Wide World of Women

This news follows the serious backlash over Drew Barrymore's video apology on Friday and immediate pullback to starting up her show again once the writer's strike ends (even though many WGA writers work behind the scenes).

https://deadline.com/2023/09/the-talk-pausing-season-premiere-strike-backlash-1235548871/

Just FYI:

CBS notes that their hosts work under a separate agreement with SAG-AFTRA that allows people like Drew Barrymore and other daytime hosts to continue hosting their shows. A statement from the network clearly mentions this fact: “While our show has been largely an unscripted talk show from the beginning, the new shows we are producing this season will be completely unscripted until the strike ends. They also added that, “No one on our staff will fill a writing position.”

What could they possibly need a writer for?

The point in the article that I linked above should answer your question:

"At the time it was revealed that the show would return, sources said that The Talk is primarily unscripted and only has one writing position on its staff of around 150 employees. No one will be handling this writing role during the writers strike and hosts will be ad-libbing."

I think that with some of the skits that they do on the show might be the reason. But if those in this board watch the show at least on a periodic basis wish to shed some extra light are more than welcome to chime in.