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Ellen

Season 1

11 listed hours · 1994–1998 · ABC

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From the desk

How this season is filed

Filed by Rex Fontaine · Golden Age Dispatch

Before the talk-show empire, this was a bookstore sitcom that detonated the closet on primetime. Watch not only for the Puppy Episode as event television, but for DeGeneres finding a comic rhythm that could no longer pretend. History, sitcom craft, and the aftertaste of a network that wanted the ratings without the honesty.

TV Flash files Season 1 of Ellen (1994–1998) on ABC as the first listed season of 5 — 11 listed hours, 1994-03-29–1994-08-30 from “Pilot” (S01E01) to “The Boyfriend Stealer” (S01E11). Titles, dates, and synopses on file — no invented recaps.

Desk essentials in this season

  1. S01E01 Pilot

    Before the talk-show empire: a bookstore sitcom finding DeGeneres's comic rhythm, still pretending it is only a workplace.

  1. S01E01

    Pilot

    In the series pilot, Ellen is concerned that Holly might be getting involved with a creep.

  2. S01E02

    The Anchor

    A call-waiting snafu causes an awkward incident between Ellen and an acquaintance she'd like to avoid.

  3. S01E03

    A Kiss Is Still a Kiss

    Ellen, Holly and Adam respond to personal ads, and Ellen finds a great guy---whose kisses aren't so great.

  4. S01E04

    The Class Reunion

    Ellen lies about her marital and career status at a class reunion, but then she meets an old heartthrob.

  5. S01E05

    The Promotion

    Problems are born when Ellen seeks a promotion by buying a gift for her boss's baby.

  6. S01E06

    The Hand That Robs the Cradle

    Dating a younger guy makes Ellen insecure about the status of her hipness---or what's left of it.

  7. S01E07

    The Go-Between

    Ellen arranges for Adam to escort her boss to a wedding.

  8. S01E08

    The Houseguest

    Ellen's cousin visits, but her vacation is spoiled by a flat tire, beach pollution and conterfeit theater tickets.

  9. S01E09

    The Refrigerator

    Adam and Ellen get a discount on a refrigerator, but Ellen must move it around town herself after Adam fakes a back injury.

  10. S01E10

    The Soft Touch

    Ellen pities a hapless car salesman, who gets fired after she backs out of a deal.

  11. S01E11

    The Boyfriend Stealer

    Ellen believes that Holly's boyfriend is making passes at her, but has trouble proving her case.

More from the 1990s.