The daytime talk show host, Ellen DeGeneres, has announced the end to her show after the upcoming 19th season. On her show and in a recent interview with Savannah Guthrie on the Today show, DeGeneres explained what led up to the final decision. DeGeneres first aired her show, The Ellen Show, in 2003, after having to fight for what is now the thing she is most proud of. 

DeGeneres opened a recent episode of her show with a monologue, to deliver the news to viewers, after previously informing her staff and crew. In her monologue DeGeneres said,”I always trust my instincts, my instinct told me its time.¨

When the 16th season came to an end, DeGeneres had planned to only sign for one more season, but was only given the option to sign for four seasons. Ultimately a ¨compromise¨ was reached to sign for three more seasons. While at this time the decision to stop after those three seasons was not officially decided upon, DeGeneres told Savannah Guthrie that she knew it would be the end.

After being called out for allegedly creating a toxic work environment, some speculate that this had some part in DeGeneres’ decision. These allegations took place last summer, and DeGeneres explains that she ¨really did think about not coming back.¨ However, if these accusations were why she was quitting then, she would ¨not have come back this year.¨

Instead of retiring, DeGeneres has hopes to play a role in a movie, and next year she will begin a new chapter in her life. Ellen DeGeneres told The Hollywood Reporter, ¨When you’re a creative person you constantly need to be challenged, and as great as this show is, it’s just not a challenge anymore.”