22. It all began with a radio show
The original idea for what would become the I Love Lucy sitcom actually started with a radio show. Lucy was cast as a character named Liz on a radio program that began airing in 1948 called My Favorite Husband. She played a zany and outgoing wife which, in turn, inspired the character of Lucy Ricardo. The episode would progress into a minor crisis or problem, typically caused by one of Liz’s funny ideas. Each episode would end with the problem solved and Liz saying, “Thanks, George. You’re my favorite husband.” The production became an instant hit and CBS asked her to develop it into a TV show.