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I Love Lucy (Syndicated, TV Land)

common sense media says

Classic clowning from comic genius; for all ages.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this still-hilarious (and ubiquitous) 1950s comedy classic is entirely tame by contemporary standards, though some episodes do show the characters smoking or drinking. In one famous episode, Lucy gets more and more drunk as she films a commercial for Vegameatavitamin, showing alcohol consumption in a funny light. Also, old-fashioned family stereotypes (like the clueless housewife and the patronizing husband) form the basis of the show's narrative structure, and some racial stereotyping occurs, with Ricky's Cuban accent often becoming the butt of jokes.

Educational value: Not applicable.
Positive messages: While the show wasn't out to teach any overtly positive messages, it has a warm nature and generally upbeat portrayal of friendship and marriage. That said, it's a product of its time, and there's definitely some material that wouldn't be considered PC today.
Positive role models: Lucy can be insecure and whiny, but she can also be creative and resourceful. Not surprisingly for the show's vintage, there's some stereotyping (based both on gender and race). But the Ricardos' mixed-race marriage was groundbreaking for 1950s TV.
Violence & scariness: Slapstick stuff -- poking behinds, bonking heads, etc.
Sexy stuff: None. They couldn't even say the word "pregnant." Lucy does vamp it up and use her "wiles" on Ricky from time to time, but it's all totally innocent.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Early episodes were sponsored by a tobacco company, but references to this are no longer shown.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Smoking in some rarely seen episodes. Some drinking for comic effect or in the background. Lucy gets quite tipsy in the memorable Vegameatavitamin episode.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on I Love Lucy

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

  • Families can talk about the difference between families in the 1950s and today. What do kids notice was different in the '50s, as demonstrated by the show?

  • How have things changed for the better (or the worse)? Specifically, how have the roles of women and minorities changed? What changes have parents been most affected by?

  • What makes Lucille Ball so funny?

What's the story?

What's the story?

As Lucy Ricardo in I LOVE LUCY, Lucille Ball charms audiences with her clownish pranks and vaudevillian charades, She stars alongside her real-life husband, Desi Arnaz, who plays Lucy's husband, Cuban bandleader Ricky Ricardo. In a running theme of the series, Lucy tries all manner of disguises and tricks to gain a part in Ricky's nightclub show. William Frawley and Vivian Vance co-star as their neighbors, Fred and Ethel Mertz, who are often recruited into Lucy's many schemes. In one classic episode, Lucy and Ethel get jobs on the assembly line at a candy factory. But as the conveyor belt moves faster and faster, the duo can't keep up. So Lucy pops passing candies into her mouth as fast as she can -- and hilarity ensues.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Despite its dated references and old-fashioned family dynamics, I Love Lucy remains hilariously entertaining. Lucille Ball was one of the greatest comic actors of all time and so her physical comedy is timeless. Her antics in this pioneering show have made it one of the top sitcoms in TV history. If younger viewers can get past the black-and-white presentation, even the littlest kids will enjoy her goofy faces and silly mishaps.

TV themes & details

Themes
friendship
TV Details
TV Rating: TV-G
Network: Syndicated
Cast: Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball, Vivian Vance
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: Syndicated
This review was written by Sierra Filucci
 
 

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What parents & educators say

8

Most useful reviews by all members

surfsupgurl
teen, 15 years old
 
LAUGH YOUR HEAD OFF!!!!!
dA BEST SHOW IN THE WORLD!! I LOVE THE HUMOR!!
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bethlovesmaltese
teen, 17 years old
 
Funny
I Love Lucy is a funny shows for all ages. I could watch the show all day every day. In fact I do. I Love Lucy is full of comidy. The show is bad in any way.
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vsquadcheer
teen, 16 years old
8
 
My FAVORITE Show Ever NO JOKE!!
I have seen every episode at least 5 times. I watch about 4 epeisodes a day. I cant get enough. I dont think that there is anything wrong with this show. I mean, younger kids might not understand some of the jokes because, mainly, they are out of 'style'. Also, some kids might not like the BandW...But I am 100% in
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Sarah Grace
adult
6
 
