The Most Popular TV Show From Your Birth Year (1951-1990)

17. 1953-1955: I Love Lucy

By its third season at the top of the Nielsen ratings, the Ricardos had cemented their place in America’s heart. Even with Philip Morris overtly sponsoring the show (smoking was required of the cast), the show maintained a raw authenticity that kept audiences tuned in.

It was darkly ironic that Lucille Ball would eventually succumb to cardiovascular disease. Her fearless willingness to leave her heart and soul on the screen made the show phenomenally popular.