The Cosby Show
By Emily Ashby,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Classic family sitcom offers fun with its lessons.
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The Cosby Show
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Based on 15 parent reviews
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What's the Story?
The Huxtables live in Brooklyn, New York, and face challenges typical of most American families. Cliff (Bill Cosby), an obstetrician/gynecologist, and Clair (Phylicia Rashad), a lawyer, are the parents everyone longs for -- patient, understanding, and never lacking the humor essential in raising five kids. They rarely argue with each other or their kids, relying instead on communication to work through issues. The Huxtable kids -- Denise (Lisa Bonet), Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner), Vanessa (Tempestt Bledsoe), Rudy (Keshia Knight Pulliam), and rarely seen eldest daughter Sondra (Sabrina Le Beauf) -- have unique personalities, but their relationships are rarely marred by typical sibling bickering. Each is a high achiever (although their areas of interest vary widely) whose thoughtful behavior and emphasis on education are reflections of their parents'.
Is It Any Good?
When it premiered in 1984, THE COSBY SHOW broke down racial barriers in TV by portraying an African-American family comfortably assimilated in upper-middle-class white America. Now showing in syndication (and on DVD), it continues to educate and entertain its audience. The show steers clear of any topics that might raise eyebrows, focusing mainly on the daily childrearing issues of a large family. With so many teens and preteens in Huxtable house, many of the issues they face relate to boy/girl relations, and it's refreshing to see a household in which kids willingly bring their worries and frustrations to their parents' attention.
Much of the subject matter, including Theo's battles to overcome dyslexia, is based on Cosby's own experiences as a father, and lessons reiterate the themes of self-respect and appreciation of others and emphasize healthy romantic relationships. The Cosby Show also offers the audience subtly placed tidbits of African-American history, music appreciation, and environmental awareness. Cliff's parents reminisce about marching with Martin Luther King, Jr., and Cliff and Clair often share their love of jazz and the blues with their kids.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the dynamics within the Huxtable home. How do the family members relate to each other? How realistic does their life seem? What types of challenges do they face that seem like your own? Are there any that you can't relate to?
Families can also discuss the emphasis the Huxtables put on education. How can education change and improve a person's life?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 20, 1984
- Cast: Bill Cosby , Phylicia Rashad , Sabrina Le Beauf
- Networks: Nickelodeon , Syndicated , TBS
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters , Great Boy Role Models , Great Girl Role Models
- TV rating: TV-G
- Award: Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated: July 8, 2024
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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
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