Ellen DeGeneres Unveils Her Last Ever Comedy Special

Ellen DeGeneres has announced her final stand-up comedy special will premiere on Netflix, marking a significant milestone in her storied career.

At a Glance

Ellen DeGeneres’ final stand-up special will be released on Netflix on September 24.
This is her second Netflix special, following 2018’s “Relatable.”
The special addresses her life and career post-show business.
DeGeneres will not return to films or television after this special.
The special covers personal anecdotes and reflections on her career.

Ellen DeGeneres Returns to Stand-Up

Comedy icon Ellen DeGeneres has unveiled her final stand-up comedy special titled “Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval,” which will premiere on Netflix on September 24. This marks her return to stand-up after a six-year hiatus, following her critically acclaimed 2018 special, “Relatable.” The special is expected to delve into her personal life and career since she stepped away from the limelight.

Ellen DeGeneres Addresses Past Controversies

DeGeneres has mentioned that she will conversationally blend her sharp wit with poignant reflections on her illustrious journey in entertainment, providing fans with both laughter and nostalgia. The production is a collaborative effort between Ben Winston’s Fulwell 73 Productions, DeGeneres, and her wife, Portia de Rossi. Joel Gallen, known for directing Chris Rock’s “Selective Outrage,” is at the helm of this project.

“To answer the questions everyone is asking me—yes, I’m going to talk about it. Yes, this is my last special. Yes, Portia really is that pretty in real life,” DeGeneres said in a statement, referring to her wife of 16 years, Portia de Rossi.

Reflecting on a Turbulent Career

The new special will see DeGeneres sharing personal anecdotes and reflections that range from the mundane—like raising chickens and parallel parking—to the more profound aspects of being a household name. DeGeneres humorously addressed the special on social media, noting that she will cover the toxic workplace allegations that surfaced in 2020 and eventually led to an internal investigation and the firing of three producers.

Despite her return to the stage for this final special, DeGeneres confirmed she would not be taking on any more film or television projects. This definitive farewell has been a long time coming, especially following the end of “The Ellen Show” in 2022 amid allegations of racism, sexual misconduct, and intimidation. Although DeGeneres has expressed regret over the negative conclusion to her daytime talk show, she remained resolute that the allegations were not the primary reason for her decision to end the show after 19 successful seasons.

A Bittersweet Farewell

DeGeneres’ new special is highly anticipated as she remains a significant figure in comedy. Her previous Netflix special, “Relatable,” was released after a 15-year hiatus and was Grammy-nominated. Her earlier work, which includes HBO specials “The Beginning” and “Here and Now,” garnered multiple Emmy nominations and widespread acclaim.

“This is the last time you’re going to see me. After my Netflix special, I’m done.”

DeGeneres’ upcoming special promises to deliver an engaging, heartfelt, and humorous retrospective on her career. As fans and followers prepare for this event, they can expect a blend of laughter and life lessons, ensuring that Ellen DeGeneres’ final bow is a memorable one.