Who should #ReplaceEllen? Twitter weighs in on DeGeneres’ TV show debacle
Twitter has put out an unofficial casting call for the next Ellen DeGeneres, who has reportedly considered leaving her daytime talk show after several employees spoke up about experiencing racism and intimidation at work.
The veteran comedian, whose slogan is “Be kind to one another,” apologized recently in a memo to her staff acknowledging claims of workplace mistreatment and promising to enact positive change. Over the weekend, multiple publications reported that DeGeneres might ditch her hosting gig altogether — potentially opening the door for fresh talent to fill her coveted spot.
Portia de Rossi, actress and DeGeneres’ wife, also waded into the controversy Monday on Instagram, declaring, “I stand by Ellen.”
“To all our fans....we see you,” she wrote. “Thank you for your support.”
It’s unlikely that Warner Bros. would replace DeGeneres as the star of NBC’s “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”; an entirely different program would probably fill the hourlong slot instead. But that hasn’t stopped Twitter from nominating a slew of media personalities to #ReplaceEllen in the event of her exit.
After months during which criticisms from former and current employees of the show’s workplace culture were reported, star Ellen DeGeneres told her staff she would tackle the issues.
One of many names being tossed around is “American Idol” alum Kelly Clarkson, who already hosts a hit NBC talk series that some believe should simply be shifted into DeGeneres’ slot. Others have suggested “Umbrella Academy” star Ellen Page — whose first name fits the brand — or vegan influencer Tabitha Brown, who recently scored her own web series on DeGeneres’ Ellen Digital Network.
“Just replace her with Ellen Page,” wrote Twitter user Robert Richmond. “Another out lesbian, and you don’t even have to change the name of the show!”
Several are of the opinion that the job should go to a Black woman, such as Brown, former “Strahan, Sara and Keke” cohost Keke Palmer or comedian Tiffany Haddish. “Desus & Mero” writer and “Baited” mastermind Ziwe Fumudoh — whose Instagram Live series about race has skyrocketed in popularity in recent months — has also racked up quite a few votes.
“Give a Black woman that slot,” wrote “Hair Love” director Matthew A. Cherry. “Keke, Nina Parker, Tabitha Brown, etc.”
“We want Ziwe or no one,” declared Twitter user Ben Yahr.
And then there are those advocating for actress Dakota Johnson, whom Twitter hailed as a hero last year when she unapologetically called DeGeneres out for lying about not being invited to Johnson’s 30th birthday party. (It turns out DeGeneres was invited but missed the party because she was out of town that weekend at a Dallas Cowboys game with former President George W. Bush.)
“I don’t know why everyone is ignoring the obvious best choice to replace Ellen DeGeneres,” Meg Monk tweeted along with a screenshot of Johnson famously saying, “That’s not the truth, Ellen,” during the viral segment from “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”
One person who does not have Twitter’s support is “Late Late Show” host James Corden, who is rumored to be in talks to take DeGeneres’ place if and when she decides to move on from her daytime stint.
“Because James Corden has been recommended to replace Ellen DeGeneres, I made a list of people who are more capable of taking that job,” someone tweeted along with a list of names that included Page, Harry Styles, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Barack Obama and Kate McKinnon, who has often impersonated DeGeneres on “Saturday Night Live.”
See who else the internet has nominated to #ReplaceEllen below.
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