If you’ve watched even five minutes of daytime TV lately, you know it can feel a bit... scripted. Stale. Like everyone is reading off a teleprompter while trying to remember if they left the stove on. But then there’s The Drew Barrymore Show. It’s chaotic, it’s emotional, and honestly, it’s kinda weird in the best possible way.
Central to that "good weird" energy is the drew barrymore co host dynamic that basically redefined how we watch morning news. We’re talking about Ross Mathews.
The Ross Mathews Effect
Ross isn't just a sidekick. He isn’t some random guy sitting in the corner throwing out occasional one-liners. On the show, he’s officially the "Co-Anchor" of Drew’s News, and as of 2026, he’s practically the show's heartbeat.
Most people remember Ross as "Ross the Intern" from the Jay Leno days. He was that bubbly, high-pitched kid who seemed thrilled just to be in the same zip code as a celebrity. Fast forward through a stint on Chelsea Lately and a permanent seat at the RuPaul’s Drag Race judging table, and he’s evolved into a powerhouse producer and host.
When Drew launched her show back in 2020, people weren't sure if a co-host was even necessary. Drew is a force of nature. She’s an icon. But the chemistry with Ross? It was instant. It’s like watching two best friends who have a secret language, except they’re sharing it with millions of people while sitting at a desk that looks like a giant yellow pencil.
Why This Duo Actually Works
The "Drew-Mathews" pairing works because it’s a collision of two very specific types of optimism. Drew brings the "deep-thinking, flower-child, let's-all-cry-together" vibe. Ross brings the "pop-culture-obsessed, quick-witted, let's-get-the-tea" energy.
- Vulnerability: They both go there. They talk about their lives, their struggles, and their wins without the usual "celebrity" filter.
- Pacing: Drew tends to meander. She’s a storyteller. Ross is the anchor (literally) who keeps the segment moving so they don't spend forty minutes talking about a single sourdough starter.
- The "Drew's News" Desk: This is where the magic happens. It’s the first segment of every show, and it sets the tone.
Honestly, the show probably wouldn’t have survived its rocky first season without this specific partnership. During the pandemic, when Drew was hosting from a mostly empty studio, Ross was the one providing that essential human connection through the screen.
The Evolution of the Co-Host Role
In the world of daytime television, the "co-host" role usually falls into two categories. You have the "equal billing" (think Live with Kelly and Mark) or the "featured guest" (like the revolving door of panelists on The View).
Ross Mathews exists in a unique middle ground. He is a producer on the show, which means he has skin in the game. He isn't just showing up to read the news; he’s helping craft the narrative of the entire production.
More Than Just Ross: The "Drew Crew"
While Ross is the primary drew barrymore co host figure, the show has expanded to include a wider "family." This was a smart move by showrunner Jason Kurtz. By surrounding Drew with experts, the show feels less like a performance and more like a community.
- Valerie Bertinelli: Brings that cozy, "everyone's favorite aunt" lifestyle expertise.
- Sunny Anderson: Handles the food side with a level of energy that rivals Drew's own.
- Zanna Roberts Rassi: Keeps the fashion and beauty segments from feeling too "high-fashion" and inaccessible.
- Danny Seo: Focuses on sustainability, which fits Drew’s personal brand perfectly.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Show
A common misconception is that Ross is just there to agree with Drew. If you watch closely, that's not the case. He often plays the "straight man" to her more eccentric ideas. When Drew decides to sit on the floor or get extremely close to a guest’s face (the "Drew-ing" as the internet calls it), Ross is the one who reacts the way the audience at home is reacting. He’s our proxy.
He also brings a massive amount of E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) to the pop culture space. Ross has been interviewing stars since 2001. He knows the industry inside out. When he speaks on a trending story, he isn't just reading a script—he probably knows the person the story is about.
The Impact on Daytime TV
The success of the Drew and Ross partnership has changed how other networks look at casting. It’s no longer about finding two people who look good together on a poster. It’s about finding people who have a genuine, un-faked rapport.
Ratings for The Drew Barrymore Show have remained steady through 2025 and into 2026, even as traditional cable viewership fluctuates. People tune in for the relationship. They want to feel like they're hanging out with friends.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're a fan of the show or just interested in the industry, there are a few things you can do to get the most out of this "Drew Crew" era:
- Watch "Drew’s News" First: If you only have ten minutes, this is the segment to watch. It’s where the co-host chemistry is most visible and where the best unscripted moments happen.
- Follow the Producers: If you want the behind-the-scenes scoop, follow Ross Mathews and executive producer Jason Kurtz on social media. They post the stuff that doesn't make it to air.
- Check out Ross’s Books: To understand why he’s such a good co-host, read Name Drop or Man Up!. He’s a storyteller in his own right, and his journey to the co-host chair is pretty wild.
- Look for the Lifestyle Experts: If you like a specific segment (like the cooking or design bits), follow those specific "Drew Crew" members. They often share deeper tutorials on their own platforms that the show doesn't have time for.
The landscape of daytime TV is always changing, but right now, the drew barrymore co host situation is the gold standard for how to do a "modern" talk show. It's messy, it's loud, and it's remarkably human.