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Subject: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: 90s Guy on 02/22/16 at 12:22 pm

From it's second season in 1985-1986 through it's 7th season from 1990-1991, The Cosby Show was #1 in the ratings. It remained within the Top 20 for the entirety of its 8 seasons on TV; in it's final season from 1991-1992, it was at #18, still highly popular. In light of the recent truths about Bill Cosby, and the fact that honestly, I could never get into the show even before that, I'm wondering for people who were around/fans of the show in its heyday: Why was The Cosby Show so beloved, so unstoppable?

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: whistledog on 02/22/16 at 3:59 pm


Why was The Cosby Show so beloved, so unstoppable?


Because it was funny.  It made you laugh, sometimes made you cry, but it was always solid entertainment.  Regardless of what Bill Cosby has become, I will always love The Cosby Show.  It was a big part of my childhood

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: Howard on 02/22/16 at 4:32 pm


From it's second season in 1985-1986 through it's 7th season from 1990-1991, The Cosby Show was #1 in the ratings. It remained within the Top 20 for the entirety of its 8 seasons on TV; in it's final season from 1991-1992, it was at #18, still highly popular. In light of the recent truths about Bill Cosby, and the fact that honestly, I could never get into the show even before that, I'm wondering for people who were around/fans of the show in its heyday: Why was The Cosby Show so beloved, so unstoppable?


It was a family that people could relate to.

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: 80sfan on 02/22/16 at 5:23 pm

It was funny without being offensive.

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: snozberries on 02/22/16 at 5:44 pm


It was one of the few times a black family wastewater as regular family despite the fact that they were black.

The show wasn't about race it was about life and showed America that family issues are the same across the color lines.

It was about simple fun...there were no stereotypes (well few stereotypes).

The show was basically the leave it to beaver of the 80s. I'm glad Cos insisted that Cluff would be a dr and Claire would be a lawyer instead of making them blue collar as it was
Originally presented.

And I'm glad it wasn't racist like the Jeffersons.

Roseanne and Cosby revived family comedies in the 80s.


Like WD....despite the disillusionment brought on by the recent discovery of Cosby's true persona..I still hold a fond place for the tv series that made my teen years happier.

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: Howard on 02/23/16 at 2:26 pm

http://www.boyculture.com/.a/6a00d8341c2ca253ef017c3509a239970b-550wi

I remember towards the end of the intros he'd make that funny face. ;D

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: 80sfan on 02/23/16 at 11:23 pm


http://www.boyculture.com/.a/6a00d8341c2ca253ef017c3509a239970b-550wi

I remember towards the end of the intros he'd make that funny face. ;D


;D  ;D

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: #Infinity on 02/24/16 at 12:28 am

Basically what snozberries said, The Cosby Show was a positive yet conscious portrayal of an African American family living in white suburbia.  Bill Cosby was also already quite famous before the show's premiere, having just completed Fat Albert & the Cosby Kids, as well as being a well-known stand-up comedian.

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: Howard on 02/24/16 at 2:45 pm


Basically what snozberries said, The Cosby Show was a positive yet conscious portrayal of an African American family living in white suburbia.  Bill Cosby was also already quite famous before the show's premiere, having just completed Fat Albert & the Cosby Kids, as well as being a well-known stand-up comedian.


He also hosted Picture Pages in the late 70's.

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: snozberries on 02/24/16 at 10:10 pm


Basically what snozberries said, The Cosby Show was a positive yet conscious portrayal of an African American family living in white suburbia.  Bill Cosby was also already quite famous before the show's premiere, having just completed Fat Albert & the Cosby Kids, as well as being a well-known stand-up comedian.


And he was on I Spy and did quite a few movies.

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: robby76 on 02/25/16 at 6:59 am

I think everyone already covered everything. Yes I too loved and still love the Cosby Show. The comedy has stood the test of time. It also had a more sarcastic and less political vibe about it - compared with stuff like Good Times and The Jeffersons. So it connected to a wider audience. It still reminds me of my own family dynamics back then. We had a big family and it reminds me of the fun we had as kids.

