It appears to be like like The Ellen DeGeneres present will be unable to climate the storm following a summer time of controversy.
The sequence has been within the press for all of the fallacious causes in latest months because of a number of former and present staff coming ahead with allegations of a toxic workplace.
The experiences included allegations of sexual harassment, misconduct, and assault.
Finally, three producers have been fired from the sequence after an investigation was triggered by WarnerMedia.
With the promise of addressing the controversy on the latest season premiere, it appeared poised to be a rankings success on stations it’s aired.
Sadly, the 2020 premiere was down 38% in complete viewers vs. its 2019 premiere, in keeping with USA Today.
As a complete, the sequence averaged 1.66 million viewers throughout its premiere week in September, which is down significantly from the primary week common of final season, which had 2.67 million viewers.
Whereas it is easy accountable the controversy surrounding the sequence for the rankings woes, we have to do not forget that different exhibits are down significantly in 2020.
The Wendy Williams Present is down 24% year-to-year, however Ellen was, after all, the worst affected, fueling the hypothesis that the controversy has weakened the present.
The numbers for Ellen symbolize main declines, and if the numbers proceed to fade, it is doubtless the present might discover itself in scorching water.
DeGeneres addressed the allegations in her first monologue of the season, declaring she had a “nice… tremendous terrific” summer time in a sarcastic tone to viewers.
“I discovered that issues occurred right here that by no means ought to have occurred,” DeGeneres mentioned.
“I take that very significantly and I need to say I am so sorry to the those that have been affected.”
“I do know that I am able of privilege and energy and I understand that with that comes accountability. I take accountability for what occurs at my present.”
The host maintained that the brand new season marked the start of a “new chapter,” for the present and for her.
She additionally had a response to the experiences that she’s not the girl individuals see on TV, saying “I’m that individual that you just see on TV. I’m additionally loads of different issues.”
Forward of the return of the sequence, staff have been provided higher perks for engaged on the present.
However her opening monologue didn’t go down nicely with staff as a result of they felt like she was making enjoyable of the state of affairs, in keeping with experiences.
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Paul Dailly is the Affiliate Editor for TV Fanatic. Comply with him on Twitter.