Watch I Love Lucy Online - Full Episodes

I Love Lucy is a classic American sitcom. This ground-breaking, award-winning comedy show is one of the most popular shows of all time. During its six-year run, I Love Lucy was the number one show in the Nielsen ratings four times. The final season of I Love Lucy also captured the top spot, making I Love Lucy the first show to ever end its run on top. This show remains popular even today, attracting more than 40 million viewers each year.

The show, which aired from 1951 to 1957, follows the life of title character Lucy Ricardo, played by legendary comedienne Lucille Ball. Lucy is married to Ricky Ricardo, a Cuban American played by Ball's husband at the time, Desi Arnaz. Ricky, like Arnaz, is a bandleader and singer who is slowly making his way in the world. Lucy is ambitious but untalented and dreams of joining Ricky in show business. The pair form a deep friendship with their upstairs neighbors and landlords, Fred and Ethel Mertz, played by William Frawley and Vivian Vance.

Several episodes of I Love Lucy are counted among the best television episodes of all time. Many critics and fans are especially fond of Lucy Does a TV Commercial. In this episode, Lucy schemes her way into acting in a commercial. However, the product she tries to pitch is foul-tasting and incredibly intoxicating. As filming progresses, Lucy becomes completely inebriated and her attempts to pitch the product, Vitameatavegamin, become increasingly inept.

I Love Lucy was the first television show to be filmed on 35mm film; the stars of the show, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, insisted that the show be filmed on 35mm film so that the show could be produced in Hollywood instead of New York. I Love Lucy was also one of the first shows to be filmed with multiple cameras in front of a live studio audience, giving the show an authenticity and continuity that would set it apart from its rivals.

In addition to its use of 35mm cameras, I Love Lucy also pioneered the idea of the rerun. During the second season of I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball needed extra time off due to her advanced pregnancy. Rather than take the show off the air, Desi Arnaz convinced the studio to re-air episodes from the first season. These reruns were an unexpected hit, keeping viewers engaged and interested in the show.