Ellen (1994)
The groundbreaking ABC sitcom starring Ellen DeGeneres as a Los Angeles bookstore owner whose life made television history.
Ellen - Series Information
- Original Title: Ellen
- First Air Year: 1994
- Last Air Year: 1998
- Created by: Neal Marlens, Ellen DeGeneres et al.
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 22 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 109
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: March 29, 1994 (United States - TV-G), March 29, 1994 (Canada - PG), March 29, 1994 (India - U), March 29, 1994 (Australia - PG)
- Networks: ABC
- Alternative Titles: These Friends of Mine (US)
- Production Companies: Touchstone Television, The Black/Marlens Company, A Very Good Production, WAD Productions
- Production Countries: Singapore, Malaysia, United States of America
Ellen - Plot
Ellen works in a Los Angeles bookstore called Buy the Book and hangs around with her friends discussing lovers, work and family.
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Ellen - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Neal Marlens
- Ellen DeGeneres
- Carol Black
Main Cast
- Ellen DeGeneres
- David Anthony Higgins
- Joely Fisher
- Clea Lewis
- Jeremy Piven
- Arye Gross
- Alice Hirson
- Steven Gilborn
- Patrick Bristow
- Holly Fulger
Writers
- Lawrence Broch
- Jonathan Stark
- Mark Driscoll
- Tracy Newman
- David S. Rosenthal
Ellen - FAQs
Why is Ellen historically significant in television history?
Ellen made television history in April 1997 when the title character, Ellen Morgan, came out as gay in the episode “The Puppy Episode.” It was the first time a lead character on a U.S. primetime sitcom came out, and star Ellen DeGeneres simultaneously came out publicly, making it a landmark cultural moment.
Why was Ellen cancelled after Season 5?
Ellen was cancelled by ABC in 1998 following declining ratings after the coming-out episode. The network added a parental advisory warning to the show, which DeGeneres publicly criticized. Creative tensions and controversy surrounding the show's LGBT content contributed to ABC's decision not to renew it for a sixth season.
Where can you stream or watch Ellen?
Ellen is available to purchase digitally through Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. The series is not currently available on a major subscription streaming platform, so purchasing individual episodes or full seasons is the primary way to watch it.
Who are the main cast members of Ellen?
Ellen DeGeneres stars as Ellen Morgan, joined by David Anthony Higgins as Joe Farrell, Joely Fisher as Paige Clark, Clea Lewis as Audrey Penney, Jeremy Piven as Spence Kovak, and Arye Gross as Adam Green. Alice Hirson and Steven Gilborn play Ellen's parents, Lois and Harold Morgan.
What is the Ellen sitcom about?
Ellen follows Ellen Morgan, a single woman who runs a Los Angeles bookstore called Buy the Book, as she navigates friendships, romantic relationships, work challenges, and family dynamics. The show blends observational humor with character-driven comedy and became a cultural touchstone for its groundbreaking LGBT storyline in Season 4.
How many seasons and episodes does Ellen have?
Ellen ran for 5 seasons and 109 episodes on ABC from 1994 to 1998. Season 1 had 11 episodes, Season 2 had 24, Season 3 had 27, Season 4 had 25, and Season 5 had 22 episodes. There are also 2 special episodes included in the complete series catalog.
When did Ellen first air on television?
Ellen premiered on ABC on March 29, 1994, originally under the title These Friends of Mine. The show was renamed Ellen at the start of its second season to better reflect the central role of Ellen DeGeneres and her character, Ellen Morgan, as the heart of the series.
Who created the sitcom Ellen?
Ellen was created by Neal Marlens, Carol Black, and Ellen DeGeneres herself. Marlens and Black, the duo behind The Wonder Years, developed the original concept, while DeGeneres brought her stand-up comedy sensibility to the project. The show was produced by Touchstone Television and The Black/Marlens Company.
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