Drew Barrymore Plans To “Practice Physical Distance” With Talk Show Guests After Renewal

As she prepares to get back to her studio couch, Drew Barrymore plans to give her guests a little more space going forward.

Following The Drew Barrymore Show‘s renewal for seasons 6 and 7, the actress and talk show host explained why she tends to get literally up-close and personal with her subjects on the syndicated CBS morning show.

“Well, I’ll try to practice physical distance, which is not my strong point,” Barrymore said on Entertainment Tonight. “Do you know how hard the pandemic was for me? I was alone in a studio by myself! I like to be around people!”

She acknowledged that her indifference toward personal space is “not everyone’s favorite but I’m sorry to those people!”

“I think that, first of all, we’re always gonna be big on joy and laughter and feeling good, and that was something I always wanted to do,” explained Barrymore. “But I never thought we would launch in a pandemic, and trying to lean into the joy and the feel good and the comedy at that time was real weird and wacky.”

Ahead of Monday’s Season 5 premiere of The Drew Barrymore Show, the show received an early two-season renewal this week.

“Drew is a one-of-a-kind talent who is an integral part of the CBS and Paramount family,” said Wendy McMahon, president and CEO of CBS News and Stations and CBS Media Ventures. “This early renewal 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, inquisitiveness and spontaneity.”

This fall, The Drew Barrymore Show moves to upgraded time slots on CBS stations in six markets, including five of the top 10 markets. Meanwhile, the show is averaging 1.1 million viewers, with nearly 6 billion minutes watched this season, according to CBS.