In a move that may both thrill and horrify classic TV fans, CBS announced today it will air two more colorized episodes of I Love Lucy in a one-hour special in May. The network said the episodes will retain “a vintage look” and contain material not seen since the programs originally aired in the 1950s.
The episodes chosen for resurrection are 1955’s “L.A. at Last,” in which Lucy makes a bad impression on William Holden when the Ricardos and Mertzes visit the Brown Derby Restaurant in Hollywood, and 1957’s “Lucy and Superman,” which centers around Lucy trying to make good on her promise to bring Adventures of Superman star George Reeves to Little Ricky’s birthday party.
In 2013, CBS packaged two colorized I Love Lucy episodes in a Christmas special. Conceived as cheap holiday fare to fill a hole in its December schedule, The I Love Lucy Christmas Special ended up winning the night.
Starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, I Love Lucy aired on CBS from 1951-1957. The landmark series, which also starred Vivian Vance and William Frawley, is one of the best-loved TV series of all time.
CBS will air The I Love Lucy Superstar Special on May 17 at 8 p.m.