At the end of World War II, a new toy swept the houses of many Americans. This new invention was known as the television set. In a nation once marked by strong regional differences, network television programming helped create a national popular culture. Perhaps no phenomenon shaped American life in the 1950's more then television. With this advance, it is only natural to be built upon. Thus, programs viewed on the network became more diversified and many sitcoms were produced. These new sitcoms brought new stories into families' living rooms and changed the overall mood of America.
             "I Love Lucy" was the first situation comedy. It was born out of a desire for a show with more narrative continuity and was responsible for the shift from the variety show to the situation comedy. The basis of the show was a standard family of the fifties including a hard-working husband, a house keeping wife and their two best friends. So what gave the show its special twist? Perhaps the credit could be given to Lucille Ball who was the highlight of the show. Lucy revolutionized the proper modern-day housewife by portraying an angelic and fun-loving character.
             She had a cry like a siren that couldn't be ignored and a voice that would scrape the paint off a wall. With these unique traits, Lucy gets herself into mischief, irritating he husband, but with her innocent gestures she gets herself out. Through each episode, the audience finds themselves anticipating the trouble she will cause. The directors of the "I Love Lucy" show were the first to broadcast in front of a live studio audience with a laugh track and other techniques. These new elements of television production would be used in years to come in many other influential sitcoms.
             There are classic shows, and there are groundbreaking shows. &quo
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