Watch Little Ellen

Little Ellen is an American animated television series produced by Warner Bros. Animation and Ellen Digital Ventures, which premiered on HBO Max on March 26, 2021. The show is inspired by the life of Ellen DeGeneres, who is also the executive producer of the series.

The show follows a seven-year-old Ellen, who navigates the challenges and adventures of growing up in a small town with her friends and family. The series takes place in the early 1970s, and the animation style reflects the period with its bright colors, bold patterns, and groovy music.

The episodes are mostly stand-alone stories that deliver positive messages of kindness, empathy, and self-expression to young viewers. The show's humor is gentle and playful, but there are also moments of emotional depth that reflect the experiences of a child trying to make sense of the world.

Ellen's family is a big part of the show, and they are loving and supportive of her. Her parents, Betty and Elliott, are portrayed as nurturing and open-minded, and they encourage Ellen to be herself. Her brother, Vance, is a bit of a troublemaker but ultimately cares for his sister. Ellen's grandmother, Dotty, is a wise and eccentric presence, and she helps Ellen to embrace her creativity and curiosity.

Ellen's friends are a diverse group that reflects the show's commitment to inclusivity. There's Augie, a Vietnamese-American boy who loves comic books and has a crush on Ellen; Sue, a tomboyish girl who is often at odds with her mother's expectations of femininity; and Carl, a boy with a vivid imagination who is occasionally teased by his classmates.

One of the standout aspects of the show is Ellen's boundless enthusiasm for life. She approaches every situation with a can-do attitude, whether it's starting her own business, playing detective, or trying out for the talent show. She's not afraid to take risks and makes mistakes, but she learns from them and grows as a person.

Another theme that runs through the show is Ellen's love of music and dance. She is shown practicing her tap routines, singing along to records, and even composing her own songs. Music is depicted as a source of joy and self-expression, and the characters often break out into song and dance numbers that are both whimsical and charming.

Overall, Little Ellen is a delightful show that celebrates the spirit of childhood and encourages young viewers to embrace their creativity and individuality. The animation is eye-catching without being overwhelming, and the voice acting is top-notch, with Lily Tomlin as Dotty and Ellen DeGeneres herself as the voice of Little Ellen.

The show's positive themes and diverse cast are perfect for families to watch together, and the gentle humor and heartwarming moments will leave audiences feeling uplifted. If you're looking for a fun, wholesome show that celebrates the joys of childhood, Little Ellen is definitely worth checking out.

In June 2022, the series was confirmed as being cancelled and will not be returning for a second season.

Little Ellen is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (21 episodes). The series first aired on September 13, 2021.