Drew Barrymore says she will practice ‘physical distancing’ on a talk show

Drew Barrymore wants to practice the opposite of getting up close and personal.

Barrymore, whose eponymous talk show recently received an early season 6 renewal, admitted as much in an interview with Entertainment tonight that in the future she will try to “practice physical distancing” when interviewing and communicating with guests.

“Well, I’ll try to practice physical distancing, which is not my strong point,” Barrymore said. “Do you know how hard the pandemic was for me? I was alone in a studio! I like being among people!”

Barrymore, who often caresses her guests’ arms or holds their hands on her talk show, added that her approach may not be “everyone’s favorite, but I’m sorry for those people.”

She continued, “I think first and foremost we will always be big on joy, laughter and feeling good, and that was something I always wanted to do. But I never thought we’d be in a pandemic, and trying to lean into the joy and good vibes and comedy of that time was really weird and crazy.

News of the renewal of “The Drew Barrymore Show” came ahead of the September 9 premiere of Season 5 – with Wendy McMahon, president and CEO of CBS News and Stations and CBS Media Ventures, saying: “Drew is a uniquely friendly talent which is an integral part of the CBS and Paramount family.

“These early renewals and upgrades are a testament to our commitment to ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’ and its loyal audience, who tune in every day to see Drew’s warmth, curiosity and spontaneity,” she added.

According to CBS, the show averages 1.1 million viewers, with nearly six billion minutes watched this season. The high ratings have upgraded the show’s time slots on CBS – with the talk show now airing in six markets, including five of the top 10 markets.