The Ellen DeGeneres Show

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Ellen brings humor and positive messages to daytime.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

Find out more

Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

Find out more

Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this daytime talk show, hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, varies widely in content and some segments might be completely appropriate for young viewers, while others could introduce subjects kids aren't ready for. The show features lots of celebrity interviews, endless promotional devices, and wacky audience participation segments, plus lots of positive messages about helping others in need, and loving and respecting one another. Some celebrity interviews address themes like divorce, addiction, and other mature themes. Bullying and other strong issues are discussed, but within the context of raising awareness and stopping negative behaviors. While the host is open about her sexual orientation, it is not a major theme in the show. Occasionally wine, cigarettes, and blurred nudity are visible or discussed as part of gags.

  • It's a talk show, but it features strong themes about being positive, respecting and loving one another, and supporting your community. Messages about stopping bullying and other social causes are also offered.
  • Ellen actively supports people and causes trying to help local, national, and international communities in a positive way. She is also supportive of people (including celebs) who have fallen on hard times and/or are trying to get their lives on track.
  • Ellen openly denounces violence against people and animals. Occasional segments feature playful sumo wresting, and other slapstick-like events. Issues like bullying are discussed, but within the context of raising awareness and finding ways to stop it.
  • Some jokes contain some sexual innuendo, including references to romance, sex, and nudity that will sometimes go over the heads of younger viewers. In one episode Ashton Kutcher appears naked, but private parts are blurred.
  • Not applicable.
  • Visa, Nordstroms, Radio Shack, and an endless number of other sponsor logos are visible during giveaways and other promotional events.
  • Wine bottles are sometimes visible; drinking is sometimes discussed. DeGeneres is a smoker, and occasionally cigarettes and quirky ashtrays are shown as part of a joke (but smoking is never visible).

What's the story?

THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW is a daytime talk show series featuring comedian Ellen DeGeneres as she entertains audiences with her quirky brand of humor, her positive spirit, and her passion for dancing. Each episode features Ellen interviewing various celebrities like actor Brad Pitt, singers like Britney Spears, and community leaders like First Lady Michelle Obama. Adding to the fray are segments about ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and various games that require audience participation.  In-between events, she and the audience dance to the music played by D.J. Tony Okungbowa.


Is it any good?

 

The upbeat series features all the elements of a typical talk show, including A-list guests and endless promotional devices for products and services offered by its many sponsors. But Ellen's humor and engaging personality also makes the show feel relaxed and informal, even if some of the issues she and her guests are discussing have the potential of being controversial.

Ellen is open about her sexual orientation on the show, but issues pertaining to gay community are contextualized as issues that relate to all people. Meanwhile, her efforts to raise awareness about bullying, breast cancer, and other issues, and to solicit donations for a range of charitable organizations, add to the positive nature of the show. Ultimately, it's a show that attempts to offer an entertaining and optimistic viewing experience.


Sign Up Message
Sign up for our weekly newsletter
Each week we send a customized newsletter to our parent and teen subscribers. Parents can customize their settings to receive recommendations and parent tips based on their kids’ ages. Teens receive a version just for them with the latest reviews and top picks for movies, video games, apps, music, books, and more.
Please enter an email address.
Please check your email address for possible typos.
Sorry, you must be 13 or older to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
Sign me up!

What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about talk shows. What makes a talk show successful? Is it the host? The guests? The quirky segments? Did you know that talk shows are designed primarily to promote celebrities and/or products? Is it appropriate to use them as a platform to promote causes and/or organizations, too? How does a show like this one address serious issues, like bullying without making viewers feel uncomfortable?

  • What do you know about Ellen Degeneres? Do you consider her a role model? Do you consider her sexual orientation when you decide whether or not she's a role model?


This review was written by Melissa Camacho
Kid, 12 years old
December 22, 2011
 
Favirote Show Ever
love it fav show

Flag as inappropriate 
Kid, 11 years old
February 11, 2012
 
BETTER THAN OPRAH
ellen is hilarious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! theres nothing inapropriate with the show, shes awesome and a great role model

Flag as inappropriate 
Kid, 12 years old
April 14, 2012
 
Great Show. Great host. Great Role Model.
Her sexual preference has nothing to do with the show and any one who is against her being gay is prejudiced. I personalty believe that kids should be introduced to homosexuality at an early age so they don't grow up and hate people who are GLBT. Ellen is a great role model I admire her ability to be open about being gay and even joking about it. IT DOSE NOT MATTER THAT SHE IS GAY! It is not a problem on this show and if you don't let your kids watch this show for this reason you are a prejudice hater. The only iffy thing is sex is mentioned every now and then no big deal. It will quote on quote "blow over" younger peoples heads.

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 16 years old
May 14, 2012
 
Funny
I watched some episodes on YouTube. It's funny. :D Some 'sexy' things said on there kids probably won't get. Overrall it's good.

Flag as inappropriate 
Parent
February 26, 2012
 
The Ellen DeGeneres Show= Positive role models for everyone!
The Ellen DeGeneres Show is a talk show that is good for the whole entire family! She helps people and organizations out, and she also makes people feel good about themselves.

Flag as inappropriate 

This review was written by Melissa Camacho
Topics:great girl role models
TV rating:TV-PG
Networks:NBC, Syndicated
Cast:Ellen DeGeneres, Tony Okungbowa
Genre:Variety Show

This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

Review It

Share your review with others

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

 

vote now

Will you see The Ellen DeGeneres Show?


Already seen it? What do you think?

 

Been There? Tell us about it