The Cosby Show (1984–1992)

The goings-on in the life of a successful African American family.

Creators:

Bill Cosby, Michael Leeson, Ed. Weinberger

Stars:

Bill Cosby, Phylicia Rashad, Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Won 3 Golden Globes. Another 49 wins & 50 nominations.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Bill Cosby	...	Dr. Heathcliff 'Cliff' Huxtable (199 episodes, 1984-1992)
Phylicia Rashad	...	Clair Hanks Huxtable (195 episodes, 1984-1992)
Malcolm-Jamal Warner	...	Theodore 'Theo' Huxtable (178 episodes, 1984-1992)
Keshia Knight Pulliam	...	Rudy Huxtable (178 episodes, 1984-1992)
Tempestt Bledsoe	...	Vanessa Huxtable (158 episodes, 1984-1992)
Lisa Bonet	...	Denise Huxtable (118 episodes, 1984-1991)

Storyline

Long-running popular comedy television series about the Huxtable family. Doctor Heathcliff Huxtable and Clair Huxtable, a happily married couple, are raising their children (Sondra, Denise, Theodore, Vanessa, and Rudy). The two oldest daughters eventually live successful adult lives and get married (Sondra to Elvin and Denise to Martin). As the children get older, the family gets larger and, to the chagrin of Cliff, keep on coming back home when he wants them to move out and live on their own for good.

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Plot Keywords:

african american | married couple | doctor | home | married with children | 

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Taglines:

In a house filled with love . . . there's always room for more.

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Genres:

Comedy | Family

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Certificate:

TV-G

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 September 1984 (USA)

Also Known As:

El show de Bill Cosby

Filming Locations:

10 Leroy Street, Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bill Cosby, Carsey-Werner Company, National Broadcasting Company (NBC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min 30 min (201 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Carl Anthony Payne II, who played Theo's friend Walter "Cockroach" Bradley, was fired from the show in the fourth season for refusing to cut his hair.

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Goofs

In the opening episode, the Huxtables have only four children (Denise, Theo, Vanessa, and Rudy). A few weeks later, a fifth child, Sondra, appears.

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Quotes

[after the saxophone opening theme ends]
Cliff: This is the best elevator music I've ever heard!

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Crazy Credits

The season after Lisa Bonet left the series, Bill Cosby can be seen holding a photo of Bonet during the opening credits.

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Connections

Referenced in G.O.R.A. (2004)

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Soundtracks

"Kiss Me"
Composed by Stu Gardner and Bill Cosby
Performed by Lester Bowie
(seasons 7 and 8)

User Reviews

One of the greatest sitcoms to date

The Cosby Show is one of those few trailblazing programs that grace television screens and leave an indelible mark. A situation comedy featuring a well-off African American family residing in a Brooklyn townhouse, The Cosby Show was also ultimately the brainchild and vehicle of comedian-extraordinare, Bill Cosby. Cosby's stage routine during his later years featured tales of his large family of five children, four girls and one boy, and his beloved wife, Camille, and these stories are translated exceptionally well on the small screen with a wonderful ensemble cast headed by Cosby and Phylicia Rashad (nee Allen).

I'm sure faithful viewers all have their favorite episodes, and we can always reminice in this terrific journey through the life of Bill Cosby through the fictional existence of Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable.

For eight glorious seasons, The Cosby Show ruled the airwaves and our hearts, and luckily, we can still enter this great world on syndication all over the world.