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Oct. 15, 1951

It didn’t take viewers long to fall in love with I Love Lucy. The opening episode of the nascent TV medium’s first program to be shot on film before a studio audience found the daffy redhead Lucy Ricardo – played by movie veteran Lucille Ball – and best pal Ethel Mertz (Vivian Vance) scheming to visit the Copacabana nightclub. Lucy’s fiery husband Ricky (Desi Arnaz, Ball’s real-life husband) and Fred Mertz (William Frawley) had their own plan of attending a boxing match. I Love Lucy spent four of the next six seasons as the highest-rated program on American television. It’s worth noting that the inauguration of President Dwight Eisenhower in January, 1953, garnered 29 million viewers. When Lucy gave birth to Little Ricky that same week, more than 44 million viewers tuned in.

Lucille Ball and husband Desi Arnaz play the husband-and -wife team on CBS-TV's domestic comedy series, "I Love Lucy."

Vivian Vance, left, and Lucille Ball, right, are shown during a scene at the chocolate factory.

Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball. having some fun after the chocolate factory set of episode, "Job Switching".

Episode: "California, Here We Come" Lucille Ball, Vivian Vance, Desi Arnaz and William Frawley.

The set of their television series, "I Love Lucy". Paramount Pictures/Getty Images

Vivian Vance, left, and Lucille Ball are shown in a scene from the comedy series, "I Love Lucy."

Lucille Ball, left, appears in a scene from "I Love Lucy" with fellow cast members.

Lucille Ball in a scene from "I Love Lucy".