Top 10 Most Iconic ‘I Love Lucy’ Moments

For most people, I Love Lucy isn’t just a title. Lucille Ball is still regarded as one of the most influential comedians of all time, and for good reason. The classic sitcom I Love Lucy showcases Ball’s comedic talent to perfection. While nearly every episode of the six-season show is iconic in its own right, some stand out more than others. If you’re a fan of I Love Lucy, you’ll want to keep reading! Here are the top 10 most iconic I Love Lucy moments.

10. Mr. Mom – “Ricky Minds the Baby”

Desi Arnaz was born in Cuba and often spoke Spanish on I Love Lucy. Many times, he ranted in his mother tongue when he was upset with one of Lucy’s hair-brained schemes. However, in this instance, Desi decides to tell the story of Little Red Riding Hood to Little Ricky in Spanish. While most regard Lucy as the funniest cast member, this scene from “Ricky Minds the Baby” shows that Desi was also blessed with comedic chops. He acts out the story with great dramatic flair, proving that his wife wasn’t the only comedian in the family.

9. Hair Club for Men – “Ricky Thinks He’s Getting Bald”

Desi Arnaz had a full head of hair. So when his character Ricky Ricardo believes he’s going bald, hilarity ensues. It’s not often that we see Lucy and Ricky swap roles. But, as Lucy subjects him to several cure-all treatments, Desi’s physical comedy and hilarious expression rightfully earn all the laughter.

8. It’s Show Time – “The Diet”

A lot of I Love Lucy plots revolve around Lucy’s undying urge to be in show business. This episode sees Lucy going on a diet to try and fit into a costume so she can be Ricky’s dance partner. The most iconic scene in this episode comes at the end of the episode when Lucy performs “Cuban Pete” with Ricky. While Lucy Ricardo was often depicted as having no musical talent or sense of rhythm, Lucille Ball’s talents shine through in this classic number.

7. Dancing on Eggshells – “Lucy Does the Tango”

Did you know that this moment inspired a record-breaking 67-second laugh? It’s not hard to see why! After Fred (played by William Frawley) threatens to move back to New York if the hens don’t start producing eggs, Lucy and Ethel concoct a scheme. The result? A shirt full of eggs, an ill-advised tango, and a world record. Typical I Love Lucy fare.

6. Little Ricky – “Lucy Goes to the Hospital”

“Lucy Goes to the Hospital” was not only Desi Arnaz’s favorite episode, but it was also one of the most-watched TV episodes in history, with over 71.7% of all American television sets tuned in. Lucille Ball was actually pregnant with son Desi Arnaz during season two of I Love Lucy. Rather than writing around it, the writers worked Ball’s real-life pregnancy into the show. The moment when Lucy announces that the baby is coming is nothing short of hilarious. Fred, Ethel, and Ricky all scramble about, bumping into each other and shouting, more panicked than Lucy. Just like in real life, Lucy gives birth to a little boy, whom she names after his father.

5. Liar, Liar, Nose on Fire – “L.A. At Last”

The Hollywood episodes are well-loved, and it’s not hard to see why. There are so many classic moments throughout these episodes—including when Lucy’s nose catches on fire. No, not her actual nose but the fake nose of Pinocchio-esque proportions she dons to hide her identity from one William Holden. Why does she go to such lengths to disguise her appearance? Well, you’ll just have to watch “L.A. At Last” to find out!

4. The Mirror Image – “Harpo Marx”

Only Lucille Ball could hold her own against a Marx brother. She proves exactly that in this episode when she performs Harpo Marx’s famous “mirror routine” with him. Seeing two comedy greats on the screen at the same time would be thrilling enough. But actually watching them work comedic magic together? Legendary.

3. When in Rome – “Lucy’s Italian Movie”

Even the most casual I Love Lucy viewers will probably recognize this moment. While in Italy, Lucy decides to go grape-stomping to disastrous (but comedic) effect. Many people might not be aware that the fight in the grape vat was real. Well, kind of. The grape stomper who stars in the scene with Ball didn’t speak any English. So, when Ball tried to pick a fight with her per the script, the woman thought it was real. As a result, she genuinely tried to beat up Lucille Ball. According to the cast and crew, they didn’t know what was going on. Despite nearly drowning in a vat of grapes, Ball cites this as one of her favorite episodes.

2. Conveyer Belt Mayhem – “Job Switching”

 In 1996, TV Guide included “Job Switching” as part of its “100 Most Memorable Moments in TV History”, listing it at number two. Who can forget the moment when Lucy and Ethel begin stuffing chocolate down their shirt and in their cheeks in a frantic attempt to keep their new job? Interestingly enough, it wasn’t the first time a comedian had lost a battle against an overeager conveyor belt. Click HERE to learn what film inspired “Job Switching.”

1. Drunk on the Job – “Lucy Does a TV Commercial”

“Hello, friends! I’m your Vitameatavegamin girl.” To say that this scene is iconic is an understatement. This is one of the most hilarious moments not only in I Love Lucy’s six-year run but in all of television history. After she nabs a coveted TV spot advertising a product called Vitameatavegamin, Lucy is over the moon. However, there’s a catch—the concoction contains 23% alcohol. Fans of the show know what happens next. This episode was Lucille Ball’s favorite, though she didn’t have such a great time filming it. Some viewers may wonder what Ball was drinking during this episode. The answer may just surprise you!