Ellen DeGeneres wants to return to TV after toxic workplace scandal

Ellen DeGeneres says she misses working in television and would like to return to the industry, four years after her talk show ended amid allegations of a toxic workplace environment.

The 68-year-old comedian made the comments Friday during an appearance on “The Graham Norton Show,” where she spoke humorously about her life in the United Kingdom.

“I have nothing to do, and I really miss being on TV,” DeGeneres said. She added that she misses laughing with the show’s writers and audience and suggested that working in British television could be an option.

DeGeneres also joked about the variety of programs she could explore in the UK, mentioning shows focused on pottery, sewing and people watching television, including “The Great Pottery Throwdown,” “The Great British Sewing Bee” and “Gogglebox.”

However, she did not announce a specific project or confirm any plans for a television comeback.

A new life in the United Kingdom

DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, 53, moved from Los Angeles to England’s Cotswolds region in 2024, following Donald Trump’s reelection to a second presidential term.

The comedian has since expressed enthusiasm for her new surroundings. In August 2025, she praised the area’s beauty, the politeness of its residents and what she described as a simpler way of life.

The couple have largely kept a low profile since leaving Hollywood, although DeGeneres was recently spotted with Meghan Markle, the former “Suits” actress, at the Three Horseshoes pub near Burford, Oxfordshire. De Rossi was also present.

Allegations that overshadowed her show

DeGeneres’ interest in returning to television comes after allegations that damaged her public image. In 2020, while “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” was still airing, 10 former employees accused the program of fostering a toxic workplace marked by racism, fear and intimidation.

DeGeneres publicly addressed the allegations during the opening of a season of her show, acknowledging that unacceptable incidents had occurred and apologizing to those affected. She also said changes had been made to the workplace.

The program ended in 2022 after 19 seasons. DeGeneres has remained largely out of the television spotlight since then, but her recent remarks suggest she misses the work and the connection with audiences.