The Cosby Show

NBC (ended 1992)

106 TOTAL REVIEWS Write A Review
201 EPISODES ONLINE Watch Online
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Show Summary

Premiered: Sep 20, 1984
Status: Ended

Dr. Heathcliff "Cliff" Huxtable was an OBGYN (obstetrician/gynecologist), and his wife Clair was a successful attorney. They had five children: Sondra, Denise, Theo, Vanessa and Rudy. Sondra was rarely seen during the first season because she was away at Princeton. She became a regular character in the second season, and was usually seen with her on-again off-again beau, Elvin. They eventually married and had twins; but not before stunning their families by announcing the fact that Elvin was dropping out of medical school to open a camping store, and Sondra was dropping out of law school to help her husband in his endeavor.''''Denise was the "unique" child, the black sheep of the family. She had her own way of doing things, right down to the style of clothing she wore. After graduating high school, she left for Hillman College in 1986 (a year later, this would become the setting for the spin-off A Different World), but returned two years later with news that she was dropping out. She eventually decided to become a photographer's assistant, and left for Africa for a year. When she returned, she had yet another bombshell: she had become a wife and mother while over in Africa. She married a navy man, Martin; who had a child, Olivia, from a previous marriage. During the final season, Denise travelled with Martin as he was stationed in Asia. Olivia stayed behind with Cliff and Clair.''''Theo, Vanessa and Rudy were probably the most popular of the five kids, due to the fact that they were seen more often then Sondra and Denise. Most of the stories revolved around the three youngest children. Stories dealt mainly with dating and school life, as well as Cliff's never-ending fear that his children would never leave home. In the final episode, Theo graduated from college. The Cosby Show was for the late '80s what Dallas was for the early eighties. Dallas was the number one show during most of the early eighties; but then situation comedies bumped all prime-time soaps down. The Cosby Show proved to be fierce competition, becoming the number one show from 1985-1990. In fact, in 8 years it never dropped below the top 20. NBC Broadcast History''''September 1984-June 1992----Thursdays----8:00 p.m.''July 1992-September 1992----Thursdays----8:30 p.m.''''Nielsen Ratings:''(Top 30 or Better)''''#3 in the 1984-1985 Season''#1 in the 1985-1986 Season''#1 in the 1986-1987 Season''#1 in the 1987-1988 Season''#1 in the 1988-1989 Season''#1 in the 1989-1990 Season''#5 in the 1990-1991 Season''#18 in the 1991-1992 Season''''The most watched Cosby Show episode ever was "Say Hello to a Good Buy" which aired on January 22, 1987. The episode received a 41.3 rating, 56 share, and was seen by 64,980,000 viewers.''''Watch The Cosby Show on TBS. Weekdays at 1pm & 1:30pm''''The Cosby Show is also being shown in syndication, check local listings.moreless

8.8

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Episode Guide

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S 8 : Ep 26	The Cosby Show: A Look Back	Aired 5/19/02
S 8 : Ep 25	And So We Commence (2)	Aired 4/30/92	go Hulu Plus Subscription
S 8 : Ep 24	And So We Commence (1)	Aired 4/30/92	go Hulu Plus Subscription
S 8 : Ep 23	Some Gifts Aren't Deductible	Aired 4/23/92	go Hulu Plus Subscription
S 8 : Ep 22	You Can't Stop the Music	Aired 3/26/92	go Hulu Plus Subscription

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And So We Commence (2)

S 8 : Ep 25

Aired 4/30/92
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And So We Commence (1)

S 8 : Ep 24

Aired 4/30/92
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Some Gifts Aren't Deductible

S 8 : Ep 23

Aired 4/23/92
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You Can't Stop the Music

S 8 : Ep 22

Aired 3/26/92

The Cosby Show News

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4

TV.com Commenter Shout-Outs: Your Recent Thoughts on Falling in Love with Community, the Shows You Watch with Your Family, and the Sci-Fi You Want to See on TV

By Seth Abramovitch, Jan 16, 2012

It's been an eventful week at TV.com, and what better way to cap things off than with Commenter Shout-Outs, where we highlight the smartest and funniest observations made by you, our illustrious readership. This week we reminisce over your favorite… more
99

QUICK QUESTION: What TV Shows Have Brought Your Family Closer Together?

