Ellen DeGeneres Expresses Longing for TV Return, Fans Question Her Graham Norton Appearance

Ellen DeGeneres has confessed to missing her television career and expressed a desire to return to the screen, despite having no new work lined up. Her recent appearance on The Graham Norton Show prompted bewilderment among fans, who questioned her invitation to the program given her absence from the public eye.

DeGeneres, 68, retreated from public life after her self-titled talk show concluded in 2022, following allegations of a toxic workplace culture. The star has been living in The Cotswolds in England with her wife, Portia de Rossi, since her show's cancellation.

"I've nothing really going on and I really miss being on TV," DeGeneres stated during her appearance on Norton's sofa. "I miss a lot about it – laughing with the writers and the audience. I think about doing stuff here."

She noted the variety of television programming available in the UK, including shows about pottery, sewing, and even people watching TV. DeGeneres also reflected on her former sitcom, which featured one of the first openly gay lead characters on a U.S. series. She expressed gratitude for the positive reception of her coming out in London, contrasting it with the initial reaction in the United States.

Viewers took to social media to express their confusion over her presence on the show, particularly as she did not appear to be promoting any upcoming projects, which is a typical reason for guest appearances. Comments included observations about the perceived awkwardness of her interview and her demeanor.

DeGeneres' fall from public favor followed accusations from former employees of The Ellen DeGeneres Show detailing a workplace environment characterized by bullying and racism. Despite closing her show for nearly two decades with the mantra "be kind to one another," staffers claimed the reality behind the scenes was different.

The show continued to air after the allegations surfaced in 2020, but an internal investigation and declining ratings ultimately led to its conclusion after 19 seasons. DeGeneres has previously described the period as "very, very difficult" and "eye-opening," stating she trusts that the events occurred for a reason and that she learned a lot from them.

Following former President Donald Trump's re-election in November 2024, DeGeneres and de Rossi relocated from the United States. Their initial home in The Cotswolds faced issues, including flooding and complaints from locals regarding renovation work. The couple has since moved to a different property in the same region. Reports have also indicated the possibility of their return to the U.S., with the couple having purchased a property in Montecito last year.