Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz had a goal – to star in a TV show as husband and wife. But there were about a million obstacles in their way. For one thing, CBS didn’t want to buy a TV show that featured an interracial couple. Major companies didn’t want to sponsor the show for that same reason.

There was even a battle over where to film the show. In these negotiations, Desi proved himself to be a savvy negotiator and a shrewd businessman. He knew when to be tough. He knew when to flatter. And he knew to hire the right people and get out of their way.

When they created “I Love Lucy,” Lucy and Desi knew they were breaking new ground. But no one could have imagined the phenomenon that it would become.

“Love, Lucy,” by Lucille Ball

“The Plot Thickens” podcast from Turner Classic Movies

“The Life of Lucille Ball,” by Kathleen Brady

The documentary “Lucy and Desi”

Are you enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Then please leave us a 5-star rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts!

Are you *really* enjoying An Old Timey Podcast? Well, calm down, history ho! You can get more of us on Patreon at patreon.com/oldtimeypodcast. At the $5 level, you’ll get a monthly bonus episode (with video!), access to our 90’s style chat room, plus the entire back catalog of bonus episodes for Kristin’s previous podcast, Let’s Go To Court.