Ep 55. Minnie Driver, Sarah Hyland

Minnie Driver and Sarah Hyland grace the stage of The Ellen DeGeneres Show in season 9 episode 55. The show kicks off with Ellen DeGeneres dancing her way to center stage, much to the delight of her live studio audience. She greets the guests warmly, complimenting them on their stylish ensembles before diving into the interview.

Minnie Driver, famously known for her roles in Good Will Hunting and The Phantom of the Opera, chats with Ellen about her latest television project, Speechless. The comedy series is centered around her character, Maya, and her family's life with a son who has cerebral palsy. The show delves into the everyday struggles of coping with a family member's disability, and Minnie elaborates on how it's important for the show to tackle these topics in a humorous manner. She also mentions her passion for music, and performs a song from her upcoming album.

Sarah Hyland, known for her role as Haley Dunphy in Modern Family, brings her infectious charm to the show. The young actress chats with Ellen about her recent vacation to Mexico, where she was spotted sporting a bikini despite being body shamed on social media. Sarah discusses the importance of body positivity and tells Ellen that she is happy with the way she looks, regardless of what anyone says. She also gives viewers a sneak peek into the final season of Modern Family, revealing that it's going to be an emotional ride for fans.

Ellen then moves on to her trademark games, with Minnie and Sarah teaming up for a round of "5 Second Rule." The game involves Ellen giving them a topic and they have to name three things associated with that topic within five seconds. The competition is stiff, but Sarah and Minnie manage to triumph over Ellen, much to her chagrin.

Moving onto the next segment, the show welcomes a young boy named Dominic DiBenedetto, who has an encyclopedic knowledge of the presidents of the United States. The pint-sized scholar amazes everyone with his impressive memory and flawless recollection of the facts. Ellen even puts him to the test, asking him a question that stumps even the adults in the audience. Dominic is a natural on stage and steals the show with his precociousness.

As the show wraps up, Ellen surprises the audience with a giveaway of some of the latest gadgets. The lucky audience members go home with an Apple Watch and an Amazon Echo, courtesy of Ellen and her sponsors.

Overall, season 9 episode 55 of The Ellen DeGeneres Show is an entertaining mix of celebrity interviews, games, and heartwarming surprises. Minnie Driver and Sarah Hyland captivate the audience with their wit and humor, while twenty-first-century prodigy Dominic DiBenedetto is simply awe-inspiring. Ellen remains the consummate host, keeping the energy of the show high and ensuring that everyone has a great time.