Star Trek’s Unlikely I Love Lucy Connection
The original Stark Trek may not have been made if not for Desilu Productions, the studio responsible for I Love Lucy — and run by Lucille Ball.
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The sci-fi series Star Trek has an unlikely connection to another beloved retro TV show: I Love Lucy. Star Trek first premiered in 1966, years after I Love Lucy had aired its finale episode; regardless, the two share common origins. In fact, Gene Roddenberry’s groundbreaking series would not have been made if it wasn’t for I Love Lucy — and its star, Lucille Ball.
Lucille Ball’s iconic sitcom I Love Lucy aired on CBS for 6 seasons in the mid 1950s. The series was produced by Desilu, the production company Ball started with her then-husband and frequent collaborator Desi Arnaz. Following I Love Lucy’s success, the company grew and went on to produce numerous other TV programs After the couple divorced in 1960, Ball assumed the head role of the company, making her the first female studio head. During her tenure as Desilu’s sole owner in the 1960s, Ball produced a number of successful programs, including Star Trek.
Ball was no figurehead for Desilu — the actress took her role seriously, and under her guidance, the independent production company grew to being one of the largest in the industry. Even before she bought-out Arnaz’s share, Ball was responsible for making creative decisions. While Desilu produced numerous financially and culturally significant TV programs, such as The Andy Griffith Show, The Untouchables and Mission Impossible, Star Trek stands out as a series Ball deserves credit for; if not for Ball’s insistence, Desilu wouldn’t have produced the pilot and Roddenberry’s series likely would never have seen the light of day.
The problem with Roddenberry’s proposed Star Trek series was the high cost of producing a pilot. Desilu’s board of directors were not keen on the prospect. Thankfully, Ball insisted the project go ahead — despite not understanding what the show was about (according to Business Insider, Ball thought it had something to do with a travelling USO performers). Star Trek’s original pilot, entitled “The Cage,” infamously failed and was rejected by NBC, reportedly because it was “too cerebral.” Thankfully, NBC executives ordered a second pilot — an unusual move, but one that proved wise. Ball agreed to fund the reshoot — once again, going against the board’s advice — and the rest is history.
Ball did more for Star Trek than just fund the pilots, however. The legends around Star Trek’s early production history have long suggested that the series would not exist if not for Ball’s personal involvement: As the story goes, Ball believed in Roddenberry’s vision, and personally convinced the NBC executives to consider that second pilot. While Ball may not have shaped the series in anyway, she did believe in Star Trek — and that belief led to the creation of one of TV’s most enduring series.
Link Source : https://screenrant.com/star-treks-unlikely-i-love-lucy-connection/