymore’s personal approach to interviews has helped her carve out a niche in the talk show world. However, as the conversation around personal space continues to evolve, Barrymore must balance her desire to be close with guests while respecting their boundaries.
Ultimately, this situation serves as a reminder that boundaries are fluid, and what worked in the past might need to evolve over time. For now, it seems that Barrymore is open to making changes to her style while still maintaining the warmth and intimacy that her show is known for.
Relevant Links for Further Reading:
- Drew Barrymore Show Official Site
- Personal Space and Boundaries in the Media
- Interviewing Tips for Hosts
- Cynthia Erivo’s Latest Interview
- The Impact of the Pandemic on Personal Space
Photo credit: The Hollywood Reporter
