LOS ANGELES, CA – After 19 seasons and 3,280 episodes, the Emmy award-winning daytime talk show, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” came to an end after its final episode aired on Thursday, May 26.
During her final opening monologue, Ellen DeGeneres, who was visibly overcome with emotion, began by speaking about how things have changed since the show’s debut in 2003.
“Twenty years ago, when we were trying to sell this show, no one thought that this would work. Not because it was a different kind of show, but because I was different,” DeGeneres said. “Very few stations wanted to buy this show, and here we are 20 years later, celebrating this amazing journey.”
DeGeneres also reflected on how she was not allowed to say “gay” when the show first started.
“I couldn’t say we because that implied that I was with someone. Sure couldn’t say wife,” DeGeneres said. “That’s because it wasn’t legal for gay people to get married. And now I say wife all the time.”
As she wrapped up her monologue, DeGeneres described the show as “the greatest experience” she’s ever had and called on the series’ DJ, Stephen “tWitch” Boss, to join her for one final dance.
The show’s final episode was full of emotional and full circle moments, including when DeGeneres brought out one of her final guests, Jennifer Aniston.
Aniston, who has made a total of 20 appearances over the course of the last 19 seasons, was the show’s very first guest.
As the two spoke and joked throughout their sit down interview, Aniston gifted DeGeneres with a welcome mat that read, “Thanks For The Memories.” She previously gifted the daytime TV host with a similar mat during her first appearance on the show.
Before leaving the stage, Aniston introduced a special highlight reel made by the show’s staff, which took a look back at the host and comedian’s successful career.
Pop star Billie Eilish, who was only a year old when the show first began, came on as the show’s second guest.
DeGeneres’ third and final guest, Pink, praised the host for the impact that she’s made on her viewers and on the world as a whole.
“Whereas maybe I help people find their pain, you helped people find their joy, and we need that so badly,” she said. “You are as kind as you seem and you support people. And when you shine your light on them, it’s like staring into the sun.”
Pink, who wrote and sang the show’s theme song, also performed her 2017 hit “What About Us.”
As the show came to a close, DeGeneres tearfully thanked her viewers and crew for their support over the last 19 years and ended with one final inspirational message.
“If I’ve done anything in the past 19 years, I hope I’ve inspired you to be yourself. Your true, authentic self. And if someone is brave enough to tell you who they are, be brave enough to support them, even if you don’t understand.” DeGeneres said. “They’re showing you who they are, and that is the biggest gift anybody can ever give you. And by opening your heart and your mind, you’re going to be that much more compassionate, and compassion is what make this world a better place.”
