Almost everyone has heard of the classic television show, "I Love Lucy." The black and white sitcom ran from 1951 to 1960 and the reruns haven't been off the air since. There are so many reasons why there are "I Love Lucy" fans of all ages, and why this show is still relevant today. I am 19 and own every season in the series. I have seen every episode at least 3 times, and my favorites episodes countless more. My friends jokingly call me an old lady because my favorite TV show is fifty years older than me, but I don't mind. "I Love Lucy" is more than just the title of a show for me. "I Love Lucy" for these simple reasons.
1. It is classic and timeless.
The episode where Lucy and Ethel get jobs working in a candy factor is the symbol of "I Love Lucy." It is an iconic episode and the idea has been used in other TV shows, such as "Drake and Josh", since it first appeared over fifty years ago. When people think of black and white television, "I Love Lucy" is one of the first things that pop in their mind, even if they have never seen a full episode. Watching the show today takes you back in time and lets you see how life was back in the 1950's. Professor Chay Lemoine puts it this way, "The black and white format ... allows viewers to escape into a kinder and simpler time where happy endings do exist." As an avid 'Lucy' fan, I fully agree and believe in that statement.
2. The Humor
The humor in "I Love Lucy" is humor in its purest form. There are no sexual jokes, no cussing, or anything controversial to create humor. Classic slapstick is used, but in a way that makes it believable. I find myself laughing out loud when I am by myself watching episodes I have already seen. I can be in the worst mood, but then I watch some Lucy and my mood completely changes. I am never sad after I watch my favorite redhead for a couple of hours.
3. Lucy and Ricky's Love
Lucille Ball (Lucy Ricardo) and Desi Arnaz (Ricky Ricardo) were married in real life and it showed in their characters on-screen. Ricky constantly had to deal with Lucy's shenanigans and she had to deal with his temper, but at the end of the day, they always kissed and made up. Their relationship was built on love and laughter and it gives me hope about love every time i see them together.
4. The characters begin to feel like friends.
When you watch a show so much, you begin to feel like you really know the characters. I love the characters in "I Love Lucy". The relationship the Ricardo's have with their landlords and best friends, Ethel and Fred, is just so fun. Whether the 4 of them are traveling to Hollywood or just playing cards, you can't help but be inspired by their friendships. They play tricks on each other and it turns into the best adventures they have on the show. Just as the show inspires romantic love, it inspires true friendship.
5. Lucille Ball
Lucille Ball is one of the greatest female comedians of all time. She brought the character of Lucy Ricardo to life and created a role model out of her character, and herself. She is someone I look up too. I idolize modern actresses because of their beautiful hair and clothes. I idolize Lucille Ball because of the woman she was. She was fiercely independent, while also thriving off those around her. She was a woman who could be on her own, but found love and ran with it. Her humor and red hair changed television forever. When asked about how she is so funny, she replied, "I'm not funny. What I am is brave."