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: Howard on 02/25/16 at 3:25 pm


And he was on I Spy and did quite a few movies.


You didn't mention Picture Pages? ???

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: whistledog on 02/25/16 at 3:37 pm

Episodes like the one where Theo gets an earring, or when Cliff pretends to be an apartment landlord named Harley Weewax to teach Theo about the real world.  I still watch those and laugh myself sick!

You can't love the 80s and not love The Cosby Show.

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: 80sfan on 02/25/16 at 9:05 pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dggt7PuoG00

;D  ;D

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: snozberries on 02/26/16 at 4:50 am


Episodes like the one where Theo gets an earring, or when Cliff pretends to be an apartment landlord named Harley Weewax to teach Theo about the real world.  I still watch those and laugh myself sick!

You can't love the 80s and not love The Cosby Show.



Cliff why did we have 4 kids??? Because you did not want 5 dear.... enter Sondra a few eps later.  ;D


"I brought you in this world and I can take you out!"

Come here... come here... here.. here...


Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: snozberries on 02/26/16 at 4:55 am

This ep... the scene around 2:50 where Claire demands a refund from Sondra.  ;D


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTnTWyvr5v4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTnTWyvr5v4

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: TheEarly90sFan on 02/26/16 at 7:36 am

The Cosby Show was on at the right time on the right night. It was the original Must See TV show on NBC. The Cosby Show was responsible for the large family TV series trend of the '90s, wasn't it? After Cosby, shows like Full House, Family Matters, and Step by Step were on the air every Friday night. Come to think of it, there were far better lineups in the '80s and early '90s than there are now. I miss those days. Life was simple.  :)

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: Howard on 02/26/16 at 7:58 am


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dggt7PuoG00

;D  ;D


That's funny.  ;D

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: Howard on 02/26/16 at 7:59 am

What's everyone favorite year of The Cosby Show theme?

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: TheEarly90sFan on 02/26/16 at 9:20 am


What's everyone favorite year of The Cosby Show theme?


1985

ioa0-cZAO6M

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: Philip Eno on 02/26/16 at 9:32 am

I saw a couple of episodes of "Cosby", which was loosely based on the British sitcom One Foot in the Grave. For me I was not impressed.

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: snozberries on 02/26/16 at 10:37 am


I saw a couple of episodes of "Cosby", which was loosely based on the British sitcom One Foot in the Grave. For me I was not impressed.


That one where he was a cab or limo driver and also married to phylicia rashad? Yeah that show sucked.

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: TheEarly90sFan on 02/26/16 at 11:47 am


I saw a couple of episodes of "Cosby", which was loosely based on the British sitcom One Foot in the Grave. For me I was not impressed.


Cosby thought he was going to achieve the success he last had in 1990, but his halcyon days were behind him by that point.

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: Howard on 02/26/16 at 2:35 pm


1985

ioa0-cZAO6M


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_1A-3YO9y8
Season 1 was my favorite.  :)

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: TheEarly90sFan on 02/26/16 at 3:57 pm


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_1A-3YO9y8
Season 1 was my favorite.  :)


That one was the most '80s out of all of them.

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: 80sfan on 02/27/16 at 1:13 am


The Cosby Show was on at the right time on the right night. It was the original Must See TV show on NBC. The Cosby Show was responsible for the large family TV series trend of the '90s, wasn't it? After Cosby, shows like Full House, Family Matters, and Step by Step were on the air every Friday night. Come to think of it, there were far better lineups in the '80s and early '90s than there are now. I miss those days. Life was simple.  :)


Yeah, I notice it was a trailblazer!

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: Howard on 02/27/16 at 7:20 am


That one was the most '80s out of all of them.



It had that 80's sound.

