Ellen: Season 5
Season 5 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 4.
- 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 5 Progress Shield
Guys or Dolls
Sep 24, 1997
While on a double date with Spence, Paige and a dumb lesbian, Ellen runs into former boyfriend Dan. He is taken aback by her personal revelation but accepts it, leaving Ellen conf
Social Climber
Oct 1, 1997
Ellen fakes athletic prowess to impress Lisa, her very attractive ""spinning"" instructor, but on a mountain-climbing trip--with Spence in tow--she learns that honesty may have bee
Roommates
Oct 8, 1997
Ellen's new neighbors offer to introduce her to a friend who is looking for a ""roommate,"" which, according to Audrey and Barrett, is code for ""girlfriend."" Meanwhile, Paige st
Gay Yellow Pages
Oct 15, 1997
Ellen feels pressured to support gay businesses, but a gay plumber nearly sends her housewarming party down the drain.
Just Coffee
Oct 29, 1997
Ellen goes on a date with her mortgage broker, but starts to think she's the only one looking for romance.
G.I. Ellen
Nov 5, 1997
Ellen accompanies her father to his annual Civil War re-enactment.
Public Display of Affection
Nov 12, 1997
Ellen faces her toughest challenge yet in a relationship: winning the approval of her new girlfriend's 12-year-old daughter.
Emma
Nov 19, 1997
Thanks to Paige, Ellen lands a job as personal assistant to Emma Thompson and discovers that, not only is Thompson gay, but her past contains a truly sordid secret.
Like a Virgin
Nov 26, 1997
Laurie has prepared for a big romantic evening with flowers, fine wine and a homemade dinner, but she still needs Ellen to stick around for it.
All Ellen, All the Time
Dec 3, 1997
Ellen gets a job at a small, all-talk radio station, but when the Sports Chat host leaves in a huff, she's left to fill the void armed with only her personal charm and irrevocable
Break Up
Dec 17, 1997
Ellen and Laurie hit a crossroads on their one-month anniversary after Laurie misinterprets Ellen's offer to move in.
Womyn Fest
Jan 7, 1998
Ellen takes Paige and Audrey to a female only concert in Berkeley to have a good time after her break up with Laurie. Meanwhile, Paige ponders commitment with Spence.
The Funeral
Jan 14, 1998
When Laurie's father dies suddenly, Ellen must help her make peace with the family that shut her out when she revealed her lesbianism.
Escape from L.A.
Jan 28, 1998
Ellen and Laurie take their first trip together, to San Diego. However, a problem arises when Ellen wants to party and Laurie wants to stick to her plan.
Ellen in Focus
Feb 11, 1998
Ellen and Joe join Paige's focus group, so that her new cop show will receive high marks and need minimal changes before air time.
Neighbors
Feb 18, 1998
Ellen tries to make friends with her neighbors, but they keep catching her in strange coincidences. After all, why would Ellen and Paige be playing Twister on the roof?
It's a Gay, Gay, Gay, Gay World!
Feb 25, 1998
After Spence sniffs a heavy dose of insecticide, he awakens in a world where being gay is normal, Joe is in love with him, and Paige has a buzz cut and tattoos.
Hospital
Mar 4, 1998
Ellen rushes to the hospital after discovering that Laurie was in a car accident. While waiting for news on her condition, Ellen meets a woman in the waiting room, whom she discov
Ellen: A Hollywood Tribute (1)
May 13, 1998
A parody of the career of Ellen DeGeneres, celebrating her 75 years in show business.
Ellen: A Hollywood Tribute (2)
May 13, 1998
A parody of the career of Ellen DeGeneres, celebrating her 75 years in show business.
When Ellen Talks, People Listen
Jul 15, 1998
Ellen tries to encourage her radio audience to be nicer, but instead they become more hostile.
Vows
Jul 22, 1998
When Ellen's parents renew their vows, it prompts Ellen to think about taking her relationship with Laurie to the next level: marriage.