Entertainment

‘I Love Lucy’ named recipient of Television Academy’s inaugural Legacy Award

The sitcom will be honored at the Creative Arts Emmys for its lasting impact on the television industry and culture.

Updated Aug 25, 2026 · 13:53 UTC2 reports

The short version

"I Love Lucy" has been selected as the first recipient of the Television Academy's newly created Legacy Award.
The legendary sitcom will be recognized with a special tribute during the second night of the Creative Arts Emmys on Sunday, Sept. 6.
The award honors programs that have had a profound, generational impact on society, culture, and the television industry.

The Television Academy announced that "I Love Lucy" will receive its first-ever Legacy Award, which was established in January.[Variety · The Hollywood Reporter]
The tribute will take place on September 6 during night two of the Creative Arts Emmys ceremony.[Variety · The Hollywood Reporter]
The Legacy Award is chosen by the TV Academy’s board of governors from candidates recommended by its special awards committee.[Variety · The Hollywood Reporter]
During its original 1951 to 1957 run on CBS, "I Love Lucy" was nominated for 20 Emmys and won four, including two for Best Situation Comedy Series.[Variety · The Hollywood Reporter]
Stars Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz pioneered television syndication and residuals by taking a pay cut in exchange for full ownership of the show’s negatives.[The Hollywood Reporter]