THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW
SEPTEMBER 8, 2003
The first grade-a talk show of the new millennium debuting on September 8, 2003. Many things separated Ellen from the rest of daytime talk shows starting with not having a tabloid punching or advice style premise.
Also premiering the same season was "the Sharon Osbourne show". Both seemed nervous through the first few episodes. Ellen prevailed due to her learning very quickly that a talk show host asks the questions then turns the show over completely to the guest. Even the best talk show hosts feel they are bigger than the guests and need to be the center of attention. Hey, if that's the case, go make a movie, do the stand-up circuit or tour with a band but do not be a talk show host.
The show has went through large and small changes mostly to the set with the large screens behind the host and guest seating displaying screens of Los Angeles's landscapes. The biggest change was moving the complete set after five seasons from studio 11 at NBC studios in Burbank, California to stage 2 on the Warner brothers lot.
The dancing segment has been a staple in every episode since the debut except after a back injury that kept her seated. In 2006, Ellen amended her dancing with a shorter routine that did not include her moving through the audience. Her dedication to the fans who were less than happy with this change showed, and after a few days the dancing resumed in full throttle.
DJ Tony Okungbowa is the best sidekick man who knows the songs that work best for Ellen. Okungbowa allowed Ellen to bump jokes off him and quickly won the fans affection with his soft spoken voice and electrifyingly dashing good looks. His departure from the show in 2006 to pursue a growing acting career only lasted two seasons. The amazing power of Ellen.
This writer has high hopes for Ellen that see her dethroning the queen of daytime talk shows, Oprah Winfrey. The Ellen empire can only gain speed with the departure of Winfrey - no one in daytime talk show television even comes close. "do a little dance make a little love get down Ellen!!!!"
RUSTY
9/8/03
