Ellen DeGeneres receives an overwhelming response from the public after her longtime running talk show returned for its 18th season.
Despite the toxic workplace allegations, statistics showed that “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” season premiere scored a 1.9 Nielsen household rating, as obtained by the New York Post.
“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” receives the highest premiere ratings
In addition, it also had the highest premiere ratings since 2016 and ranked number one in a lucrative ad demo to key demographic aged 25 to 54, with a 0.9 rating–which is an increase from last year’s 0.8.
The spike in her syndicated daytime comedy talk show ratings came after the Primetime Emmy winner spoke about her show’s scandals and controversies.
Ellen DeGeneres apologized over “Toxic Workplace” issue
In a much-hyped comeback, the 62-year-old comedian apologized for those who were affected by the alleged “toxic environment.”
I take this very seriously, and I want to say I’m so sorry to the people it affected,” the host said.
DeGeneres also pointed out that she takes the situation “very seriously” and vowed that this would never happen again.
“As you may have heard this summer, there were allegations of a toxic work environment at our show, and then there was an investigation. I learned that things happened here that never should’ve happened.”
In a tweet, the renowned host also posted a clip as she welcomed her viewers to “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” season 18.
“Today we’re starting a new chapter,” she wrote.
Today we’re starting a new chapter. pic.twitter.com/PvpZXnXLv5
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) September 21, 2020
However, this draws some mixed reactions from the fans as some accused her of using her “first monologue” to gain sympathy from the public.
“Ellen DeGeneres using her first monologue back after allegations of a toxic work environment to make jokes about how she’s impatient and not a good enough actress to fake being a nice person for 18 years just grosses me the fuck out,” one user wrote.
On the other hand, an individual praised the veteran host for bravely addressing the issue.
“Love you Ellen. I’m glad you’re dealing with the issues that happened on set, and I hope that things can be made better. You’re a good person.”
For months, Ellen DeGeneres has been plagued with issues, calling her “notoriously one of the meanest people in Hollywood.”
Furthermore, ten former employees also came forward and revealed to Buzzfeed News that they experienced “racism, fear, and intimidation” while on the set.
One ex-staffer also shared that the show’s famous motto “be kind” is only a facade and “only happens when the cameras are on.”
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