This is a snippet from Breaking Walls Episode 100: The Radio Career of Lucille Ball (1938 - 1952)

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In November of 1947, The Lux Radio Theater was the CBS Monday night centerpiece for an evening of audience domination, with a rating of 31.2.

On November 10th, Lucille Ball guest-starred in a condensation of “The Dark Corner.”

In late fall with Lucy appearing in Dream Girl in Detroit, Desi left his band in Wisconsin for a surprise one-night reunion. He was to charter a flight to catch up. A phone call awoke Lucy and Desi in the middle of the night. The bus was in an accident. Although no one was killed, the spot on the bus with the most damage was where Desi normally sat. The couple took it as a serious omen to spend more time together.

After Lux went off the air, My Friend Irma signed on at 10PM. By February of 1948 the new hit comedy had a rating of 28.3. Now more than ever, William Paley wanted Lucille Ball for a new CBS series.

She said yes.