Drew Barrymore finally gives ‘heartwarming’ reason why she sits so close to her talk show guests

Viewers who tune into The Drew Barrymore Show will be aware of how close the host often sits to her guests.

Perhaps undeservedly, Drew Barrymore has received some criticism surrounding this in the past.

Oprah Winfrey even defended the 49-year-old after people called it ‘uncomfortable’.

But now, the Barrymore has provided a 'heartwarming' reason why she does it.

Drew Barrymore with Brooke Shields. (CBS)

Ahead of season five of her popular chat show premiering later this year, Barrymore told Entertainment Tonight that she would try her best to 'practice physical distance' once she's back on our screens.

"Which is not my strong point!" Barrymore said. "Do you know how hard the pandemic was for me? I was alone in a studio by myself! I like to be around people."

The talk show host acknowledged her hands-on approach might not be 'everyone’s favorite, but I’m sorry to those people'.

Speaking of what's to come in season five of The Drew Barrymore Show, she added: "We’re always gonna be big on joy and laughter and feeling good. That was something I’ve always wanted to do. I never thought we’d launch during the pandemic."

"I would like to bring the joy, the funny, the warmth," Barrymore concluded.

On Thursday (August 22), CBS has announced that season six of Barrymore's chat show is also on the way.

Going through 2025 and 2026, viewers can expect more emotional interviews and joyous chats with a bunch of famous faces.

CBS News and CBS Media Ventures CEO and president Wendy McMahon said: "Drew is a one-of-a-kind talent who is an integral part of the CBS and Paramount family.

"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."

Season five and six of The Drew Barrymore Show are on the way. (Manoli Figetakis/GC Images)

While Barrymore digs into celebrities' lives on her show, she's not afraid to open up on hers either.

Earlier this year, the talk show host discussed about breaking the cycle of alcohol abuse in her family.

Barrymore lost her grandfather to alcoholism, while her father also struggled with alcohol addiction.

Speaking to People Magazine in April, she said: "I think, for me, stopping drinking is one of the most honoring things I can do to the Barrymore name because we have all been such hedonists.

"Don't look to me as the pillar of health and wellness and having it all together.

"It's just like, you know what? This didn't work for our family, and I'm going to stop it.

"I'm going to be the one to break the link in that chain and maybe my kids and their kids will be better off for it.

"We have to fight genetic follies that our families bring to us."