Ellen: Season 4
Season 4 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of Ellen Season 3.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 4 Progress Shield
Give Me Equity or Give Me Death
Sep 18, 1996 · 30 min
When Ellen decides to put down roots and buy a home of her own, she's unprepared for the price--the cost of her beloved Buy the Book.
A Deer Head for Joe
Sep 25, 1996 · 30 min
When her new boss, Ed, decides that Joe must go, Ellen resorts to trickery to get him rehired.
Splitsville, Man
Oct 2, 1996 · 30 min
When her parents decide to separate, Ellen's the one who's broken up.
The Parent Trap
Oct 16, 1996 · 30 min
Ellen plots to reunite her parents by recreating their honeymoon, transforming her apartment into a 1958 Cuban nightclub complete with headliner Eddie Fisher. Meanwhile, Spence be
Looking Out for Number One
Oct 23, 1996 · 30 min
In therapy, Ellen learns to be honest and direct, but she's dumbstruck when she sees her therapist in a shocking position.
The Bubble Gum Incident
Oct 30, 1996 · 30 min
Ellen and Paige attend their 25th camp reunion, where Paige seeks revenge on the girl who put gum in her hair,
Harold and Ellen
Nov 6, 1996 · 30 min
Ellen tries to bond with her father, Paige is bent out of shape when Spence accepts a wedding invitation from an ex-girlfriend, and Joe is bound for New Mexico in search of aliens.
Not So Great Expectations
Nov 13, 1996 · 30 min
Ellen is distraught when her mother starts dating and follows her and her date to a country/western club, intent on breaking the new couple up.
The Pregnancy Test
Nov 20, 1996 · 30 min
A home pregnancy test causes Ellen, Paige and Audrey to rethink their lives. Meanwhile, a life-saving experience prompts Spence to rethink his as well.
Kiss My Bum
Nov 27, 1996 · 30 min
Ellen feels like a turkey when she unwittingly invites a homeless man to Thanksgiving dinner.
Bowl, Baby, Bowl
Dec 4, 1996 · 30 min
Ellen experiences the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat when she and Ed engage in a sports competition.
Fleas Navidad
Dec 18, 1996 · 30 min
Ellen bites off more than she can chew when she rescues an abandoned dog at Christmas.
Alone Again... Naturally
Jan 8, 1997 · 30 min
Ellen conquers being alone by doing fun things on her own. Meanwhile, Spence and Joe wreak havoc on Paige's vacant apartment.
Joe's Kept Secret
Jan 15, 1997 · 30 min
When Ellen accepts a favor from Joe's wealthy older girlfriend, the repercussions are relentless.
Makin' Whoopie
Jan 22, 1997 · 30 min
Ellen accompanies Spence to an important party thrown by a surgeon he's trying to impress, but it's Ellen who makes the lasting impression.
Ellen Unplugged
Feb 5, 1997 · 30 min
Ellen fulfills an adolescent fantasy when she goes to Rock and Roll Dream Camp.
Ellen's Deaf Comedy Jam
Feb 12, 1997 · 30 min
Ellen misinterprets the signs of a handsome deaf actor, and Spence gets his signals mixed when Paige's former fiance returns to the scene.
Hello, Dalai
Feb 19, 1997 · 30 min
Peter confronts Ellen at a spiritual retreat while a robber at Buy the Book confronts Paige, Spence, Joe and Audrey.
Secrets & Ellen
Feb 26, 1997 · 30 min
After a lifetime of white lies, Ellen comes clean with her hard-to-please grandmother. Meanwhile, Paige treats Spence to a Vegas weekend he'll never forget, thanks to his amnesia.
Reversal of Misfortune
Mar 4, 1997 · 30 min
Ellen's eagerness to support her parents' divorce unexpectedly brings the couple closer together.
The Clip Show Patient
Apr 8, 1997 · 30 min
Volunteering at a hospital, Ellen tries to regale an incapacitated English patient with memories of her past.
The Puppy Episode (1)
Apr 30, 1997 · 30 min
Ellen senses a kindred spirit when she meets a gay woman, who enlightens her to her own sexual identity. Confused by this startling self discovery, Ellen seeks the guidance of a t
The Puppy Episode (2)
Apr 30, 1997 · 30 min
Ellen senses a kindred spirit when she meets a gay woman, who enlightens her to her own sexual identity. Confused by this startling self discovery, Ellen seeks the guidance of a t
Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah
May 7, 1997 · 30 min
Ellen deals with the ramifications of telling her parents she's gay.
Moving On
May 14, 1997 · 30 min
Ellen experiences personal and professional upheaval when she moves into her new home and has an honest talk with Ed.