7.4
Where can I stream The Cosby Show legally?
The Cosby Show is included with a subscription to Philo in the United States. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon Video. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Cosby Show fingerprint
Funny, strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Fast Pace4
- Tension2
- Adrenaline1
Heart
Heartwarming and uplifting
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics10
- Wholesome9
- Hopefulness9
Humor
Plenty of situational comedy and sharp wit
- Situational Comedy9
- Wit & Wordplay7
- Satire & Parody4
World
Family and society
Holds up on a rewatch.
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability8
- World Immersion7
Craft
Standout performances, dialogue, and characters
- Acting9
- Dialogue Quality8
- Character Depth8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
- Cinematography5
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
The Cosby Show is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Tension2Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline1High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle1Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence0Physical conflict and intensity.
Heart
MediumHeartwarming and uplifting
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's heartwarming, uplifting, and nostalgic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics10Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome9Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness9Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age6Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos4Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy2Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
HighPlenty of situational comedy and sharp wit
Expect plenty of situational comedy and sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Situational Comedy9Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Physical Comedy3Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Wholesome9Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumFamily and society
Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around family and society. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity1Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Contemporary Realism6Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Pop Culture5References and cultural commentary.
Craft
HighStandout performances, dialogue, and characters
The performances, dialogue, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Complexity4Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue3Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
All style traits
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Cinematography5Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Centrality4The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization2Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality2Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightParty VibeIntergenerationalKidsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchBinge-FriendlyComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want dark or edgy material
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every show. Select a row to see all of them.
Episode ratings
| Season | Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4 | Episode 5 | Episode 6 | Episode 7 | Episode 8 | Episode 9 | Episode 10 | Episode 11 | Episode 12 | Episode 13 | Episode 14 | Episode 15 | Episode 16 | Episode 17 | Episode 18 | Episode 19 | Episode 20 | Episode 21 | Episode 22 | Episode 23 | Episode 24 | Episode 25 | Episode 26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | ||||||||
| Episode 2 | ||||||||
| Episode 3 | ||||||||
| Episode 4 | ||||||||
| Episode 5 | ||||||||
| Episode 6 | ||||||||
| Episode 7 | ||||||||
| Episode 8 | ||||||||
| Episode 9 | ||||||||
| Episode 10 | ||||||||
| Episode 11 | ||||||||
| Episode 12 | ||||||||
| Episode 13 | ||||||||
| Episode 14 | ||||||||
| Episode 15 | ||||||||
| Episode 16 | ||||||||
| Episode 17 | ||||||||
| Episode 18 | ||||||||
| Episode 19 | ||||||||
| Episode 20 | ||||||||
| Episode 21 | ||||||||
| Episode 22 | ||||||||
| Episode 23 | ||||||||
| Episode 24 | ||||||||
| Episode 25 | ||||||||
| Episode 26 |
About
The Cosby Show is an American television situation comedy starring Bill Cosby, which aired for eight seasons on NBC from September 20, 1984 until April 30, 1992. The show focuses on the Huxtable family, an upper middle-class African-American family living in Brooklyn, New York.
Groundbreaking SitcomInterracial Family DynamicsSocially Conscious ComedyHeartwarming & WholesomeClassic 80s NostalgiaCharacter-Driven HumorMentorship and GuidanceSubtle Social CommentaryComfort Viewing Staple
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Titles like The Cosby Show
nearer = more alike
8
You are here: The Cosby Show
Tap a poster to move
You are herePreview
vscompared with The Cosby Show
The Cosby Show1984 · Show
Point at a poster to compare itHold a poster to compare it
This pageTap it to move here
A chip fills to its level. Tap a full one for titles without that trait, a low one for titles with it.
Open a page:Family Ties (1982)My Wife and Kids (2001)Girl Meets World (2014)Growing Pains (1985)Mad About You (1992)Reba (2001)One Day at a Time (2017)Step by Step (1991)The Intern (2015)Modern Family (2009)black-ish (2014)Roseanne (1988)Not Dead Yet (2023)Home Improvement (1991)Outnumbered (2007)The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990)The Golden Girls (1985)Cougar Town (2009)Grounded for Life (2001)My Family (2000)The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970)The Ranch (2016)The Andy Griffith Show (1960)Gullak (2019)Boy Meets World (1993)Parks and Recreation (2009)Frasier (1993)Kim's Convenience (2016)Very Parivarik (2024)Sister, Sister (1994)Arthur (1996)Diff'rent Strokes (1978)Jessie (2011)Doug (1991)The Suite Life of Zack & Cody (2005)The Vicar of Dibley (1994)Clueless (1995)My Idiot Brother (2014)Cheers (1982)Leave It to Beaver (1957)My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)Bob's Burgers (2011)Instant Family (2018)Hostel Daze (2019)Saved by the Bell (1989)George Lopez (2002)TVF Tripling (2016)Spin City (1996)Who's the Boss? (1984)8 Simple Rules (2002)Ramona and Beezus (2010)American Housewife (2016)The European Side (2004)Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)Barbershop 2: Back in Business (2004)Moscow on the Hudson (1984)Barefoot in the Park (1967)Father of the Bride (1950)English Teacher (2024)The Best Man (1999)Barbershop (2002)Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (2008)The Breakfast Club (1985)About a Boy (2002)
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Cosby Show
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Cosby Show worth watching?
74
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 74/100 (IMDb 7.4). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Cosby Show rated?
TV-PG
It's rated TV-PG in the United States.
How many seasons does The Cosby Show have?
8 seasons
It has 8 seasons with 197 episodes of about 24 minutes each.
When did The Cosby Show air?
S1S2S3S4S5S6S7S8
It ran from 1984 to 1992 and has ended.
What language is The Cosby Show in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
What tropes does The Cosby Show use?
Henpecked HusbandBatman GambitBorrowed CatchphraseVitriolic Best BudsRich BitchPalm-Fist TapHeroic BSoDIdiot BallPlayground SongLoophole AbuseOr Was It a Dream?Put on a Busand 178 more
TV Tropes lists 190 storytelling tropes for The Cosby Show, including Henpecked Husband, Batman Gambit, Borrowed Catchphrase.