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Unlike Ellen, which moved at a faster pace, The Ellen Show takes its sweet time setting up each gag and waiting for the laughs, which are sometimes undeserved. With her chatty, friendly way, DeGeneres is a likeable focal point but the storylines are often unfocused. The series ultimately didn't pack enough oomph to last a full season. Its last episode aired 3-1/2 months after it premiered. This two-disc, 18-episode set includes the handful of shows that never made it on television. Guest stars include Betty White and Mary Tyler Moore, who do a nice job chewing up the scenery. But it's a tiny Dakota Fanning (War of the Worlds) who steals the show, playing a chatty school-age version of Ellen. --Jae-Ha Kim
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Most helpful customer reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Cast Funny Shows,
By
This review is from: The Ellen Show: The Complete Series (DVD)
This is by far my favourite Ellen series. With witty, original writing and an astounding support cast (including Cloris Leachman, Martin Mull, Jim Gaffigan...), it originally suffered from an ill-suited timeslot (8pm?), and remains completely underrated. (A couple of the many memorable moments include Ellen unintentionally getting her hair done by a dog-groomer, & the attention paid to a patrolman named B. Arthur.) This ensemble approach helps create Ellen's best work, so if you want some good laughs, this series is worth your time. It still makes me laugh after several repeat viewings.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
4.6 out of 5 stars (18 customer reviews) 22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Overlooked Gem!,
By RetroRhythms - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Ellen Show: The Complete Series (DVD)
I didn't see this series when it was originally aired ... and I am so thankful for the DVD release! The premise is that Ellen is an ex-dotcom exec whose corporation has gone belly-up. She decides to move back to her hometown, the dot-on-the-map "Clark," where she is in for a real culture shock, as she adjusts to life as a guidance counselor at her old high school, as well as living with her mom and younger sister -- who cannot begin to comprehend some of the big-city ways Ellen has picked up in L.A.The great thing about Ellen is that in every series or show in which she appears, there's a familiar feeling that always brings joy. You don't get the feeling that she's trying to be hip, or play up a role more than necessary. There's always that, for lack of a better term, "Ellen element" that is predictable in the most surprising ways. The show's heart comes from the hilarious ignorance of the small-town characters (marvelously portrayed by the likes of Kerri Kenney, Jim Gaffigan, and others) and Ellen's attempts to interact effectively with them. Though the first two episodes are a bit slow, the plotlines get funnier and better-paced after that. There are some hysterical moments. For instance, in the episode "Vanity Hair," Pam (Kenney) cuts Ellen's hair, as does a dog groomer -- unbeknownst to Ellen. The dialogue in the process, as well as the results, will leave you out of control! Also worth definite mention are Cloris Leachman in her role as Ellen's mom, and Emily Rutherford as Ellen's younger sister. They play their roles in a way that is not generically stereotyped, rather, zesty and unique. I recommend this DVD set to any Ellen fans, as well as any who appreciate down-to-earth situation comedy! 15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Really Funny and Truly Witty,
By M. Hummel "mh1957" - Published on Amazon.com
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This review is from: The Ellen Show: The Complete Series (DVD)
I like this show a bit more than Ellen's earlier hit show (where she famously came out); Cloris Leachman is very funny, sort of an abrupt version of Carol Brady, if you will. Her sister is also very, very good, Jim Gaffigan is not bad, and Martin Mull is essentially reprising the character he played on Roseanne.Ellen is very subtle at times, but I think that's funnier than what you find in most "joke" oriented sitcoms. Lots of good observational humor, and Ellen DeGeneres is very likeable throughout. This is one that the audience never caught up with. The Editorial Review dismisses the show because it didn't do well in the ratings, as if there's never been a wonderful show that didn't do well in the ratings! CBS buried this show on Friday nights, and preempted it more than once, so it never had a chance. The "standup comedian with his/her own show" window was closing--hardly Ellen DeGeneres' fault. This is a smart show, and Carol Leifer who worked on "Seinfeld" and had her own show (Alright Already) is co-creator, so you know it's going to have quality writing. That's the key. I'm a comedy connoisseur, and believe me this is a smart comedy--along the lines of Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, The Bob Newhart Show, Barney Miller, Cheers, early Seinfeld, etc. Check it out. 10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you missed it the first time, check it out now!,
By Eric A. Klee "eak321" - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Ellen Show: The Complete Series (DVD)
I remember watching this show when it was originally aired (oh-so-briefly) and thinking that although I was glad to see Ellen back on TV, it wasn't nearly as good or hilarious as her first sitcom. After purchasing and re-watching the series on DVD, I can see that it definitely holds its own. Ellen is the comical Ellen that we all know and love...and the storylines and jokes definitely suit her. For anyone who loves "Ellen" and/or "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," I highly recommend catching "The Ellen Show" as well. You won't be disappointed.
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