Watching Ellen Say “F*ck” in Her Netflix Special ‘Relatable’ Is So, So Satisfying

In the afternoons on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, she’s America’s sweetheart, but on her new Netflix special, Ellen DeGeneres: Relatable, she’s getting sassy. Yes, there is a sole, satisfying f-word in Ellen’s stand-up special, and it’s simply so, so good.

At around the 44-minute mark, Ellen launches into a story about shoes, and then socks, which is one of the silliest bits of the whole special, and truly one of the most relatable.

“If you have a sock that you like, everybody has their favorite socks, you will wear those socks as long as you possibly can. You’ll wear them until there’s a little tiny hole starting, you’re like, ‘That’s not that bad. That’s a simple little hole.’ Your heel could be poking through, it’s like a halter top for your foot. But you think, who’s gonna see it, I’m just gonna keep shoes on, they’re not gonna see that. And then you go to someone’s house and they have a shoes-off policy,” Ellen says for the setup, as she stares, scared and perplexed into the camera. It’s then that she perfectly delivers the payoff, “I gotta get the fuck out of here.”

The line is delivered to what can only be described as uproarious laughter, and for good reason. One, there is something so deeply satisfying about hearing this woman say that swear word. It’s the same woman who gives money and gifts and life-changing moments to others, who is generous and kind and uses her platform to do good for the world. That juxtaposition is there and it is rich.

But second, IT IS SO TRUE. That is the only sensible reaction to both a shoes-off policy, and the moment where you and your socks with holes realize the truth that is going to be exposed due to said shoes-off policy. It’s a perfect setup, perfect punchline, and perfect delivery. If anyone can watch this special and not laugh out loud at that line, then you my friend are completely devoid of a sense of humor.

By no means should we be encouraging Ellen to turn her routine deeply blue, but this moment was truly rewarding, as were the times throughout the special where she easily displayed the joke-telling talents that made her a superstar comedian. Though she also felt the tendency to slip into more emotional, storytelling-type moments, Ellen should fight the urge to keep up with some of the latest comedy trends (though her use of screens, especially to show those bird videos, wasn’t bad) and instead and stick to the joke writing and execution that this special reminded us she’s so incredibly good at. Oh, and no one’s mad when she’s dancing to Juvenile either.

Where to stream Ellen DeGeneres: Relatable