Staff on The Ellen DeGeneres Show were to receive bonuses as the programme approached its final episode in 2022. Entertainment Tonight confirmed the payments when the show's end date was announced.
The final episode with DeGeneres as host was scheduled for 26 May, closing a run of 19 seasons. Returning guests announced for the farewell included Michelle Obama, Jennifer Garner and David Letterman.
Guest-hosted programmes, compilations and repeats were planned for the summer after the finale. The show had begun in September 2003 and had welcomed thousands of guests over its run.