Ellen (1994–1998)

Ellen Morgan a lesbian former book store owner deals with life through comedy and extensive rambling.

Creators:

Carol Black, Neal Marlens, David S. Rosenthal

Stars:

Ellen DeGeneres, David Anthony Higgins, Joely Fisher

Nominated for 4 Golden Globes. Another 10 wins & 23 nominations.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Ellen DeGeneres	...	Ellen Morgan (109 episodes, 1994-1998)
David Anthony Higgins	...	Joe Farrell (102 episodes, 1994-1998)
Joely Fisher	...	Paige Clark (96 episodes, 1994-1998)
Clea Lewis	...	Audrey Penney (80 episodes, 1994-1998)
Jeremy Piven	...	Spence Kovak (72 episodes, 1995-1998)

Storyline

Ellen Morgan is a neurotic, 30-something, bookstore employee who tries to get by life in dealing with her various friends whom include the outgoing redhead Paige, insecure photographer Adam, her unsure-of-himself cousin Spence, coffee shop guy Joe Farrell, the critical and obnoxious Audrey, and most challenging of all, Ellen also has to condent being around her annoying and overbearing parents Lois and Harold.

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Plot Keywords:

lesbian | bookstore | photographer | gay | lesbianism | 

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Genres:

Comedy

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 March 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

These Friends of Mine

Filming Locations:

Burbank, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Black-Marlens Company, Touchstone Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min 30 min (109 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

After the 2000 Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode "New Moon Rising," in which regular character Willow comes out as a lesbian and chooses to stay with her girlfriend Tara, aired, a group of internet board posters sent "Buffy" creator Joss Whedon an engraved toaster to thank him for the storyline. This was a reference to the "coming-out" episode of "Ellen" (1994), (a show on which longtime Buffy writer Jane Espenson had also worked) in which there had been a running joke about the GLBT movement awarding every newly out person a toaster for "joining."

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Quotes

Ellen: Stray dogs, hungry people. Come on people, the solution is obvious.

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Connections

Referenced in NewsRadio: Halloween (1996)

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Soundtracks

Theme Song
Written by Sharleen Spiteri and John McElhone
Performed by Texas

User Reviews

Witty, quirky, funny, and a sitcom classic

Ellen DeGeneres' "Ellen" showcased the versatility of one of the best comedians of the 90s. She exhibited the physical comedy of a modern day Lucille Ball, dry wit descended from Jack Benny, and jabbing one-liners like Rose Marie and Morey Amsterdam were whispering in her ears.

The supporting cast (especially Piven and Fisher) and guest stars played well off DeGeneres. When the writers finally got a handle on the cast the writing was priceless. They weren't afraid to drop in wry insights among the "jokes."

"Ellen" was a groundbreaking sitcom, and like most pioneering shows, it wasn't supported by a fearful network. It's unfortunate that Ellen's sexuality became the focus of the press and the show. Maybe if the show wasn't constantly trying to break free of network restrictions and fear the writers and actors could have taken "Ellen" into a strong finish. Instead it petered out. Nevertheless, catch any episodes you can on cable.