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: Howard on 02/27/16 at 7:26 am


1985

ioa0-cZAO6M


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWrjEG5nezY
I also like Season 5 too.

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: JordanK1982 on 02/27/16 at 2:03 pm

Maybe it was something in the pudding?

http://nineriverswellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Cosby-making-a-funny-face.jpg

The Cosby Show was hilarious! I loved sitting around my living room watching it with my brother and sister when we were growing up. It's just good ol' 80's sitcom humor!

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: TheEarly90sFan on 02/27/16 at 3:51 pm


Maybe it was something in the pudding?

http://nineriverswellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Cosby-making-a-funny-face.jpg

The Cosby Show was hilarious! I loved sitting around my living room watching it with my brother and sister when we were growing up. It's just good ol' 80's sitcom humor!


It didn't hurt that all of the characters wore the latest styles on the show, either.  I thought that was pretty cool, back then.

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: Howard on 02/27/16 at 5:52 pm


Maybe it was something in the pudding?

http://nineriverswellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Cosby-making-a-funny-face.jpg

The Cosby Show was hilarious! I loved sitting around my living room watching it with my brother and sister when we were growing up. It's just good ol' 80's sitcom humor!


I loved watching Cosby Show and seeing him making those stupid faces. ;D

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: JordanK1982 on 02/27/16 at 10:15 pm


I loved watching Cosby Show and seeing him making those stupid faces. ;D


Haha, me too. He made them almost every episode.

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: Howard on 02/28/16 at 2:29 pm


Haha, me too. He made them almost every episode.


Here's another one:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/a0/32/a4/a032a4d1b35de511c24f3c7bfa069189.jpg
;D

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: JordanK1982 on 02/28/16 at 2:32 pm


Here's another one:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/a0/32/a4/a032a4d1b35de511c24f3c7bfa069189.jpg
;D


This one's out of this world!!!

http://i.imgur.com/LMVqwCo.png

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: Baltimoreian on 02/28/16 at 2:37 pm

Is that his signature act? Doing weird-ass faces in the episode? I simply did not watch one episode, and I'm just wondering why.

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: JordanK1982 on 02/28/16 at 2:42 pm


Is that his signature act? Doing weird-ass faces in the episode? I simply did not watch one episode, and I'm just wondering why.


It's wasn't necessarily his signature act but he sure did it a lot.

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: Howard on 02/28/16 at 4:10 pm


This one's out of this world!!!

http://i.imgur.com/LMVqwCo.png


;D

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: Howard on 02/28/16 at 4:11 pm


It's wasn't necessarily his signature act but he sure did it a lot.


He just acted weird in the episodes.

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: JordanK1982 on 02/28/16 at 4:23 pm


He just acted weird in the episodes.


He sure was a strange one.

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: whistledog on 02/29/16 at 5:40 pm

One of my favourite bits early on in the show:  Whenever Rudy got into some kind of trouble, her little friend Peter would silently run out of their house.

Or when Kenny (aka 'buuuuud') joined the recurring cast and was always talking about what his sexist brother said.  Or how Kenny was always jealous of Stanley (played by the late Merlin Santana).

There was one episode that took place at a youth center, and one of the instructors was played by Tony Orlando.  All these years, I had no idea that was Tony Orlando until just a few years ago.

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: robby76 on 02/29/16 at 11:33 pm


One of my favourite bits early on in the show:  Whenever Rudy got into some kind of trouble, her little friend Peter would silently run out of their house.