I like most episodes...
I like "I Love Lucy". It's funny, and there's hardly ever anything wrong with it. I remember in one episode,though, where "Ricky" treats "Lucy" like a complete child - to the extreme - that was weird. There's another episode that contains a seance, which is witchcraft. I wouldn't have kids or adults watch that one, even though it's just making fun. The fact that "Ricky" works at a nightclub isn't at all appealing, even though he just wears fancy suits and sings, but most episodes don't revolve around his work too much anyway.
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the_terminator
teen, 14 years old
 
this is one of my favourit shows
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dancegirl3697
teen, 14 years old
7
 
Great for the Family!
This is a great series for the whole family! I laugh so hard every single time I watch Lucy that I start to cry. Lucille Ball is just the best female comedian ever! The best part is that shes FUNNY but CLEAN! Older teens may be bored of this, I understand. But I just love it! Love it! Love it!
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Sarawithcosmo
teen, 15 years old
2
 
The fuuniest show EVER!
Were to start? For one thing, it is extremely funny. Believe me, once your kids see this show, they will be able to distinguish true comedy from the crap that people call comedy today, especially on Disney Channel (e.g. Sonny With A Chance, Hannah Montana, The Suite Life On Deck, etc.). Another contributing factor is how well the acting is. All four actors are brilliant and the chemistry is definitely there. What I mean is that a lot of things that happen or have to do with the show also happen in real life. For example Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz are married in real life, so the love on the show is real. Also, in the show Ethel and Fred aren't exactly fans of each other, but that didn't take much acting because Vivian Vance and William Frawley hated each other in real life. Another plus is that in a lot of episodes there is singing, especially from Desi Arnaz (who is a very talented singer by the way). So all in all, this show is one of the greatest, if not the best, TV show of all time.
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Tsion
parent of 15 year old
 
Great, Family-Friendly, FUNNY Show!
An American classic. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz are excellent. No objectionable content at all. Great show for all kids!
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magz1027
kid, 11 years old
6
 
Hilarious!
This show is hilarious! Although my friends tease me about it, I don't care! I'm proud of liking this show.
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converse_queen123
kid, 12 years old
8
 
many kids under 8 would not understand some thing but for all ages
This is my favorite show ever! There is some smoking, but nothing really bad obviously because they weren't allowed to use the word pregnant. In one episode Lucy tell Fred and Ethel to stop bicker and Ethel responds, "Oh we're not bickering, thats just how we make love." in another episode lucy thinks ricky is having an affair, and they nothing bad, but the bits and pieces Lucy hears of the conversation sound like other things than pearls. lucy also does get drunk in the "Lucy Does a TV Commercial" because the product, Vitamitvegmin, is 23% alcohol, but there is nothing bad about this age appropriate 50s TV show.
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strawberryshor ...
teen, 17 years old
 
I cried! i laughed! it was great!!
best show ever!!!1
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FooZirc
kid, 12 years old
4
 
This is the best show of all time!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is my favorite show!!! I love Lucille Ball!!!! I was Lucille for a project at my school called the "Wax Museum". You had to dress up as a famous person in history. I had a red wig and the polka dotted dress and an apron that said "I Love Lucy" on it. I love "I Love Lucy"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Bowler Hat Guy
teen, 14 years old
2
 
The ultimate best most amazing family entertainment
Amazing completely amazing
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Agent2-
teen, 15 years old
5
 
I LOVE LUCY IT'S MY FAVORITE SHOW
I LOVE LUCY IT'S MY FAVORITE SHOW GREAT SHOW IT'S THE BEST SHOW EVER MADE
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mkalv
teen, 17 years old
6
 
A classic!
No wonder this show is a classic! It is funny, well acted, and the many guest stars are nice. Reccomended.
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susieq2cute
adult
 
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Mrs. Padilla
parent of 10 year old
5
 
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mongofa
teen, 17 years old
5
 
All ages!!
Great show for all ages!
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Angela33
adult
 
I lost six brain cells watching this
Me and my daugter LOVES watching this show
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oag721
teen, 14 years old
7
 
Hilarious
I wish family comidies could be this funny and appropriate. There are some episodes where there is smoking and there is the hilarious Vitameatavegimin episode, which could be used as discussion about drunkness. Young children may also learn what some things were like in the 50s--how commercials were filmed live, for instance. Best comedy ever!
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