Despite allegations of toxic work environment, the Ellen Degeneres show returned for its 18th season on Monday with its biggest season premiere since 2016.
One would think that the show would have low ratings following the allegations brought up by some employees over the summer. But reverse was the case.
The show had an overnight Nielsen household rating of 1.9 — steady with the overall ratings for the fall 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 alltalk 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.
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“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 recognized 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.
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.
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