In the 1952 episode of “I Love Lucy” titled “Lucy Is Enceinte,” the English word that was censored is “pregnant.” This episode, which aired on January 19, 1953, marked a significant moment in television history as it was the first time the word “pregnant” was used on television to refer to a character’s condition. The word “enceinte” was used to comply with the censorship standards of the time, as the word “pregnant” was considered too explicit for broadcast.
In this memorable episode, Lucy Ricardo, played by Lucille Ball, discovers that she is expecting a baby, much to the delight of her husband, Ricky Ricardo, played by Desi Arnaz. The episode follows Lucy as she navigates the ups and downs of pregnancy, with hilarity ensuing as she tries to keep her condition a secret from Ricky.
Despite the censorship of the word “pregnant,” the episode was groundbreaking for its time in addressing the topic of pregnancy on television. It paved the way for more realistic and relatable portrayals of family life on TV in the years to come.
“I Love Lucy” remains a beloved classic sitcom to this day, and “Lucy Is Enceinte” stands out as a memorable and groundbreaking episode in television history.