Today In History

I Love Lucy Television Show Debuts October 15, 1951 I Love Lucy debuted last night on CBS at 9pm, and it was sensational. This show took years to be approved and finally in early 1951 agent Don Sharpe negotiated a contract with CBS and sponsor Philip Morris cigarettes for Desilu, the couple's new production company, to produce the show. CBS and the sponsor insisted that the program be broadcast live from New York, to take advantage of network production facilities. For personal reasons Ball and Arnaz wanted to stay in Hollywood, and take advantage of movie industry production facilities. The network finally agreed to the couple's demands, but as a concession asked Ball and Arnaz to pay the additional cost of production and to accept a reduced fee for themselves. In exchange Desilu was given one-hundred percent ownership of the series Key cast members: Lucy Ricardo........................................... Lucille Ball Ricky Ricardo......................................... Desi Arnaz Ethel Mertz ..........................................Vivian Vance Fred Mertz....................................... William Frawley