Ellen DeGeneres’ Humorous Farewell in Netflix Special

In a candid and humor-laden trailer for her forthcoming Netflix stand-up special, Ellen DeGeneres addresses the fallout from her exit from show business, which followed a series of controversies surrounding her daytime talk show. Titled “Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval,” the special is set to serve as a reflective capstone to her illustrious career. The comedian uses the platform to poke fun at her new life post-show and the dramatic turn her career has taken in recent years.

The trailer for the special offers a glimpse into DeGeneres’ life after “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” which concluded its run in 2022. In her trademark comedic style, DeGeneres recounts the mundane yet humorous activities she has taken up since leaving television. These include tending to a flock of new chickens, diving into gardening, and humorously claiming she’s been “kicked out of show business.” This self-deprecating humor highlights the stark contrast between her public persona and the serious allegations that led to the end of her show.

DeGeneres’ departure from the talk show was not merely a career shift but a response to significant public and internal criticism. In 2020, BuzzFeed News published a groundbreaking report that painted a troubling picture of the work environment on the set of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” According to the report, current and former staff members accused the show of fostering an environment rife with “racism, fear, and intimidation.” The allegations included claims that employees were barred from speaking to DeGeneres directly, were unfairly terminated for taking bereavement or medical leave, and faced racist comments and microaggressions. These revelations led to a sharp decline in the show’s viewership and ultimately its cancellation.

Amid these controversies, DeGeneres had always concluded her show with a message promoting kindness, advising viewers to “be kind to one another.” Reflecting on the irony of the situation in the trailer, she jokes that if her sign-off had been more abrasive, such as “go f*ck yourselves,” the headlines might have been different. This comment underscores the disconnect between her public advocacy for kindness and the behind-the-scenes allegations that contradicted this image.

In addition to addressing the recent controversies, DeGeneres humorously reflects on her motivations for entering show business. She jokes about her initial intent to bring joy to people rather than seeking financial gain. Her quip, “All I can say about that is, thank God for the money,” serves as a tongue-in-cheek acknowledgment of the financial benefits of her career, despite the personal and professional challenges she has faced.

The Netflix special, which premieres on September 24, is billed as DeGeneres’ final public appearance. This marks a significant moment in her career as she steps away from the spotlight. During her recent “Ellen’s Last Stand… Up” tour, she made it clear to audiences that the special would be her last hurrah. In a show held in Santa Rosa, California, she explicitly stated, “After my Netflix special, I’m done,” emphasizing that both the tour and the special represent “the last time you’re going to see me.” This declaration reflects her intention to close this chapter of her career on her own terms.

DeGeneres’ career has been marked by both success and controversy. She gained fame with two sitcoms named after her and reached iconic status with “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” which aired from 2003 to 2022. The show was known for its positive atmosphere and engaging interviews, garnering more than 60 Daytime Emmy Awards and reaching millions of viewers daily. However, the show’s later years were marred by a decline in viewership and mounting controversies.

The 2020 BuzzFeed report was a pivotal moment that exposed the toxic work environment on the show. The allegations of mistreatment and a hostile work culture led to widespread criticism of DeGeneres and her team. Additionally, subsequent reports revealed further issues, including allegations of sexual misconduct by producer Kevin Leman. These revelations, coupled with negative comments from celebrities like Brad Garrett and Mariah Carey, who shared their own uncomfortable experiences, intensified the backlash against DeGeneres.

DeGeneres’ career challenges echo a previous period of adversity. In the 1990s, she faced significant backlash following her public coming out as a lesbian on her sitcom “Ellen.” This revelation led to a career downturn and the eventual cancellation of her show. She has referred to this earlier period as her first experience of being “kicked out” of show business, framing her recent controversies as a second instance of similar professional backlash.

As DeGeneres prepares for her final public appearance with “Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval,” the special is anticipated to provide a reflective and humorous look at her career. It promises to be a blend of comedy and introspection, offering insights into her experiences and the controversies that have shaped her career. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely as DeGeneres navigates her final curtain call, blending humor with a deeper commentary on her time in the entertainment industry.