
“Ellen” is a U.S. sitcom that was broadcast on ABC from March 29, 1994, to July 22, 1998, spanning 109 episodes. The show stars Ellen DeGeneres, a stand-up comedian, in the lead role of Ellen Morgan, a neurotic bookstore owner in her thirties. The storyline revolves around Ellen’s interactions with her eccentric friends, her family, and the everyday challenges she faces. The series is particularly significant for being the first to feature a main character who comes out as gay, a milestone that occurs in the 1997 episode titled “Puppy Episode.” This moment attracted significant media attention, sparked controversy, and led ABC to include a parental advisory at the start of each episode. The theme song, “So Called Friend,” is performed by the Scottish band Texas. A recurring joke in the series was that each episode featured a unique opening credits sequence, reflecting Ellen’s ongoing quest to find the ideal introduction.