"Ellen" (1994) TV series 1994-1998

User Rating:

6.2/10   

Creators:

Carol Black
Neal Marlens
David S. Rosenthal

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Release Date:

30 March 1994 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy

Plot:

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

Plot Keywords:

Lesbian | Photographer | Bookstore | Sitcom | Coming Out

Awards:

Nominated for 4 Golden Globes. Another 10 wins & 24 nominations

Cast

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)

Also Known As:

"These Friends of Mine" (USA) (first season title)

Runtime:

USA:30 min (109 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Filming Locations:

Burbank, California, USA

Company:

Black-Marlens Company

Trivia:

The original title of the show was "These Friends of Mine".

Quotes:

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

Movie Connections:

Featured in Influences: From Yesterday to Today (1999) (TV)

Soundtrack:

The Ballad of Joxer the Mighty

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.