Who needs a headhunter when you have the hive mind?
Amid buzz that Ellen DeGeneres’ daytime talk show kingdom is crumbling — WarnerMedia is investigating the workplace after allegations of a hostile environment, and actors like “Back to the Future” star Lea Thompson are vouching for the rumors — many online think they know the perfect replacement.
Yes, #ReplaceEllen is trending as of Monday morning on Twitter.
Although DeGeneres, 62, is reportedly set to start up filming this month, and has committed to “taking steps, together, to correct the issues,” according to her statement, much of the Twitterverse is already onto the next sunny star.
“Drag Race” host RuPaul, former first lady Michelle Obama and One Direction breakout star Harry Styles are being pushed by fans on Twitter to take over the comfy chair and cushy contract, while some think a female comedian, like Wanda Sykes or Tiffany Haddish, would fit the bill.
But former child star-turned-movie star Drew Barrymore, whose show “The Drew Barrymore Show” premieres Sept. 14, might have beat celeb hopefuls to the punch as the incoming queen of nice. Her first promo clip — a cute mock interview with her younger self — was released Friday and has already gone viral with nearly 2.5 million views.
Meanwhile, one “Hot Ones” fan made a serious case for host Sean Evans: “He’s such a respectful guy and his show is both inventive and entertaining.” A-listers like Rihanna and Jerry Seinfeld plus actors Jennifer Garner, Robert Downey Jr. were thrown around, plus up-and-comers like the impersonator Sarah Cooper, and less serious contenders like “my dad.” Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle even got a shout-out.
But not everyone is on the train to boot the one-time fave from the screen.
“Maybe Ellen is a jerk to people in Hollywood because people in Hollywood are notoriously terrible people,” wrote one defender in a thread. “#ReplaceEllen is trending and [I] just sat wondering why people feel the need to be bullies and take part in cancel culture,” wrote @thelaurajessica.
Multiple outlets reported that “The Late Late Show” host James Corden is being tapped for the coveted spot, though Twitter was sure to swat down that idea with stories of the affable redhead acting less-than-jolly when off the clock.
Another Twitter user suggested comedian Tig Notaro, a mutual friend of “Fifty Shades” actress Dakota Johnson and DeGeneres, who apparently performed at both of their birthday parties.
Quipped an unrepentant Johnson to Ellen last November, “She’s my favorite comedian.”