We weren’t intending to give you back to back 30th anniversary episodes, but this podcast’s topic was too good to pass up. Yes, boys and girls, we are talking The Cosby Show in our latest episode.
(and apologies for some audio issues on Big Money’s end.)
Cliff and Clair Huxtable (and, of course, their kids,) entered our world in September 1984 and immediately changed the landscape of situation comedy. Cosby marked the first time an affluent Black American family was portrayed on TV, and because of Cosby’s masterful way of mixing cultural education with everyday family occurrences, the Huxtables ruled the TV roots for five consecutive seasons-still a record for a sitcom (and one that is unlikely to ever be broken.)
In this episode, Big Money, Michael Parr, Dr. Z and Cunningham discuss the following:
-The argument that The Cosby Show didn’t accurately portray Black American culture.
-What was the best of the (many) Cosby Show themes?
-How has no one made a Gordon Gartrelle knock off shirt yet?
-Cliff and Clair’s influence, not only as Black professionals, but also as a couple that was still very much in love with one another.
-The entire panel’s enduring crush on Phylicia Rashad, only trumped by the panel’s enduring crush on Lisa Bonet.
-Why Cliff Huxtable’s dad was The Cosby Show‘s secret weapon.
–Cosby‘s impressive list of satellite characters and guest stars. And we didn’t even get around to discussing Vanessa’s fast-talking friend Kara!
–Cosby‘s later years: Martin Kendall, Olivia, Cousin Pam, and the jumping of the shark.
-Off Cosby: “Angel Heart,” Malcolm-Jamal Warner as jazz bassist, the Tempestt Bledsoe talk show, Guys With Kids, Leonard Part 6, Ghost Dad, and this photo:
-Cosby’s place in the pantheon of legendary sitcoms.
-Our favorite episodes, with a special shout to “eh, mon!”
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