It’s probably only fitting that the Television Academy‘s first-ever “Legacy Award” will recognize the series that has probably had the most profound impact of any TV program on the medium: “I Love Lucy.” The series that set the blueprint for sitcoms and created the template for TV syndication will receive the honor on Sunday, Sept. 6, during the second night of the three-part 78th Emmy Awards celebration.
As announced in January, the new Legacy Award was created to recognize television programs “that have made a profound and lasting impact on audiences and remain relevant to society, culture and the industry.” The org’s Special Awards committee (formerly known as the Governors Award committee) selects candidates for the Legacy Award annually, and then the Board of Governors votes on the entries.
“’I Love Lucy’ truly helped define what television could be,” said TV Academy chair Cris Abrego. “Beyond its place in television and cultural history as one of the medium’s most beloved shows, its creative ambition, technical innovation and groundbreaking approach to the business of television established a blueprint that continues to influence our industry 75 years later. We are proud to celebrate a series whose impact is so enduring as the first recipient of the Television Academy’s Legacy Award.”
