The Lucy–Desi Comedy Hour
originally aired on CBS
The Lucy–Desi Comedy Hour is a collection of thirteen black-and-white one-hour specials airing occasionally from 1957 to 1960. The first five were shown as specials during the 1957–58 television season. The programs featured the same cast members: Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, William Frawley, and Little Ricky.
Arnaz was often questioned why he changed the format of I Love Lucy to the Comedy Hour format of one-hour specials shown weeks or months apart. He noted at the time: "You've got to change in this business. Lucy is my favorite character ever" Arnaz believed the use of celebrity stars would allow him to demand higher fees.