By Price Peterson, Jan 12, 2012

I write about television for a living, so it's no surprise that it had a particularly big impact on my childhood. But after spending time with my family over the holidays, I've realized just how crucial television has been not… more

Cast & Crew

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Bill Cosby

Dr. Heathcliff "Cliff" Huxtable
Phylicia Rashad

Clair Olivia Hanks Huxtable
Sabrina Le Beauf

Sondra Huxtable Tibideaux (seasons 2 - 8, recurring previously)

Fan Reviews (106)

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This show is a PERFECT family show. And the reason why this show's so great Bill Cosby.

9.0

"Superb"

By mnman, Dec 07, 2011 Report Abuse

This show is a PERFECT family show. And the reason why this show's so great Bill Cosby. OK the Cosby show is one the few 80's show that's still on DVD. This show ROCKS! I actually discovered this show on DVD and my brother got it for Easter and when i first watched it i loved it. Also i think this is the first black cast for a show. and yet it's funny. The only 80 show that's better than this is the Jeffersons that's a good show. The reason why it's not a 10 is because there have been some boring episodes but i can get over that.moreless

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The perfect family show.

10

"Perfect"

By Rei_Fire, Jul 19, 2011 Report Abuse

There was no flaw with this show whatsoever. I just hate how some people may say it's not realistic because "A black family can't be rich with a successful family." Well those people who think that are completely wrong and ignorant. It's good to see a show that has the "picture perfect family." To be honest, instead of people complaining about it, they should look at the show as an example of a great loving family that I'm pretty sure everyone wish they had (or may already have) no matter what race.moreless

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The Cosby show more satisfing for kids to.

8.5

"Great"

By angela435231, Jan 05, 2011 Report Abuse

The Cosby Show is one of these funny Comedy shows of every season. This is a show that kids will like to. It's also a very decent Family show to me just like the Characters really improved their skills very well that it can make me sit well. My mom dosen't really watch this show very much. The only show she watch all the time is Girlfreinds or Charmed. I only watch shows with kids in it. I also know about this show use to come on at Nick@Night but it comes on something eles now like tbs or something because George Lopez and Home Improvement come on that time that get's it in the way, so they band that show from coming on Nick@Night and it probably only comes on a few times on tbs and I still like this show because it's funny and very decent Dramantic.moreless

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1 3
a really good sitcom that showed us alot of things.

8.0

"Great"

By cube2k8, May 05, 2010 Report Abuse

the cosby show if you dont know it then you must be from another planet .it features a black family were one is a docotor and the other is a lawer both well successful parents and they have a older son and daughters . they go through things like any other family does but there is always a lesson to be learned and it always ends happy most of the time. and there was alot of good unforgetable moments and hilorious ones too. this show was a big hit and i watched all the time and enjoyed it that is why i gave it a 8moreless

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Still Love It!

9.0

"Superb"

By sasou82, Feb 01, 2010 Report Abuse

The Cosby Show premiered on September 20, 1984. I was not even two years old at the time, but the show became an important part of my growing up. Cliff, Claire, Sondra, Denise, Theo, Vanessa, and Rudy all felt as if they were a part of my own family. This has to be one of the greatest family sitcoms ever made if not the greatest. As a child I did not realize the significance of the characters until years later. But now when I watch this show it makes me happy to realize that this was one of the first shows to show an African-American family that was living in comfort and that had great careers and educations. These characters were not ignorant or struggling for the basic things in life and that was a great inspiration for all of the young African-American families out there. I should know my family was one of them. Every episode was wonderfully entertaining and funny. You couldn't help but laugh out loud at the things that the kids would get into. It's been over 20 years since the show first premiered but The Cosby Show is still a part of so many people's lives today; and probably will be for many years to come.moreless

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The Wretched
... I wonder and wish we got to see what Vanessa's punishment was. I was honestly scared when Claire got up in Vanessa's face and ...

By cheesecakehead, Mar 26, 2010

01/31/12

9
Reply
Worst mistake on The Cosby Show
What in your opinion, was the worst mistake they made on The Cosby Show? For me, I always thought they screwed up by not restorin...

By TVvuer69, Oct 04, 2005

12/20/11

39
Reply
help what episode
is there a episode ciff house got rob by a ex con

By RalphGasparre, May 29, 2011

11/30/11

3
Reply
Cosby fans!!!
Cosby fans!!! Just wanted to let you know that Cosby is now on gmc (Gospel Music Channel) weeknights Monday through Thursday 11/10...

By tammigmctv, May 18, 2010

05/18/10

2
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Did anyone else really like Walter(theo's friend)
I know i really liked him and I missed seeing him when he got fired. I forgot the reason but him and theo were always hilarious to...

By cutestar89, Sep 28, 2007

04/07/10

13
Reply