* Maintaining a family-friendly image: The show aired in the 1950s, a time when TV was considered a very family-oriented medium. Showing a married couple sleeping together would have been considered too risqué for the audience at the time.
* Humor and comedy: The show's humor relied heavily on Lucy's antics and her constant attempts to break free from the constraints of her domestic life. This dynamic wouldn't have worked as well if she and Ricky had a more "traditional" relationship where they slept together regularly.
* Playing up the "forbidden fruit" aspect: By never showing them in bed together, the show kept a sense of mystery and excitement surrounding their marriage. This made their relationship more appealing to the audience, who could imagine the "hidden" side of their lives.
* Maintaining a safe distance: By never showing them in bed, the show avoided any potential controversy or criticism related to their relationship. It was a way to keep things safe and clean for the family audience.
Even though Lucy and Ricky never shared a bed on screen, their love and affection for each other was always clear. They were a loving couple who faced challenges and solved problems together, all while providing plenty of laughs for the viewers.