Drew Barrymore Addresses Her Close-Contact Interview Style: ‘I’ll Try to Practice Physical Distance’

Drew Barrymore, known for her warmth and charm, has won over audiences as a talk show host with her genuine nature. However, one habit has sparked both amusement and discomfort among viewers: her tendency to sit unusually close to her guests. This peculiar trait hasn’t gone unnoticed, and Barrymore recently addressed the buzz surrounding it, acknowledging, “I’ll try to practice physical distance, which is not my strong point.”

As the host of The Drew Barrymore Show, Barrymore’s enthusiastic approach to interviews often extends beyond asking questions. She’s known for her affectionate gestures—reaching out, holding hands, and leaning in a bit too closely—sometimes surprising her celebrity guests.

As per the New York Post, In a candid conversation with Entertainment Tonight, Barrymore opened up about the social media backlash she’s received for her touchy-feely nature. This acknowledgment comes as her show was renewed for Seasons 6 and 7, a milestone she deeply appreciates. Reflecting on her experience during the pandemic, Barrymore explained, “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 now realizes that her approach may not be comfortable for everyone.

“I’m sorry to those people!” she said, referring to guests who may have felt uneasy with her close contact. Barrymore’s desire to spread joy and create a feel-good atmosphere is at the heart of her show. “I think that first of all we’re always gonna be big on joy and laughter and feeling good,” she remarked. Launching the show during a pandemic was particularly challenging, but she remained committed to bringing positivity and humor during those tough times, as reported by Page Six.

Barrymore emphasized that her intention has always been to foster a sense of community and shared experience, a value she has held since her days as a child actress in E.T. She recalled, “Ever since I did E.T., I was convinced that people want a collective experience. They want community. They want to watch something and experience something together. And that really hit me; seeing all those lines around the corner, and people coming out of the theater, laughing and crying.”

Despite the criticism, Barrymore remains dedicated to the philosophy of her show, focusing on positivity, growth, and learning from others. “I am so into working on myself as a person that I think that’s always gonna be a big part of the show: ‘How do we live a life? How do we thrive and not just survive?’ I love listening to people. I love learning from people. I’m a student. I will never not be a student,” she concluded.