Following up a television classic like I Love Lucy is no easy task. But Lucille Ball managed to do it—successfully—with The Lucy Show. This 1960s sitcom not only continued Ball’s reign as the queen of TV comedy, it also helped keep Desilu Productions afloat during tough times. With a new premise, a familiar co-star, and a fresh take on domestic life, The Lucy Show proved there was still plenty of comedic gold in Ball’s trademark hijinks.
A New Beginning for Lucy
After her divorce from Desi Arnaz in 1960, Lucille Ball stayed on good terms with her ex-husband. Together, they continued to run Desilu Productions. However, the studio was struggling. Several Desilu shows had been canceled, and only The Untouchables remained a solid hit. Ball needed a new project to revive the company—and her solo career.
The result was The Lucy Show, which premiered on CBS on October 1, 1962. While clearly built on the legacy of I Love Lucy, it introduced a different setup. This time, Lucy played a widowed mother sharing a home with her divorced friend Vivian and their children. The show began in black and white but switched to color in 1963.
CBS was hesitant at first. They weren’t sure Ball could succeed without Arnaz. To reassure the network, Ball brought back I Love Lucy co-star Vivian Vance and retained the original writers. CBS agreed to air the series—on Monday nights, just like before—with the understanding that it might only last one season. It ended up running for six.
The Show’s Setup
The Lucy Show followed Lucy Carmichael, a widow living in the fictional town of Danfield, New York. She shared her home with her best friend, Vivian Bagley, a divorcee with a son. The premise was loosely based on the book Life Without George by Irene Kampen, which focused on two divorced women. For TV, CBS softened the premise by making Lucy a widow.
At the time, even having one divorced woman on TV was groundbreaking. Vance’s character was one of the first divorced women in a prime-time sitcom. Having two would have been controversial, given 1960s norms. Still, the show pushed the envelope in its own way.
Keeping the Magic Alive
Despite the different premise, the show’s humor was familiar. Lucy remained the queen of slapstick and mischief, frequently getting into ridiculous situations that frustrated her boss and friends. Vance and Ball’s chemistry remained intact, keeping the show’s tone close to what fans loved in I Love Lucy.
A few fun facts:
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Vivian Vance’s request: Vance insisted her character also be named “Vivian” to help people stop calling her “Ethel” in public.
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One season plan: The show was initially intended to last only one season. Its success surprised everyone.
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Live audience: Episodes were filmed in front of a live studio audience, adding authenticity to every laugh and gasp.
Behind the Scenes Drama and Trivia
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A Saving Grace for Desilu: At a time when Desilu was nearly bankrupt, The Lucy Show brought in ratings and financial stability. Ball’s gamble to continue solo paid off.
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Lucy’s Hair: Her iconic red hair was actually a custom golden-apricot color maintained with dye and henna.
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On-Set Hazards: During the infamous “Lucy and Viv Put in a Shower” episode, Ball nearly drowned on set. Vance had to pull her up by the hair. That take stayed in the final cut.
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Product Placement: Real cigarettes were smoked on the show, as Philip Morris was a primary sponsor.
Family on the Set
Lucille Ball’s daughter, Lucie Arnaz, appeared in several episodes, playing various roles. Her presence added a personal touch to the series, and it served as an early platform for her career.
Real Props, Real Laughs
One of the most famous scenes involved a giant loaf of bread in the episode “Pioneer Women.” The prop was a real 8-foot loaf of rye, baked by a local bakery. After the shoot, the cast shared it with the audience.
Changing Dynamics
Over the seasons, the show evolved. Vance eventually left due to the physical toll and her desire to work less. Ball stayed on, and the series took on a more workplace-oriented format with characters like Mr. Mooney (played by Gale Gordon) becoming prominent.
Despite these changes, the show remained popular. It even earned Emmy Awards for Ball, solidifying her place as a TV legend.
Legacy and Impact
The Lucy Show was more than just a follow-up. It stood on its own, showcasing Ball’s comedic brilliance and breaking new ground in American television. It addressed topics like single parenthood and female friendship in ways that were rare for the time.
The show paved the way for Ball’s next project, Here’s Lucy, and kept her in the public eye through the end of the 1960s and beyond.
Final Thoughts
The Lucy Show might live in the shadow of I Love Lucy, but it played a crucial role in Lucille Ball’s career and TV history. It was bold, funny, and more socially progressive than people realize. Ball didn’t just return to television—she redefined what a sitcom could be in the 1960s. And she did it all while staying true to her comedic roots.