The kitchen blender (season 2) and snake in the house (season 3) episodes spring to mind!  ;D

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: snozberries on 03/01/16 at 5:23 am

Apparently Peter Costa is a percussionist in three bands now  http://www.theroot.com/photos/2012/04/the_cosby_show_anniversary_where_are_they_now.html


while doing research I came across some footage from the slumber party ep.... season one... and (that moment where cos references peter being the only boy among 7 girls and he won't trust them alone with them sure has a different slant to it now)  :/ 



anyway... I was shocked to learn that Alicia Keys was one of the kids at the party.. I had no idea!!!


http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/12/18/article-0-07A49223000005DC-716_468x440.jpg

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: Howard on 03/01/16 at 2:40 pm


Apparently Peter Costa is a percussionist in three bands now  http://www.theroot.com/photos/2012/04/the_cosby_show_anniversary_where_are_they_now.html


while doing research I came across some footage from the slumber party ep.... season one... and (that moment where cos references peter being the only boy among 7 girls and he won't trust them alone with them sure has a different slant to it now)  :/ 



anyway... I was shocked to learn that Alicia Keys was one of the kids at the party.. I had no idea!!!


http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/12/18/article-0-07A49223000005DC-716_468x440.jpg


Wow, that was her?  :o

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: Howard on 03/01/16 at 2:41 pm

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hIm6xmOyO6Q/hqdefault.jpg

remember when Stevie Wonder was on the show?

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: snozberries on 03/01/16 at 4:08 pm


Wow, that was her?  :o



Yeah. Apparently. According to several sources on the Internet

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: whistledog on 03/01/16 at 5:25 pm



Yeah. Apparently. According to several sources on the Internet


Yes.  I learned that a few years ago and I was quite surprised.  Seems a lot of now famous singers had guest spots on TV shows.  Whitney Houston was on a 1983 episode of Gimme A Break! and Alanis Morissette was on You Can't Do That on Television in 1986

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: snozberries on 03/01/16 at 8:37 pm


Yes.  I learned that a few years ago and I was quite surprised.  Seems a lot of now famous singers had guest spots on TV shows.  Whitney Houston was on a 1983 episode of Gimme A Break! and Alanis Morissette was on You Can't Do That on Television in 1986


Stacy Q on Facts of Life
Susie Quarto on Happy Days
Tom Sullivan on Fame
Jlo In Living Color
Tevin Campbell on Fresh Prince
That dude from Immature on Sister Sister Marques Houston
Tupac, Kriss Kross & En Vogue on A different World

The list is much longer but I have a life to get back to  ;D

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: 80sfan on 03/01/16 at 9:06 pm

No one's allowed to buy my pudding pops!!  >:(  >:(  >:(  >:(  >:(

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: annimal on 03/01/16 at 9:56 pm

Know what? I never watched The Cosby Show

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: 80sfan on 03/01/16 at 10:00 pm


Know what? I never watched The Cosby Show


I doubt everyone did.

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: Philip Eno on 03/02/16 at 5:10 am


Know what? I never watched The Cosby Show
I have never seen it too.

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: TheEarly90sFan on 03/02/16 at 8:46 am


https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hIm6xmOyO6Q/hqdefault.jpg

remember when Stevie Wonder was on the show?


"A Touch of Wonder" from 1986 was a very '80s episode. Can you think of any memorable lines from that episode? 

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: Howard on 03/02/16 at 2:45 pm


Stacy Q on Facts of Life
Susie Quarto on Happy Days
Tom Sullivan on Fame
Jlo In Living Color
Tevin Campbell on Fresh Prince
That dude from Immature on Sister Sister Marques Houston
Tupac, Kriss Kross & En Vogue on A different World

The list is much longer but I have a life to get back to  ;D


Stevie Wonder on Cosby Show

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: Howard on 03/02/16 at 2:46 pm


"A Touch of Wonder" from 1986 was a very '80s episode. Can you think of any memorable lines from that episode?


not at the top of my head.

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: TheEarly90sFan on 03/02/16 at 5:13 pm


not at the top of my head.


