It’s a show so many grew up on but all good things come to an end, they say. The Ellen DeGeneres show made its final bow this week after 19 seasons and nearly two decades on air.
During the final episode, which premiered earlier this week, DeGeneres and guests Jennifer Aniston, Billie Eilish and Pink shared memories and affection as The Ellen DeGeneres Show concluded its Emmy-winning, 3,200-plus-episode run that began in September 2003.
“Twenty years ago, when we were trying to sell the show, no one thought that this would work. Not because it was a different kind of show, but because I was different,” DeGeneres said.
Aniston, who as the first guest on the show’s first episode gave DeGeneres a “Welcome” doormat, arrived with another that read, “Thanks for the memories”.
“You’re welcome,” Aniston said. “I love you, and I so appreciate you and what you have given to the world over the last 19 years. The contribution is endless,” she said.
The other guests were in full agreement. “I love you,” Eilish told DeGeneres during their chat. “I love you so much, it’s dumb,” said Pink, who performed “What About Us”, the show’s theme song as its final musical performance.
Ellen, in a heartfelt monologue, looked back at her incredible time on the show and pleaded with viewers to continue its legacy. “If I’ve done anything in the past 19 years, I hope I’ve inspired you to be yourself, your true, authentic self. And, if someone is brave enough to tell you who they are, be brave enough to support them, even if you don’t understand,” DeGeneres said. “By opening your heart and your mind you’re going to be that much more compassionate, and compassion is what makes the world a better place.”
The comedian, actor and producer has said she’ll take time to consider her next career move, but first she and her wife, Australian Portia de Rossi, are making a trip to Rwanda.
