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Lucille Ball became one of television’s most important comedy legends, but even she did not expect her most famous show to become a lasting part of American entertainment history. Long before reruns made the series feel timeless, Ball remembered that many people doubted whether television was the right move for her—and had no expectations that I Love Lucy would not only succeed but thrive. According to MeTV, I Love Lucy surprised Ball with its success after others warned her against leaving film for the small screen. At the time, she was under contract at M-G-M, and she said people there thought she was making a mistake by moving into television with Desi Arnaz. Lucille Ball Was Surprised 'I Love Lucy' Enjoyed Such Immediate Success I LOVE LUCY, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, candid on the set, discussing a scene before filming, 1957. Ball later admitted that she did not expect the series to last. That honesty makes the show’s legacy even more remarkable, because I Love Lucy went on to become one of the most beloved sitcoms ever made. What began as a risky career move became the project that changed her life, her marriage, and the future of television comedy. I LOVE LUCY: A COLORIZED CELEBRATION, Lucille Ball (episode 'Lucy Does a TV Commercial,' Season 1, aired May 5, 1952), 2019. © Fathom Events/CBS; courtesy Everett The actress said the scale of public attention caught both her and Arnaz off guard. During one tour, thousands of people reportedly gathered outside a steel fence at the Miami Airport, and the crowd became so intense that people broke through barriers. At one hotel, fans even knocked down a plate-glass window in the lobby. Ball said she and Arnaz did not understand what was happening at first, which showed how suddenly their fame had grown. Her Bond With Vivian Vance Lasted Beyond The Classic Sitcom I LOVE LUCY, from left: Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, ca. mid-1950s/Everett Collection The series also gave Ball one of her most meaningful creative partnerships. Vivian Vance, who played Ethel Mertz, became both a close friend and an iconic comedy partner. After Vance died in 1979, Ball admitted she missed her deeply and refused to replace her with another female comedian, honoring the friendship and chemistry that made Lucy and Ethel television legends. That decision revealed how important their partnership had been. Ball had worked with many talented performers, but Vance held a special place in her life and career. Their timing, trust, and warmth gave the show part of its enduring heart. Looking back, Ball’s comments show how unpredictable television history can be. She did not expect the sitcom to last, yet it became a foundation for modern comedy. The success of I Love Lucy proved that audiences wanted more than polished movie stars. They wanted characters who made them laugh, relationships that felt alive, and performers brave enough to build something new. I LOVE LUCY, Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball, Richard Keith, Vivian Vance, William Frawley, 1951-1951