Ellen DeGeneres: Life After the Talk Show & What's Next?

Life After the Spotlight: What's Ellen DeGeneres Up To Now?

Ellen DeGeneres, a name synonymous with daytime television for nearly two decades, signed off from her wildly popular talk show, *The Ellen DeGeneres Show*, in May 2022. The show's cancellation followed a period of controversy and declining ratings, leaving many wondering: What has Ellen been doing since, and what does the future hold for the comedic icon?

This article delves into Ellen's post-talk show life, exploring her current endeavors, future projects, addressing the controversies that impacted her career, and examining her enduring legacy in entertainment. We’ll explore how she is navigating a new chapter and what fans can expect from her moving forward.

A Step Back from the Daily Grind: Initial Post-Show Activities

Following the conclusion of her talk show, Ellen initially took a deliberate step back from the intense demands of daily television production. This period was primarily focused on personal time, reflection, and exploring interests outside the demanding schedule of hosting a talk show. She had mentioned burnout and a desire for new challenges as contributing factors to her decision to end the show.

• Travel and Leisure: Ellen and her wife, actress Portia de Rossi, have frequently been seen traveling and enjoying leisure activities. They own multiple properties, and reports suggest they have been spending time at their homes in California, and other locations. This allows Ellen to recharge and enjoy a less structured lifestyle.
• Focus on Personal Relationships: Hosting a daily talk show is incredibly demanding, leaving limited time for personal relationships. Ellen's break allowed her to dedicate more time to her marriage with Portia and to reconnect with family and friends.
• Philanthropic Efforts: Ellen has a long history of philanthropic involvement, particularly in animal welfare and conservation. This time away from television provided an opportunity to dedicate more energy to these causes, working with organizations she is passionate about.

Current Projects and Ventures: Reigniting Creative Passions

While taking a break was essential, Ellen DeGeneres is far from retired. She has several projects in various stages of development, demonstrating her continued passion for entertainment and business.

Ellen's Continued Involvement with Wildlife Conservation

One of Ellen's most prominent post-talk show endeavors has been her intensified commitment to wildlife conservation. This passion project has manifested in several ways:

• The Ellen Fund: Established years before the show's end, The Ellen Fund continues its mission to protect endangered species. While the details of its current projects are not always publicly announced, this organization continues to be active in conservation efforts.
• Documentary Production: Ellen has expressed interest in producing or narrating documentaries focused on wildlife and environmental issues. Her platform and influence can help raise awareness about critical conservation challenges.

Real Estate Ventures

Ellen and Portia have a well-documented passion for real estate, buying, renovating, and selling numerous properties over the years. This interest appears to be an ongoing venture.

• Property Flipping: They have a keen eye for design and a knack for transforming properties, making real estate an active business pursuit.
• Investment Properties: Maintaining a portfolio of investment properties provides a steady stream of income and aligns with their long-term financial goals.

Speculation on Future Entertainment Projects

While Ellen hasn't announced a specific new television project, industry insiders speculate on potential future endeavors:

• Streaming Specials: Given the popularity of streaming platforms, a stand-up special or a limited-run talk show format tailored for streaming is a strong possibility. This would allow her greater creative control and flexibility.
• Producing Other Shows: Ellen's production company, A Very Good Production, could focus on developing and producing shows for other talents, leveraging her experience and industry connections. She has already produced several successful shows like *Little Big Shots* and *Ellen's Game of Games*
• Return to Stand-Up Comedy: Before her talk show success, Ellen was a successful stand-up comedian. A return to her roots with a stand-up tour is a possibility, allowing her to connect directly with audiences.

Addressing the Controversies: Navigating Public Perception

The final years of *The Ellen DeGeneres Show* were marred by allegations of a toxic work environment. These allegations, which surfaced in 2020, significantly impacted the show's reputation and Ellen's public image. It's essential to understand the nature of these allegations and how Ellen has addressed them.

Summary of the Allegations

The allegations, primarily reported by BuzzFeed News, included claims of:

• A Toxic Work Environment: Employees described a culture of fear, intimidation, and microaggressions.
• Racism and Discrimination: Some former employees alleged experiences of racism and discrimination within the workplace.
• Lack of Accountability: Concerns were raised about the lack of accountability for problematic behavior.

Ellen's Response and Actions Taken

Ellen publicly addressed the allegations in an apology to her staff and viewers. She acknowledged that issues had occurred on her show and pledged to take responsibility for creating a more positive and inclusive work environment.

