I Love Lucy
Seen it?1951 | 6 seasons | Comedy, Family
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
Critics rank it among the best shows ever made and people are still talking about it. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh and families. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Light and funny, feel-good.
- The pace
- 6 seasons, but most episodes stand on their own, so you can dip in anywhere.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1951: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Cuban Bandleader Ricky Ricardo would be happy if his wife Lucy would just be a housewife. Instead she tries constantly to perform at the Tropicana where he works, and make life comically frantic in the apartment building they share with landlords Fred and Ethel Mertz, who also happen to be their best friends.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
Named among the best TV shows of all time by critics (on 12 all-time best lists)
- AudiencesSolid
7.9 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
Awards data unavailable, so this isn't counted
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Ran for 6 seasons and reached a modest audience
- Buzz & cultural impactVery strong
About 406K people sought it out in the past year
Season by season
The show overall is a Saturday Special. Here's how each season stacks up; Season 5 is the high point.
Season 11951 · 35 episodes · 7.4 out of 10Sunday
Season 21952 · 31 episodes · 8.7 out of 10Friday- Season 31953 · 31 episodes · 8.7 out of 10Friday
- Season 41954 · 30 episodes · 8.8 out of 10Friday
- Season 51955 · 26 episodes · 8.9 out of 10Friday
- Season 61956 · 27 episodes · 8.8 out of 10Friday
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30 Rock Sunday Safe BetAnother comedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Cast & crew
Created by Bob Carroll Jr., Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh
- Lucille BallLucy Ricardo
- Desi ArnazRicky Ricardo
- Vivian VanceEthel Mertz
- William FrawleyFred Mertz