Ball's career began in 1929, when she landed work as a model. Shortly thereafter, she began her performing career on Broadway using the stage names Diane Belmont and Dianne Belmont. She later appeared in several minor film roles in the 1930s and 1940s as a contract player for RKO Radio Pictures, being cast as a chorus girl or in similar roles. In the midst of her work as a contract player for RKO, Ball met Cuban bandleader Desi Arnaz, and the two eloped in November 1940. In the 1950s, Ball ventured into television. In 1951, she and Arnaz created the sitcom I Love Lucy, a series that would go on to become one of the most beloved programs in television history. The same year, Ball gave birth to their first child, Lucie Arnaz, followed by Desi Arnaz, Jr. in 1953. Ball and Arnaz divorced in May 1960. In 1961, she married comedian Gary Morton.
I Love Lucy is an American television sitcom starring Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley. The black-and-white series originally ran from October 15, 1951, to May 6, 1957, on CBS. After the series ended in 1957, however, a modified version continued for three more seasons with 13 one-hour specials, running from 1957 to 1960, known first as The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Show and later in reruns as The Lucy–Desi Comedy Hour.
The show, which was the first scripted television program to be shot on 35 mm film in front of a studio audience, won five Emmy Awards and received numerous nominations. Another award that the show won was the coveted Peabody Award for "recognition of distinguished achievement in television."
I Love Lucy was the most watched show in the United States in four of its six seasons, and was the first to end its run at the top of the Nielsen ratings (an accomplishment later matched only by The Andy Griffith Show in 1968 and Seinfeld in 1998). The show is still syndicated in dozens of languages across the world, and remains popular, with an American audience of 40 million each year. A colorized version of its Christmas episode attracted more than 8 million viewers when CBS aired it in prime time in 2013 – 62 years after the show premiered. A second colorized special, featuring the "L.A. At Last!" and "Lucy and Superman" episodes, aired on May 17, 2015, attracting 6.4 million viewers.
The pilot, which was not made for broadcast and did not air as part of the show's original run, is generally not counted as one of the episodes and therefore is not listed below. It is, however, included on DVD and Blu-ray releases of the first season.
Series overview
Episodes
Season 1 (1951–52)
Season 2 (1952–53)
Season 3 (1953–54)
Season 4 (1954–55)
Season 5 (1955–56)
Season 6 (1956–57)
The Lucy–Desi Comedy Hour episodes
After season six, the series was renamed The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Show for its original broadcast run and rather than airing as weekly half hour series, hour-long episodes were produced to run occasionally during the year. There were thirteen hour-long shows. The first five were broadcast as specials during the 1957-58 television season. The other eight episodes were broadcast as part of the Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse from October 6, 1958, to April 1, 1960. The series was subsequently broadcast in syndication as The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour and We Love Lucy. This show had the same cast as I Love Lucy, employed many of the other same actors, and featured many famous guest stars. Of the original I Love Lucy cast, besides the principals, only Lucy's mother appeared in any Comedy Hour episode. She appears in season 3, episode 2 'The Ricardos Go To Japan' as Little Ricky's babysitter.
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz co-star. Some scenes were directed by Edward Sedgwick, the final film work of his long Hollywood career. Sedgwick died in March 1953.
Plot
The film plays out with three first-season episodes edited together into a single story: "The Benefit", "Breaking the Lease", and "The Ballet", with new footage included between episodes to help transition the episodes into one coherent storyline. As the series routinely took the format of filming scenes in chronological order, this adds to the "show within a show within a show" format of the film, as viewers watch the cast perform the episodes live. The film itself ends with a "curtain call", as the cast comes out and Arnaz thanks the audience for their support.
Lucille Ball laughs after she messes up her line ...
*** This video is fair use under U.S. copyright law because it is noncommercial and transformative in nature and has no negative effect on the market for the original work. ***
From the episode "The Dancing Star", originally aired May 2, 1955
published: 19 Nov 2014
Lucy Ricardo and Ricky Ricardo perform Cuban Pete
When Lucy wants to be in Ricky's show Ricky finally gives in and lets Lucy audition for him but there is a catch Lucy must fit in a size 12 costume at the audition Lucy rips the costume trying to make it fit
then Ricky says if Lucy fits in it she can be in the show not giving up Lucy works out and eats right and ends up being in the show.
published: 14 May 2016
Lucy Teaches Ethel Merman to Sing
published: 08 Aug 2015
I Love Lucy - SNL
A television host (Bowen Yang) takes a look back on a groundbreaking comedy that changed television.
