The Cosby Show - TV-G
TV Rating: TV-G
Network: Nickelodeon, Syndicated, TBS Cast: Bill Cosby, Phylicia Rashad, Sabrina Le Beauf
Genre: Comedy
Available on: 
DVDDownload
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this show centers on an African-American family whose parents are educated professionals. Their parenting methods are gentle and trusting, and the kids respond with respect and a clear realization of what's expected of them. Nearly all of the comedy in the show relates to the family and childrearing. Very little of the subject matter will concern parents, which makes it an excellent choice for families.
Families can talk about the family 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 life?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Emily Ashby
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 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'.
The show steers clear of any topics that might raise eyebrows, focusing mainly on the daily childrearing issues of a large family. Much of the subject matter, including Theo's battles to overcome dyslexia, is based on Cosby's own experiences as a father. 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. 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.
Fans of this classic sitcom (one of the all-time greats) might also enjoy The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and The Bernie Mac Show. Can't get enough of Bill Cosby? Check out his follow-up show, Cosby (also co-starring Rashad), Little Bill, and Kids Say the Darndest Things.
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Sexual ContentKissing between teenagers and their significant others, but nothing more. |
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Social BehaviorThe show is the epitome of racial diversity, as the family is African-American and their friends are white, Asian, and Jewish. The Huxtables are exemplary role models in family life and the professional world. |
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