The BEST episodes of The Ellen DeGeneres Show season 17

#1 - Renée Zellweger

Season 17 - Episode 8 - Aired 9/18/2019

Renée Zellweger ("Judy").

#2 - Reese Witherspoon

Season 17 - Episode 4 - Aired 9/12/2019

An interview with Reese Witherspoon.

#3 - Ellen at home! Matthew Macfadyen, The Avett Brothers, Incredible 2nd Grade Teacher Jordan Waller

Season 17 - Episode 172 - Aired 6/16/2020

For the first time on the show, one of Ellen’s favorite bands was here – The Avett Brothers! They performed “Locked Up” from their album “Closer Than Together.” Ellen then chats with actor Matthew Macfadyen who talks about what it’s like filming luxurious scenes for the Emmy Award-winning series. Ellen also surprises Jordan Waller, a single mom and an inspiring 2nd grade teacher who has spent the majority of her time in quarantine connecting with her students – from playing games with them on video chats, to hand-delivering awards to their homes. Jordan gushed over her “babies,” and Ellen gave her a chance to win money in a game called “Cash at Your Computer,” thanks to Box Tops for Education. This all-new episode was recorded prior to the Black Lives Matter protests.

#4 - Ellen at home! Jennifer Garner, The Killers, New Parents La’Shay & Cameron Crayton

Season 17 - Episode 171 - Aired 6/15/2020

Ellen video chats with La'Shay and Cameron Crayton from Harlem, New York, who recently had their first child. Cameron is a firefighter in Harlem working on the frontlines of the pandemic. Out of the 50 firefighters working in Cameron's firehouse, 10 of them have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Despite having a new baby, Cameron continues working to try and make ends meet, supporting both his family and his co-workers. Rock band The Killers performed their hit “Caution,” from their latest album “Imploding the Mirage.” This all-new episode was recorded prior to the Black Lives Matter protests.

#5 - Demi Moore; Lenny Kravitz; Of Monsters and Men

Season 17 - Episode 12 - Aired 9/24/2019

Demi Moore ("Inside Out: A Memoir"); Lenny Kravitz discusses Hurricane Dorian's devastation of the Bahamas; Kalen Allen ("OMKalen"); Ellen welcomes back a 5-year-old drummer; Of Monsters and Men perform.

#6 - Oprah Winfrey; Lil Nas X

Season 17 - Episode 11 - Aired 9/23/2019

#7 - Ken Jeong; Monsta X

Season 17 - Episode 13 - Aired 9/25/2019

Ken Jeong ("The Masked Singer"); Monsta X performs.

#8 - Chrissy Teigen, Chance the Rapper

Season 17 - Episode 3 - Aired 9/11/2019

Chrissy Teigen ("Bring the Funny"); an interview and performance by Chance the Rapper.

#9 - Sean Hayes

Season 17 - Episode 5 - Aired 9/13/2019

Sean Hayes ("Hollywood Game Night"); Ellen welcomes an 11-year-old who interviewed presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

#10 - Kelly Clarkson

Season 17 - Episode 6 - Aired 9/16/2019

Talk-show host Kelly Clarkson ("The Kelly Clarkson Show").

#11 - Simon Cowell

Season 17 - Episode 7 - Aired 9/17/2019

Simon Cowell ("America's Got Talent"); the first winner of "American Ninja Warrior" in four years.

#12 - Melissa McCarthy

Season 17 - Episode 2 - Aired 9/10/2019

Melissa McCarthy ("Superintelligence"); Average Andy drives a pedicab around New York City; Ellen welcomes a viral-video family.

#13 - Ellen at home! Ricky Gervais, Of Monsters and Men

Season 17 - Episode 173 - Aired 6/17/2020

You can always count on him for a good laugh – RICKY GERVAIS is here! Direct from his home in England, Ellen chats with the comedian about how he’s been keeping busy in quarantine, and about the new season of his Netflix series, “After Life.” In a special performance, rock band OF MONSTERS AND MEN will perform a cover of Post Malone’s #1 song, “Circles.” This episode was previously recorded

#14 - Ellen at home! Ava DuVernay, Rep. John Lewis, 'Songland' Judges Ryan Tedder, Shane McAnally, and Ester Dean

Season 17 - Episode 168 - Aired 6/8/2020

Oscar-nominated director Ava DuVernay explains that while the video of George Floyd’s murder was startling and shocking to her, it brought the realization that the officers who commit brutal acts are usually faceless, nameless, and let off the hook to rejoin society. Rep. John Lewis explains how he feels frightened, frustrated, and emotional right now and shared what he experienced in the 1960s as one of the leaders of the civil rights movement. Also, Ellen chats with three of today's most amazing singers/songwriters, recording artists Shane Mcanally, Ryan Tedder, and Ester Dean.

