For 19 years, over 3,000 episodes and a variety of guests, Ellen DeGeneres captivated audiences throughout the world. Her charisma, charm and humor provided viewers with a sense of comfort.
In July 2020, allegations about DeGeneres were made through Buzzfeed about a harsh and intolerable work environment. Her outro, “Be Kind,” left many with a sour taste in their mouths after this news was revealed. With people being locked inside due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the media spread this story like wildfire and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” quickly came to a close in 2022.
For almost three years, DeGeneres disappeared. For people who went from seeing her every afternoon to only seeing her through tabloid drama or gossip magazines, it was a tragic transition.
“Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval,” which premiered Tuesday, Sept. 24 on Netflix, was set to be her return, but also a farewell to comedy. For many, it was intriguing to see how these controversies would finally be addressed.
Making her way on stage, DeGeneres received a warm welcome from the crowd. Throughout the special, the audience provided an outrageous amount of love. They laughed, cheered and made sure DeGeneres knew that they appreciated her.
If you were a fan of the show, I think this special would fulfill those two years of longing. If not, this may not be a comedy special that would spark interest.
Throughout her career, DeGeneres’ humor has always leaned on a more positive approach. She never punched down on anyone and it would be safe to say that she is one of the few comedians that can successfully do this.
Something that stood out to me was when she mentioned that she was not new to being kicked out of the Hollywood circle. On April 30, 1997, DeGeneres made history for being the first gay or lesbian character to come out on television through her sitcom “Ellen” as her character Ellen Morgan.
When addressing the allegations, DeGeneres did it in a way that was subtle, but not too deep. She was consistent in her jokes and would revisit past ones every now and then.
What made the special unique was DeGeneres’ vulnerability. She touched on her mental health and how it was affected not too long after the 2022 close of the show.
“When you’re a public figure, you’re open to everyone’s interpretation. And I’m sure you’ve heard the saying that, ‘What other people think of me is none of my business.’ Because people will say all kinds of things and you have no control over that. But you know the truth and that’s all that matters,” DeGeneres said.
For many, this special strengthened their opinion on DeGeneres, whether it be good or bad. She mentioned that for years she tried to escape in her work in order to fill the lack of validation; however, whether it was through “getting old” or time, she realized that she could no longer do that to herself.
“I’m happy not being a boss or a brand or a billboard, just a person,” DeGeneres said.
From seeing a giant billboard of herself in Warner Bros. Studios everyday to raising chickens, she shared that she is “proud of who [she has] become.”
“[I am] just a multifaceted person with different feelings and emotions, and I can be happy and sad and compassionate or frustrated. I have OCD and ADD. I’m honest. I’m generous. I’m sensitive and thoughtful,” she continued. “But I’m tough, and I’m impatient and I’m demanding. I’m direct. I’m a strong woman,” DeGeneres said.
This last hurrah is a farewell to an art form that impacted millions, but it also served as a love letter to fans and to a past version of herself.
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