Saturday Night Live. Stream now on Peacock: https://pck.tv/3n1IyzK
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published: 29 Sep 2024
I Love Lucy - Friendship
The Friendship number from the episode titled "Lucy and Ethel Buy The Same Dress." Featuring the song "Friendship" by Cole Porter.
published: 12 Jun 2017
Lucille Ball - I love Lucy
Lucille Ball alias "Lucy Ricardo" dans tous ses états lors du show "I love Lucy" télédiffusé dans les années cinquante. On en rit encore !
published: 16 Jan 2012
I Love Lucy - Lucy Does the Tango
Season 6 of I love Lucy.
I do not own this. No Copyright intended.
published: 03 Apr 2019
I Love Lucy - Lucy can't sing harmonies!!
Lucy is just like TaylorAmelia !!! hahahaa.
published: 02 Jan 2009
I Love Lucy Jitterbug
published: 15 Sep 2014
Bea Arthur, Valerie Harper, and Pam Dawber - (Lucille Ball Tribute) - 1986 Kennedy Center Honors
Bea Arthur (The Golden Girls), Valerie Harper (Valerie), and Pam Dawber (My Sister Sam) perform a musical tribute to 1986 Honoree Lucille Ball that featured a medley of "I Love Lucy," "Mame," and "Hey, Look Me Over" with special lyrics. Bea Arthur and Valerie Harper had special connections to two of the songs since Artur co-starred in 'Mame' and Harper was a dancer in 'Wildcat'.
The Kennedy Center Honors is an annual honor given to those in the performing arts for their lifetime of contributions to American culture.
Subscribe to The Kennedy Center! http://bit.ly/2gNFrtb
#KCHonors #LucilleBall #BeaArthur #ValarieHarper #PamDawber #KennedyCenter #CBS
*** This video is fair use under U.S. copyright law because it is noncommercial and transformative in nature and has no negative effect on the market for the or...
*** This video is fair use under U.S. copyright law because it is noncommercial and transformative in nature and has no negative effect on the market for the original work. ***
From the episode "The Dancing Star", originally aired May 2, 1955
*** This video is fair use under U.S. copyright law because it is noncommercial and transformative in nature and has no negative effect on the market for the original work. ***
From the episode "The Dancing Star", originally aired May 2, 1955
When Lucy wants to be in Ricky's show Ricky finally gives in and lets Lucy audition for him but there is a catch Lucy must fit in a size 12 costume at the aud...
When Lucy wants to be in Ricky's show Ricky finally gives in and lets Lucy audition for him but there is a catch Lucy must fit in a size 12 costume at the audition Lucy rips the costume trying to make it fit
then Ricky says if Lucy fits in it she can be in the show not giving up Lucy works out and eats right and ends up being in the show.
When Lucy wants to be in Ricky's show Ricky finally gives in and lets Lucy audition for him but there is a catch Lucy must fit in a size 12 costume at the audition Lucy rips the costume trying to make it fit
then Ricky says if Lucy fits in it she can be in the show not giving up Lucy works out and eats right and ends up being in the show.
A television host (Bowen Yang) takes a look back on a groundbreaking comedy that changed television.
Saturday Night Live. Stream now on Peacock: https://pck.tv...
A television host (Bowen Yang) takes a look back on a groundbreaking comedy that changed television.
Saturday Night Live. Stream now on Peacock: https://pck.tv/3n1IyzK
Subscribe to SNL: https://goo.gl/tUsXwM
Stream Current Full Episodes: http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live
WATCH PAST SNL SEASONS
Google Play - http://bit.ly/SNLGooglePlay
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#SNL #JeanSmart #JellyRoll #SNL50
A television host (Bowen Yang) takes a look back on a groundbreaking comedy that changed television.
Saturday Night Live. Stream now on Peacock: https://pck.tv/3n1IyzK
Subscribe to SNL: https://goo.gl/tUsXwM
Stream Current Full Episodes: http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live
WATCH PAST SNL SEASONS
Google Play - http://bit.ly/SNLGooglePlay
iTunes - http://bit.ly/SNLiTunes
SNL ON SOCIAL
SNL Instagram: http://instagram.com/nbcsnl
SNL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/snl
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#SNL #JeanSmart #JellyRoll #SNL50
Bea Arthur (The Golden Girls), Valerie Harper (Valerie), and Pam Dawber (My Sister Sam) perform a musical tribute to 1986 Honoree Lucille Ball that featured a m...
Bea Arthur (The Golden Girls), Valerie Harper (Valerie), and Pam Dawber (My Sister Sam) perform a musical tribute to 1986 Honoree Lucille Ball that featured a medley of "I Love Lucy," "Mame," and "Hey, Look Me Over" with special lyrics. Bea Arthur and Valerie Harper had special connections to two of the songs since Artur co-starred in 'Mame' and Harper was a dancer in 'Wildcat'.