#15 - Ellen at home! Congresswoman Val Demings; Dr. Bernice King

Season 17 - Episode 167 - Aired 6/5/2020

Florida Rep. Val Demings commented on being presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s potential Vice President. The former police chief also explained why she believes the president is “dangerous,” “irrelevant,” and “incapable of unifying” Americans. Dr. Bernice King talked with Ellen about how her mother, Coretta Scott King, planted seeds of knowledge to help her grow in the aftermath of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. From teaching her not to hate the person that killed her father, to never making a decision in anger, the collection of seeds built strong roots in her as a person. Dr. King also shared what her father would say in response to the protests following George Floyd's death and Black Lives Matter movement.

#16 - Beth Behrs; Whitney Cummings; Randall Park; Lady Antebellum

Season 17 - Episode 14 - Aired 9/26/2019

Whitney Cummings ("Whitney Cummings: Can I Touch It?"); Randall Park ("Fresh Off the Boat"); Lady Antebellum performs; guest host Beth Behrs ("The Neighborhood").

#17 - Wanda Sykes

Season 17 - Episode 10 - Aired 9/20/2019

Comic Wanda Sykes.

#18 - Dax Shepard, Sarah Hyland

Season 17 - Episode 9 - Aired 9/19/2019

Sarah Hyland ("The Wedding War"); guest host Dax Shepard ("Bless This Mess").

#19 - Kylie Jenner, Kris Jenner, Alyson Stoner

Season 17 - Episode 1 - Aired 9/9/2019

Kylie Jenner and Ellen reward deserving fans with a total of $1 million; Kris Jenner helps to surprise unsuspecting fans; performer Alyson Stoner; Average Andy trains with top players at the 2019 U.S. Open Tennis Championships and plays a match.

#20 - Ellen at home! Jake Tapper and Ricky Martin

Season 17 - Episode 175 - Aired 6/19/2020

This just in – CNN anchor JAKE TAPPER is here! The host of “The Lead with Jake Tapper” will talk with Ellen about what it’s been like reporting during the pandemic, tweets by the president, and his thoughts about the upcoming presidential election. It’s always an insightful and entertaining conversation when Jake stops by! Then, singer, actor and philanthropist RICKY MARTIN joins Ellen! He’ll talk about life with the newest additions to his family, and how the pandemic changed his plans for his new album and tour. Also, for the first time on TV, the five-time Grammy winner performs "Recuerdo," a song from his upcoming album, featuring Carla Morrison. This episode was previously recorded.

#21 - Ellen at home! Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Van Jones

Season 17 - Episode 166 - Aired 6/4/2020

Atlanta MAYOR KEISHA LANCE BOTTOMS will have a conversation with Ellen about the protests going on throughout Atlanta and across America. She recently gave an impassioned speech on the unrest in Atlanta, and this will be her first talk show appearance since she shared that powerful message. Then, CNN’s VAN JONES will chat with Ellen. The news commentator, best-selling author, and award-winning pioneer in human rights will also talk about the Black Lives Matter movement happening in the U.S.

#22 - Demi Lovato and Justin Bieber

Season 17 - Episode 118 - Aired 3/5/2020

An interview with Demi Lovato; Ellen sends "Average Andy" to Monster Jam; Justin Bieber performs;

#23 - Demi Lovato, Justin Bieber, Jhene Aiko, Miguel, and Future

Season 17 - Episode 119 - Aired 3/6/2020

Justin Bieber; Jhene Aiko, Miguel, and Future perform; guest co-hostess Demi Lovato.

#24 - Ed O'Neill

Season 17 - Episode 120 - Aired 3/9/2020

Actor Ed O'Neill ("Modern Family"); Rico El-lis ("Ellen's Greatness Night of Giveaways") surprises shoppers with random acts of kindness at Universal CityWalk Hollywood; Ellen surprises a couple who are a firefighter and a paramedic.

#25 - Mandy Moore & The cast of Love Is Blind

Season 17 - Episode 121 - Aired 3/10/2020

Mandy Moore ("This Is Us") is interviewed and performs "I'd Rather Lose"; Amber Pike, Matt Barnett, Lauren Speed, Cameron Hamilton, Damian Powers, and Giannina Gibelli ("Love Is Blind").