S1E21 - 2LGBTQIA+ Pride Month 2025 - TV Spotlight - Ellen (1994-1998)

Visibility, Backlash, and the Cost of Being First
A Marxists at the Movies TV Spotlight SpecialSupport our work and get early access to full articles and audio at ⁠patreon.com/cinemarchmedia⁠.

In 1997, Ellen DeGeneres came out—and television would never be the same.

This special episode explores the sitcom Ellen as a cultural turning point. From its subversive structure to the historic “Puppy Episode,” we trace how the show challenged network norms, made queer identity visible, and paid the price for it. We’ll also examine the long shadow of backlash, Ellen’s rise and fall, and how capitalism devours authenticity—even as it pretends to celebrate it.

Spoiler warning: we’re going deep.
And yes, Myron is mentioned.

Follow us for more unintentional communist masterpieces, cultural deep-dives, and unapologetically leftist media critique. New episodes drop every Wednesday!