on-this-day-i-love-lucy-finale-airs-cbs-1957

On This Day: ‘I Love Lucy’ Finale Airs on CBS in 1957

The finale of “I Love Lucy” – one of the most popular television shows of all time – aired on CBS 64 years ago today (Thursday, May 6, 2021).

This final episode was the end of the sitcom’s six-year run. During its years on television, the show produced some of the most beloved moments in the history of the medium.

According to IMDb.com, the finale episode of “I Love Lucy” was titled “The Ricardos Dedicate a Statue.” Of course, it starred Lucille Ball as Lucy Ricardo and Desi Arnaz as Ricky Ricardo. Also, Vivian Vance played Ethel Mertz. William Frawley played Fred Mertz.

The plot was: “Lucy organizes a Revolutionary Day Celebration, including a statue dedication. Ricky is going to give the dedication speech. Lucy accidentally breaks the statue and decides to step in with stone makeup to take its place for the ceremony.”

Of course, this plot leads to a lot of laughs. That’s what fans expected – and still do – from “I Love Lucy.”

Here’s Some Trivia About the Final Episode of ‘I Love Lucy’

In addition to being the final episode of “I Love Lucy,” there are several other interesting facts about “The Ricardos Dedicate a Statue.”

One of these facts is that Desi Arnaz, Jr., the son of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, appears in this episode. According to ILoveLucyandRicky.Fandom.Com, this is the only time Desi Arnaz, Jr. made an appearance on the famous show. He appears in the last scene of the episode. He is next to Vivian Vance and she asks him if he is having fun.

Standing next to Desi Jr. is a young girl. However, this is not his sister, Lucie Arnaz. She never appeared on the show. But, her famous mother was pregnant with her when the pilot for “I Love Lucy” was shot.

Here’s another interesting tidbit about the finale episode. The statue that is at the center of the action was based on an actual statue in Westport. Also, the character tasked with possibly remaking the statue was named Mr. Silvestri. This was a tribute to the company that made the statue used in the episode.

Cast Did Not Know This Would Be Final Episode of the Show

Usually, when a popular show ends its television run there is much fanfare that surrounds it. “I Love Lucy” was certainly popular in 1957 when its finale aired. In fact, it was No. 1 in the ratings.

However, the cast did not know that “The Ricardos Dedicate a Statue” would be its last episode when they filmed it. So, it did not have what fans expect from a series finale – the wrapping up of storylines, etc.

The show stopped because it was decided that no 30-minute long shows would be filmed. So, several months later Ball, Arnaz, Vance, and Frawley reunited for “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour.” It was a spinoff that was similar to “I Love Lucy” in many ways.