Comedian Ellen DeGeneres' decision to publicly announce her lesbianism altered the way mainstream media portrays homosexuality. The Real Ellen Story, an acclaimed British documentary, provides an intimate view of the controversy surrounding DeGeneres' move. The film relates the behind-the-scenes look at the battle between DeGeneres and ABC/Disney executives regarding her sitcom, and explains how she managed the conflict. Interviewed are DeGeneres and family members, her partner Anne Heche, Oprah Winfrey, Diane Sawyer, network executives, and others. This film covers a critical two-year period in the actress' life.