Ellen DeGeneres is making a comeback with her latest stand-up special, which is now streaming on Netflix. Titled “Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval,” this performance marks what may be her final stand-up appearance. In the special, DeGeneres addresses her controversial departure from the daytime talk show scene, where she faced allegations of a toxic workplace environment along with personal criticisms. While she acknowledges the heartache from these events, she insists they were not the reasons for ending her long-running show.
In a candid admission at the start of the special, she shares her love for stand-up comedy and the joy it brings her. Recognizing the need for positivity, she reflects on her closing mantra from the show, “Be kind to one another,” humorously suggesting that a more confrontational farewell might have surprised her audience.
The special also revisits DeGeneres’ past, including her historic moment coming out as gay on the cover of Time magazine, framing it within her experiences in the industry. With humor, she addresses her perceived shortcomings, joking about being “kicked out” of show business for being mean and even for her sexuality, as well as the looming concern of aging.
Throughout the stand-up, DeGeneres shares insights about the therapeutic nature of making others happy and her gratitude for the financial success of her career. Although she touches on a variety of topics, the primary focus remains on the controversy that affected her life and career.
This special, which runs for just over an hour, is part of a two-special deal DeGeneres signed several years ago. It follows her previous stand-up special, “Relatable,” released in 2018. Produced alongside her wife Portia de Rossi and directed by Joel Gallen, known for directing Chris Rock’s “Selective Outrage,” it promises a blend of humor and heartfelt reflection.
As the show wraps up, DeGeneres expresses newfound happiness, free from the pressure of being a public figure. She gratefully acknowledges her audience’s support, admitting that she was unsure if she would return to stand-up after the trials she faced. With a triumphant conclusion, she shares that performing again has been a healing experience and emphasizes that she is pleased to close this chapter on her own terms.