Instead, the network has chosen to air only the season finale. The final, hour-long Ellen will air on May 13, with Two Guys, A Girl and a Pizza Place filling the two time slots that Ellen was originally expected to fill.

"American viewers deserve and expect to see Ellen's remaining season in its entirety," said Joan M. Garry, GLAAD Executive Director. "I am extremely disappointed in the network's decision to deny the viewing public this quality program. For months ABC has claimed that they stand behind the show. If this is how they support their programming, it is certainly a 'unique' approach."

Ellen's imminent cancellation has been the topic of much speculation in the media, Hollywood and for a devoted nationwide audience. ABC's sudden decision came as a shock to the beleaguered show and for millions of fans. ABC may decide to show the unaired episodes sometime this summer. ABC told GLAAD that the final decision on Ellen's return next season has not been made, and that the decision not to air the two episodes is the result of Two Guys, A Girl and a Pizza Place's strong ratings.

Since first learning about Ellen's emergence from the closet, GLAAD has worked to ensure her place in history, and since talk of Ellen's possible cancellation began, GLAAD has worked vigorously to support the show and encourage ABC to stand behind it.

GLAAD's "Save Ellen" campaign has kept the nation, both gay and straight, up to date on the program's status and provided thousands with the show's weekly advertisers. Recently, GLAAD placed "Save Ellen" ads in more than 15 community newspapers to encourage viewership and support for the show.

"Last year, ABC took a courageous step by offering American viewers television's first openly gay lead character. Since then, the network has been criticized for its lack of support. GLAAD feels that this latest decision exemplifies the network's lack of commitment to the show," said Chastity Bono, GLAAD Entertainment Media Director.

"The impact of this program cannot be measured by numbers alone. The show depicts a lifetime of experiences for lesbians and gay men across America and is changing hearts and minds. We urge ABC to consider its broader responsibility as it makes programming decisions."

Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) glaad@glaad.org

TO REPORT DEFAMATION IN THE MEDIA - Call GLAAD's Alertline at 1.800.GAY.MEDIA Or go to the GLAAD Web Site at www.glaad.org and report through our Alertline Online.