Remember Theo saying, "Jammin' on the one"?  ;D

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: whistledog on 03/02/16 at 5:41 pm


Stacy Q on Facts of Life
Susie Quarto on Happy Days
Tom Sullivan on Fame
Jlo In Living Color
Tevin Campbell on Fresh Prince
That dude from Immature on Sister Sister Marques Houston
Tupac, Kriss Kross & En Vogue on A different World

The list is much longer but I have a life to get back to  ;D


Some of those were already known singers playing themselves.  Going that route, the 90s R&B group Portrait were on an ep of Family Matters.  One of the members was Waldo's cousin lol

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: snozberries on 03/03/16 at 6:59 am


Some of those were already known singers playing themselves.  Going that route, the 90s R&B group Portrait were on an ep of Family Matters.  One of the members was Waldo's cousin lol



Stacy Q on Facts of Life  played Cinnamon
Susie Quarto on Happy Days    played Leather Tuscadero
Tom Sullivan on Fame... played a teacher named Jim
Jlo In Living Color.... was herself but she wasn't known yet...
Tevin Campbell on Fresh Prince....  played Little T
That dude from Immature on Sister Sister Marques Houston.... played Roger
Tupac, Kriss Kross & En Vogue on A different World 
Tupac was Piccolo
Kris Kross played Michael & Billy - rival gang members who came together to perform
En Vogue played Faith, Hope, Charity and Henrietta  relatives of Mr Gaines who sang at church and performed an En Vogue in Ron's club.



because they were truly famous I avoided mentioning

Stevie Wonder on Cosby
Jermaine Jackson on Facts
El Debarge on Facts
Davy jones on Brady Bunch
Lena Horne on Cosby and a Different World
Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle on a Different World
Sammy Davis on Charlie's Angels


As well as Janet on Fame or Dif'rent Strokes.

and many others i can't think of

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: Howard on 03/03/16 at 2:46 pm



Stacy Q on Facts of Life  played Cinnamon
Susie Quarto on Happy Days    played Leather Tuscadero
Tom Sullivan on Fame... played a teacher named Jim
Jlo In Living Color.... was herself but she wasn't known yet...
Tevin Campbell on Fresh Prince....  played Little T
That dude from Immature on Sister Sister Marques Houston.... played Roger
Tupac, Kriss Kross & En Vogue on A different World 
Tupac was Piccolo
Kris Kross played Michael & Billy - rival gang members who came together to perform
En Vogue played Faith, Hope, Charity and Henrietta  relatives of Mr Gaines who sang at church and performed an En Vogue in Ron's club.



because they were truly famous I avoided mentioning

Stevie Wonder on Cosby
Jermaine Jackson on Facts
El Debarge on Facts
Davy jones on Brady Bunch
Lena Horne on Cosby and a Different World
Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle on a Different World
Sammy Davis on Charlie's Angels


As well as Janet on Fame or Dif'rent Strokes.

and many others i can't think of


Was Michael Jackson ever on a show? ???

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: snozberries on 03/03/16 at 6:01 pm


Was Michael Jackson ever on a show? ???


As an actor? Outside of a variety show? I don't think so.

Unless you count the Simpsons.

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: robby76 on 03/03/16 at 8:28 pm

La Toya Jackson was on the Fall Guy as herself. There was a YouTube video but it's been taken off.

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: Howard on 03/04/16 at 7:09 am


As an actor? Outside of a variety show? I don't think so.

Unless you count the Simpsons.


I think it was on one episode where this guy who sounded just like Michael sang "Happy Birthday" to Bart.

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: TheEarly90sFan on 03/10/16 at 11:15 am


I think it was on one episode where this guy who sounded just like Michael sang "Happy Birthday" to Bart.


That was Michael. He was credited as John Jay Smith in that episode, "Stark Raving Dad" (s03e01).

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: Howard on 03/10/16 at 4:02 pm


That was Michael. He was credited as John Jay Smith in that episode, "Stark Raving Dad" (s03e01).


Is John Jay Smith an actor or a voice over??

Subject: Re: Why did everybody love The Cosby Show?

Written By: TheEarly90sFan on 03/10/16 at 5:31 pm


Is John Jay Smith an actor or a voice over??


It was a pseudonym.

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