1986
Lucille Ball is convinced by Aaron Spelling to give series television one last attempt with “Life With Lucy.” The series is cancelled after eight episodes. Lucy is devastated.
“AFI Achievement Award: A Tribute to Billy Wilder” ~ March 6, 1986
Lucille Ball is one of the many guests paying tribute to the filmmaker. Jack Lemmon hosts the show on NBC.
“One Good Grandparent Deserves Another” (LWL S1;E1) ~ September 20, 1986
Lucille Ball returns to series television on ABC as Lucy Barker, co-owner of a hardware store with her brother-in-law, played by Gale Gordon.
“ABC Fall Preview Special” ~ September 20, 1986
Alan Thicke (”Growing Pains”) visits the set of eight of ABC’s new shows, including “Life With Lucy” where he talks with Lucille Ball. This show aired at 10:30pm the same night as the premiere of “Life With Lucy.”
“The
38th Primetime Emmy Awards” ~ September 21, 1986
Lucille
Ball presents The Governor’s Award to Red Skelton. Lucy is Introduced by one of her favorite performers, John Ritter. This marks the third time in 24 hours Lucille Ball was seen on television in new programming.
“Lucy Makes a Hit with John Ritter”
(LWL S1;E2) ~ September 27, 1986
The fourth episode filmed but second aired in order to capitalize on John Ritter’s popularity as a ratings boost. Ritter plays himself. TV favorites Ruth Buzzi (”Laugh-In”) and Greg Mullavey (”Mary Hartman”) guest star.
“Love Among the Two-by-Fours”
(LWL S1;E3) ~ October 4, 1986
Peter Graves (”Mission Impossible”) plays Lucy’s old flame. Although they are supposed to be playing characters of the same age, Lucille Ball was actually 15 years older than Graves.
“Lucy Gets Her Wires Crossed”
(LWL S1;E4) ~ October 18, 1986
With competition from other hardware stores, Lucy and Curtis (Gale Gordon) get booked on a morning TV show as Mr. & Mrs. Fix-It. While repairing a lamp on the air, Lucy ends up gluing herself to everyone!
“Lucy Is a Sax Symbol”
(LWL S1;E5) ~ October 25, 1986
In all her previous television shows, Lucille Ball played the saxophone, so Lucy Barker is no exception.
“The
Late Show Starring Joan Rivers” ~ October 30, 1986
On her own late-night talk show, Joan Rivers welcomes Lucille Ball, who promotes “Life With Lucy.” Michelle Lee is also on the show.
“Lucy Make Curtis Byte the Dust”
(LWL S1;E6) ~ November 1, 1986
Lucy’s attempt to computerize the hardware store results in a a shop full of lawnmowers and with Curtis listed in the obituary column. Dave Madden (”The Partridge Family”) and Billy Van Zandt guest star.
“Lucy, Legal Eagle”
(LWL S1;E7) ~ November 8, 1986
At a yard sale, Lucy’s grandson’s favorite Teddy Bear is accidentally sold. When Lucy offers a $50 reward for its return, the woman (Dina Dietrich) who bought the bear asks for $500, so Lucy takes her to small claims court.
“Mother of the Bride” (LWL S1;E8) ~ November 15, 1986
When Ted and Margo decide to renew their wedding vows, Lucy’s sister Audrey drops by for a visit and starts to take over the entire event. Audrey is played by Audrey Meadows (”The Honeymooners”). This is the last episode aired, although five others were filmed.
“Hour Magazine” ~ November 19-21, 1986
Lucille Ball is interviewed in three segments about her return to television. Gary Collins is the host.
“All Star Party for Clint Eastwood” ~ November 30, 1986
As a previous winner, Lucille Ball is present as “hostess” of the evening.
“Super Password” ~ December 1 & 2, 1986
Lucille Ball is introduced as the star of “Life With Lucy.” Ironically, by the time this pre-recorded program aired, the series had already been canceled. Bert Convey hosts, and “Golden Girls” Betty White and Estelle Getty play against Lucy and her TV daughter Ann Dusenberry.
“The Kennedy Center Honors” ~ December 26, 1986
Lucille Ball is honored for her contributions to television and entertainment at large. Onstage tributes come from Robert Stack (”The Untouchables”), Bea Arthur (Mame) and Valerie Harper (Wildcat).
Also in 1986…
“Lucy and the Guard Goose”
(LWL #102)
This was the second episode filmed, but never aired on ABC. It may have been included when Nick at Night ran the series in 1996. Despite not being aired, the goose of the title was in the series opening credits. Originally scheduled to air November 22, 1986.
“Lucy and Curtis Up a Tree”
(LWL #107)
The seventh episode filmed, but not aired on ABC. It was intended to be broadcast on November 29, 1986. Much of the plot was borrowed from a 1964 episode of “The Lucy Show.”
“Lucy’s Green Thumb”
(LWL #109)
The ninth episode filmed and unaired. It was intended to be seen on December 6, 1986.
“Breaking Up Is Hard to Do”
(LWL #111)
This was the eleventh episode filmed, although it was scheduled to air tenth on December 13, 1986 had the series not been canceled. The final cut of the episode was finished on November 17, 1986.
“World’s Greatest Grandma” (LWL #113)
This was the 13th and final episode filmed. It was scheduled to air on December 20, 1986 but the series was canceled on November 15th. The first draft of the script was finalized on October 20, 1986.
The Death of Desi Arnaz ~ December 2, 1986
When Desi Arnaz passed away on December 2, 1986, footage of Lucille Ball and “I Love Lucy” was used extensively on newscasts and tributes worldwide. He was 69 years old.
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