Ellen DeGeneres’ latest comedy special, “For Your Approval,” begins with a nostalgic look back at her extensive career. The special opens with her in her dressing room, reflecting on her first appearance on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson, as memories of her past—a montage of her iconic sitcom from the 1990s and her coming out as a lesbian—play on the screens. As she ascends a staircase marked with headlines about her sitcom’s cancellation, she hears voices recounting the controversy, but ultimately she breaks into a smile, encouraged by her “Finding Nemo” character, Dory, to “Just keep swimming.”
The special is presented as DeGeneres’ final performance, and after an energetic introduction highlighting her career, she thanks the audience for allowing her “to say goodbye on my terms.” Throughout the show, DeGeneres shares candid thoughts, even when not directly addressing the end of her daytime talk show. A humorous story about parallel parking subtly hints at deeper feelings of shame, suggesting a relatable struggle beneath the comedy.
Her routine includes lighthearted observations, echoing her early comedic style, yet the special also touches on her complex public persona. DeGeneres has been a cultural figure often surrounded by controversy—first for her openness about her sexuality and later for allegations regarding workplace behavior. After the cancellation of her sitcom, she rebounded with multiple successful projects in the following years.
Now, as she approaches the end of her career, she seems less focused on justifying her actions. The special delves into aging and the pressures of maintaining an image, as DeGeneres reflects on her time in the spotlight. While she maintains that her show was a happy place, her jokes about her penchant for scaring staff members feel vague in light of the reported concerns from former employees.
The juxtaposition of the two major controversies in her career poses challenges—one stemming from prejudice and the other from scrutiny over her management style. DeGeneres wryly notes the contradiction between her message of kindness and the criticisms she faced, highlighting the complexity of her character.
Her strongest moments come when she discusses universally relatable themes, like caring for her mother with dementia. Despite her frustrations with how her persona evolved, there remains a recognition of her cultivated image over the years.
“For Your Approval” is executive produced by DeGeneres and Ben Winston, known for his polished productions. This special seems to draw on the lingering affection for DeGeneres, even as she navigates the fallout from her past. She boldly declares herself “tough, impatient, and demanding,” receiving a standing ovation that underscores her resilience.
While she addresses challenges in her life, the lack of a deep dive into specific controversies can feel incomplete. DeGeneres chooses to touch on her experiences without fully confronting the criticisms against her, creating a mixed response. Ultimately, “For Your Approval” serves as a complex, if somewhat frustrating, farewell to a storied career.
“Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval” premiered on Netflix on September 24.