4/5 An Overlooked Gem!
  by RetroRhythms (USA)
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!

5/5 If you missed it the first time, check it out now!
  by Eric A. Klee (Charlotte, NC USA)
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.

5/5 Really Funny and Truly Witty
  by M. Hummel (College Park, MD USA)
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.

5/5 I can't Wait!!
  by William (LA)
I'm very Glad that Ellen Degeneres's 2001 sitcom "The Ellen Show" is coming to DVD! This DVD set is on 2-DVDS, and it includes al 18 epiodes(only 13 were shown in the US.) I know this will be Great & I know you will like it to.(Also please bring"Ellen" Seasons 4&5 to DVD sooooon!!)

5/5 It even has a catchy theme song...
  by Angie Engles (Columbia, MD United States)
What a great DVD this is to have in your collection! "The Ellen Show" is fun, smart, sincere, sweet and often downright hysterical. Back in 2006 I bought this, but somehow didn't open it until recently and boy, am I glad I did...it helped me get through a bad cold...it was the perfect medicine!!

Sometimes all you need to see is that "I know something you don't" twinkle in Ellen's eyes and you just start to laugh. The woman has talent, there's no doubt about that and it can be seen in almost every episode found on two discs.

Some of the best ones include the pilot where Ellen returns to her hometown after her dot com business goes bust and finds a quirky bunch of people, both in her family and her co-workers. These folks have no concept there's a whole world to be found outside the small town of Clark. It's this mindset, of course, that helps fuel the humor of the show.

Other terrific titles on the first disc include: "Walden Pond" (Ellen becomes Clark's high school guidance counselor and bonds with a troubled student)..."Vanity Fair" (contains a cute mix-up involving beauty salons and animal hairstylists...gives new meaning to "best in show")..."Missing the Bus" (I'm a bit biased here since I love Betty White, but still it's a super episode AND with a young Dakota Fanning who steals your heart as a young Ellen in flashback).

A strong supporting cast carries "The Ellen Show" far above the bad treatment it received from its own network (how a tv program like this got cancelled when "Yes, Dear" went on to have four seasons is beyond me!)

The lovable, if terribly misguided set of co-workers are played to comedic charm by the ever-reliable Martin Mull ("Mr Munn"), the surprisingly gifted Kerri Kenney (as "Pam" the awkward, but ultimately kind home ec teacher), the adorable Jim Gaffigan (who is more than suited for the role of teacher-of-all-trades "Rusty") and the much-loved Cloris Leachman (who is just wonderful and endearingly daff as Ellen's mom.)

The second disc is not to be missed either. "Ellen's First Christmas" offers us the delightful Mary Tyler Moore (just as much an influence on Ellen DeGeneres as Lucille Ball, I imagine)..."Just the Duck" captures the dilemmas singles face living in a small town and serves up some very bright moments of humor when Ellen attempts to dine alone at a fancy restaurant and finds plenty of patronizing pity on her plate..."Shallow Gal" speaks to all of us who weren't quite right with in the "in" crowd back in high school and secretly want a second chance (guest star Maureen McCormick couldn't have been better cast...I mean, it's "Marcia" we're talking about)..."Where the Sun Doesn't Shine" gives us a strong Cloris Leachman performance and proof that she has never lost her timing or her shine when it comes to delivering a great line.

My only disappointment here is that there are no extras (can you imagine the interviews they could have done?) and that there isn't more to love. "The Ellen Show" is a reminder that we need to save the sitcom before it dies for good.