THE PUPPY EPISODE
"Susan, I'm gay." -Ellen Morgan, "The Puppy Episode"
On April 30, 1997, an episode of Ellen's sitcom, "Ellen", aired entitled "The Puppy Episode" as an inside joke between the producers. Within the episode, the main character, Ellen Morgan (played by Ellen Degeneres), publicly announces that she is a lesbian. She confesses her truth to her friend Susan, who is also gay. Ellen finds Susan rather attractive and feels that she should come out to Susan.
Ellen coming out to Susan in "The Puppy Episode"
[Image Courtesy of Vanity Fair]
"Why do I have to be so ashamed. I mean, why can't I just see the truth?" -Ellen Morgan, "The Puppy Episode
Ellen and Susan in "The Puppy Episode"
[Image Courtesy of History.com]
The hour-long episode acquired a total of 42 million viewers. According to the New York Times, "The show achieved a 23.4 rating, with a 35 share of the audience. Its average rating for the season had been a 9.6, with a 16 share." The episode had been publicized for months previous to its air date, however viewers were clueless to her sexuality. The announcement was truly a surprise to all of America.