Ellen DeGeneres announced Wednesday that she would end her daytime talk show in 2022. Now, she’s addressing them directly about her resolution to end the show after 19 seasons.
In a six-minute monologue that will air on Thursday’s program, Ellen said: “Two years ago, I agreed on a deal for three more years, and I always knew deep within me that Season 19 would be my last.”
“Nineteen is an incredible number. Firstly, the 19th amendment gave woman the right to vote. I believe this may be controversial, but women should be allowed to vote,” Ellen said in the clip, mixing serious thoughts with the strategic pauses and meandering beats that are signature of her comedic style. “Also, 19 is the atomic number for potassium on the periodic table.”
Ellen who’s talk show recently reached the 3,000-episode milestone, explained her decision to end the talk show, which debuted in 2003.
“The reality is, I always trust my instincts. As a comedian, my instinct told me it’s time. In all seriousness, I felt like next season was the right time to end this incredible chapter.”
She continued that in 1998 she also trusted her instincts when she came out as a lesbian on her ABC show, deciding to “live my truth.”
Ellen declared the decision on Wednesday in an interview with CNN International. “When you’re a comedian, you constantly need to be challenged- and as fun, as this show is, and as great as it is, it’s just not a challenge anymore,” Ellen said.
However, Ellen’s show has been one of the triumphant shows of daytime TV. The decision isn’t surprising considering the cost and age of the program. Ellen is reported to make $50 million a year in a contract that ends next year, and she has spoken openly in the past about possibly ending the show.