The show's producers also took steps to address the allegations, including:

• Internal Investigations: Warner Bros., the show's distributor, conducted an internal investigation into the allegations.
• Management Changes: Several key producers and executives left the show as a result of the investigation.
• New Workplace Policies: New policies and procedures were implemented to promote a more respectful and equitable workplace.

Impact on Her Career and Public Image

The controversies undoubtedly had a significant impact on Ellen's career and public image. The show's ratings declined, and her reputation as a beloved and approachable celebrity was tarnished. While she still retains a large fan base, the allegations raised serious questions about the culture within her organization.

Moving forward, Ellen will need to demonstrate a continued commitment to creating positive and inclusive environments in all her future endeavors to rebuild trust and regain public confidence. This involves not only addressing past issues but also proactively promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of her work.

Examining Her Enduring Legacy: Beyond the Controversies

Despite the controversies, Ellen DeGeneres has made a significant impact on the entertainment landscape. Her legacy extends beyond the *Ellen DeGeneres Show* and encompasses her pioneering work in comedy, her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, and her philanthropic efforts.

Pioneering Comedy and Breaking Barriers

Ellen's early stand-up comedy challenged societal norms and pushed boundaries. She was one of the first openly gay comedians to achieve mainstream success, paving the way for other LGBTQ+ performers. Her sitcom, *Ellen*, was groundbreaking for featuring a lesbian protagonist, even though the coming out episode sparked significant controversy at the time.

Impact of *The Ellen DeGeneres Show*

*The Ellen DeGeneres Show* revolutionized daytime television with its blend of celebrity interviews, comedic segments, and feel-good stories. The show's positive and inclusive message resonated with audiences worldwide, making it a ratings powerhouse for many years.

Key aspects of the show's impact include:

• Celebrity Interviews: Ellen's relaxed and conversational interviewing style made her a favorite among celebrities. Her interviews often generated viral moments and provided unique insights into the lives of famous figures.
• Dance Parties: The show's signature dance parties created a fun and energetic atmosphere, engaging both the studio audience and viewers at home.
• Philanthropic Initiatives: Ellen used her platform to support numerous charities and individuals in need, raising millions of dollars for various causes. Her generosity and commitment to giving back inspired countless others.

Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Rights

Ellen has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights throughout her career. Her public coming out in 1997 was a watershed moment for the LGBTQ+ community, and she has continued to use her platform to promote equality and acceptance. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her advocacy work, solidifying her position as a role model for LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide.

What's Next for Ellen? Speculating on the Future

Predicting the future is always challenging, but we can make informed speculations about what Ellen DeGeneres might do next based on her past interests, current activities, and the evolving landscape of entertainment.

Potential Career Paths

Here are a few possible career paths Ellen might pursue:

• Return to Stand-Up Comedy: As mentioned earlier, a return to her stand-up roots is a viable option. This would allow her to connect directly with audiences and showcase her comedic talents in a more intimate setting.
• Producing and Developing New Talent: Ellen's production company could focus on developing and producing shows for other talents. This would allow her to leverage her experience and industry connections to help launch the careers of new comedians and entertainers.
• Streaming Specials or Limited-Run Series: Creating content for streaming platforms would provide her with greater creative control and flexibility. She could develop a stand-up special, a limited-run talk show format, or a documentary series on a topic she is passionate about.
• Philanthropic Focus: She may dedicate more time and resources to her philanthropic endeavors, focusing on animal welfare, conservation, and other causes she cares about.

Factors Influencing Her Future Decisions

Several factors will likely influence Ellen's future decisions:

• Public Perception: Rebuilding trust and regaining public confidence will be crucial. She will need to demonstrate a continued commitment to creating positive and inclusive environments in all her future endeavors.
• Personal Interests: Ellen's passions for comedy, animals, and design will likely play a role in her future projects.
• The Evolving Entertainment Landscape: The rise of streaming platforms and the changing nature of television will influence the types of projects she pursues.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for a Comedic Icon

Ellen DeGeneres's departure from daytime television marks the end of an era, but it also opens a new chapter in her career. While the controversies surrounding her show have undoubtedly impacted her legacy, her contributions to comedy, LGBTQ+ rights, and philanthropy remain significant.

As she navigates this new phase, Ellen has the opportunity to reinvent herself and pursue projects that align with her passions and values. Whether she returns to stand-up comedy, focuses on producing new talent, or dedicates herself to philanthropic endeavors, Ellen DeGeneres is sure to remain a prominent figure in the entertainment world for years to come.

The future remains unwritten, but one thing is certain: Ellen DeGeneres's story is far from over. The world will be watching to see what she does next, and her next act will undoubtedly be as closely scrutinized and widely discussed as her groundbreaking career has been thus far.