the ellen degeneres show (often shortened to ellen and stylized in all lowercase) is an american television variety comedy talk show hosted by ellen degeneres. debuting on september 8, 2003, it is produced by telepictures and airs in syndication, including stations owned by nbcuniversal. for its first five seasons, the show was taped in studio 11 at nbc studios in burbank, california. from season 6 onwards, the show moved to being taped at stage 1 on the nearby warner bros. lot. since the beginning of the sixth season, "ellen" has been broadcast in high definition.