I Love Lucy

Case Study: I Love Lucy

In order to illustrate the theory that the distinguising feature of consumer consumption is an age of media overlap, is the experiece that each medium offer - it is important to consider a few examples. 'I love Lucy' was one of the most popular shows on television, and even today it is still being shown on certain channels like TV Land in the USA. In 2002, TV Guide's '50 Best Shows of All Time' ranked it at number 2 (TV Guide Top Shows. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/04/26/entertainment/main507388.shtml). The 'I love Lucy' show struck a chord with its audience. The comic genius of Lucille Ball managed to keep the viewers wanting more - 'at its peak, in 1952-53, it averaged an incredible 67.3 rating, meaning that on a typical Monday night, more than two-thirds of all homes with TV sets were tuned to Lucy' (First Lady of Comedy. http://www.time.com/time/time100/artists/profile/lucy.html).

Although television was fairly novel at the time, the 'I love Lucy' show offered the post war generation an opportunity to escape. At a time when competition with Hollywood was stiff, the producers of this show also realized that they needed to give the viewers what they wanted. It is this experience of being able to laugh and put aside worries that helped to make it a success.

In addition to this 'Lucy explored universal themes: the tensions of married life, the clash between career and home, the meaning of loyalty and friendship' (First Lady of Comedy). By dealing with such timeless themes, 'I Love Lucy' ensured that it would never be far from the hearts of viewers, regardless of the day and age. It continues till today to give the audience a place to escape to and the ability of laughter.

It is important to note the principle idea behind this show seems to be the relationship between husband and wife. She portrays the oddball wife character opposite tall, dashing Desi Arnez's showbiz character. Ball's slapstick humor and comical expressions add to the hilarity of the show (Lucille Ball. http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/B/htmlB/balllucille/balllucille.htm). Over the course of the show, she also developed a few distinctive traits such as her 'Wahhhhhhh' crying, her penchant for getting into trouble, her constant search for her big showbiz break and her nutty schemes to make it big - gave a humanistic level to her character.

What also struck a mark with the audience of the time, was Lucy's position as bored housewife eager to change her lot. She was always up for anything, if it would help her find success. Some of the most famous episodes are the ones where she is trying out new career opportunities. For example - the 'Vita-meata-vege-min' episode where she tries to film a commercial to sell this potion. However, the potion in question contains a hefty percentage of alcohol which