The Kennedy Center Honors is an annual honor given to those in the performing arts for their lifetime of contributions to American culture.
Subscribe to The Kennedy Center! http://bit.ly/2gNFrtb
#KCHonors #LucilleBall #BeaArthur #ValarieHarper #PamDawber #KennedyCenter #CBS
Bea Arthur (The Golden Girls), Valerie Harper (Valerie), and Pam Dawber (My Sister Sam) perform a musical tribute to 1986 Honoree Lucille Ball that featured a medley of "I Love Lucy," "Mame," and "Hey, Look Me Over" with special lyrics. Bea Arthur and Valerie Harper had special connections to two of the songs since Artur co-starred in 'Mame' and Harper was a dancer in 'Wildcat'.
The Kennedy Center Honors is an annual honor given to those in the performing arts for their lifetime of contributions to American culture.
Subscribe to The Kennedy Center! http://bit.ly/2gNFrtb
#KCHonors #LucilleBall #BeaArthur #ValarieHarper #PamDawber #KennedyCenter #CBS
*** This video is fair use under U.S. copyright law because it is noncommercial and transformative in nature and has no negative effect on the market for the original work. ***
From the episode "The Dancing Star", originally aired May 2, 1955
When Lucy wants to be in Ricky's show Ricky finally gives in and lets Lucy audition for him but there is a catch Lucy must fit in a size 12 costume at the audition Lucy rips the costume trying to make it fit
then Ricky says if Lucy fits in it she can be in the show not giving up Lucy works out and eats right and ends up being in the show.
A television host (Bowen Yang) takes a look back on a groundbreaking comedy that changed television.
Saturday Night Live. Stream now on Peacock: https://pck.tv/3n1IyzK
Subscribe to SNL: https://goo.gl/tUsXwM
Stream Current Full Episodes: http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live
WATCH PAST SNL SEASONS
Google Play - http://bit.ly/SNLGooglePlay
iTunes - http://bit.ly/SNLiTunes
SNL ON SOCIAL
SNL Instagram: http://instagram.com/nbcsnl
SNL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/snl
SNL Twitter: https://twitter.com/nbcsnl
SNL TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nbcsnl
GET MORE NBC
Like NBC: http://Facebook.com/NBC
Follow NBC: http://Twitter.com/NBC
NBC Tumblr: http://NBCtv.tumblr.com/
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#SNL #JeanSmart #JellyRoll #SNL50
Bea Arthur (The Golden Girls), Valerie Harper (Valerie), and Pam Dawber (My Sister Sam) perform a musical tribute to 1986 Honoree Lucille Ball that featured a medley of "I Love Lucy," "Mame," and "Hey, Look Me Over" with special lyrics. Bea Arthur and Valerie Harper had special connections to two of the songs since Artur co-starred in 'Mame' and Harper was a dancer in 'Wildcat'.
The Kennedy Center Honors is an annual honor given to those in the performing arts for their lifetime of contributions to American culture.
Subscribe to The Kennedy Center! http://bit.ly/2gNFrtb
#KCHonors #LucilleBall #BeaArthur #ValarieHarper #PamDawber #KennedyCenter #CBS
Ball's career began in 1929, when she landed work as a model. Shortly thereafter, she began her performing career on Broadway using the stage names Diane Belmont and Dianne Belmont. She later appeared in several minor film roles in the 1930s and 1940s as a contract player for RKO Radio Pictures, being cast as a chorus girl or in similar roles. In the midst of her work as a contract player for RKO, Ball met Cuban bandleader Desi Arnaz, and the two eloped in November 1940. In the 1950s, Ball ventured into television. In 1951, she and Arnaz created the sitcom I Love Lucy, a series that would go on to become one of the most beloved programs in television history. The same year, Ball gave birth to their first child, Lucie Arnaz, followed by Desi Arnaz, Jr. in 1953. Ball and Arnaz divorced in May 1960. In 1961, she married comedian Gary Morton.
Workers in their worn-out coats The girls from Ghent So quiet and content This is what we came here for : A friendly word and a cigarette Cos' it's true what they say The world just turns around We'll be happy again These are the days We can truly find ourselves Nothing fancy Nothing much The facts of life We all come across When your legs have walked enough We can ride the shabby city bus Cos' it's true what they say The world just turns around We'll be happy again These are the moments We just can't live without These are the moments We just can't live without Though it's sad No one's dead just yet (x2) And it's true what they say The world just turns around We'll be happy again These are the days We can truly find ourselves Sunday morning radio The sun outside nowhere to be seen Skinny girls and bony boys Made up the rules When we came living here And it's true what they say The world just turns around We'll be happy again These are the moments We just can't live without These are the moments We just can't live without Though it's sad No one's dead just yet (x16)