Parents' Guide to I Love Lucy

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Common Sense Media Review

Sierra Filucci By Sierra Filucci , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 6+

Classic clowning from comic genius; for all ages.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 6+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 6+

Based on 15 parent reviews

age 5+

Based on 42 kid reviews

Kids say this show is a hilarious classic that remains a favorite across generations, with its timeless humor and heartwarming moments. Many reviews highlight its family-friendly nature, although some express concerns about occasional smoking and portrayals of relationships typical of the 1950s, suggesting that while it's entertaining, it reflects values of its time.

  • funny
  • family-friendly
  • timeless humor
  • classic
  • 1950s values
Summarized with AI

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?

Our review:
Parents say ( 15 ):
Kids say ( 42 ):

Despite its dated references and old-fashioned family dynamics, this show 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 I Love Lucy 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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • 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 I Love Lucy?

  • 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?

  • How do the characters on I Love Lucy demonstrate self-control? Why is this an important character strength?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by

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