Ellen DeGeneres’ big TV apology a ratings hit – but will viewers stick around?

Millions tuned in for Ellen’s long-awaited on-air apology – but there is still a key question surrounding the embattled TV host.

Ellen just might be feeling the kindness of strangers.

Following a between-season break tanked by non-stop accusations of a toxic workplace culture that defies her “be kind” mantra, The Ellen DeGeneres Show returned for its 18th season yesterday — with its biggest US season premiere since 2016.

The show posted an overnight Nielsen household rating of 1.9 — steady with the overall ratings for 2019 premiere — but it ranked No. 1 in a lucrative ad demo: adults aged 25 to 54, with a 0.9 rating, an increase from last year’s 0.8.

But even more impressive: Ellen also topped all talk shows in what’s arguably the most-coveted ad demo: Female viewers ages 18 to 34, earning a 0.6, and nailing ages 18 to 49 with a 0.8. The program tied with The View at 1.1 for women viewers ages 25 to 54.

Was it loyal viewer dedication — or just morbid curiosity about behind-the-scenes drama after debunked rumours of cancellation and the #RIPEllen Twitter trend? Only time will tell if the ratings uptick will stick.

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Ellen’s big TV return yesterday. Picture: YouTube

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However, the much-hyped return episode, featuring an appearance by comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish, did include a mea culpa from the 62-year-old host.

“As you may have heard this summer, there were allegations of a toxic work environment at our show and then there was an investigation. I learned that things happened here that never should’ve happened,” DeGeneres said. “I take that very seriously, and I want to say I’m so sorry to the people who were affected.”

She added that she recognised her “position of privilege and power” and that she takes “responsibility for what happens at my show.” She also claimed to be more than the “be kind” persona viewers see on screen.

“The truth is I am that person that you see on TV. I am also a lot of other things,” DeGeneres noted. “Sometimes I get sad, I get mad, I get anxious, I get frustrated, I get impatient, and I am working on all of that.”

The opening monologue, however, was panned by some former show workers who didn’t appreciate her attempt at inserting humour.

Ellen’s jokes about the scandal didn’t go down well with some viewers. Picture: YouTube

“When she said, ‘Oh, my summer was great’ and that was supposed to be funny, I thought, ‘It’s funny that you had a rough summer because everyone was calling out all of the allegations of your toxic work environment and now you’re the one suffering?’” a former employee told BuzzFeed News.

Show sources recently told Page Six that the show’s work has changed and that the employees are happy to be back on set. DeGeneres reportedly held check-in Zoom chats with employees and is more “engaged than ever,” sources said. Over the summer, the show got rid of three producers — Ed Glavin, Kevin Leman and Jonathan Norman — and elevated DJ Stephen “tWitch” Boss to a co-executive producer slot alongside longtime showrunners Mary Connelly, Andy Lassner and Derek Westervelt.

This story originally appeared on Page Six and is republished here with permission.

The Ellen DeGerenes Show airs locally on Foxtel’s Arena channel at 7.30pm weeknights.