13 Ways The Cosby Show is Even Better Now Than It Was Back Then

[WhenTheGoingGetsTtuff]

1. COSBY: HIMSELF

"No matter how great a joke is, time has a way of making it stale." - Me, just now.

Thus, it goes without saying, if you want a joke to stand the test of time, use your face, not your mouth. OK, so now sit back and audit this Bill Cosby masterclass. Not one of these jokes feels even one-second outdated. Bill Cosby is, as they say in England, "Fucking Brilliant."

2. JAMMIN' ON THE ONE

If each of these reasons were "ranked" and not just listed, the Huxtable family visiting Stevie Wonder in the studio would have been first, no question. Why? Easy. This is the single greatest moment in the history of television.

In fact, unlike most of this list, it is neither better, nor worse now than it was when it first aired back in the 1980s. Rather, it has merely always been the greatest thing. Many television moments have since tried to eclipse it, but they have all failed. I thought for a second there was a moment on this year's Breaking Bad that was better, but then I remembered NOPE.

Here it is. Enjoy, you lucky bastard.



3. THAT HUXTABLE SWAG

What? You don't have a sweatshirt with your own face on it?

Hell, even Adam Sandler dresses up for Cosby.

4. MUSICAL MOMENTS

We've already mentioned Stevie Wonder, but let's try a few more names on for size:

Dizzy Gillespie
Lena Horne
B.B. King
Tito Puente
I gotta mention Stevie Wonder again (IT'S SO GOOD)
Yeah, we're not talking *NSYNC guest starring on an episode of Sabrina, The Teenage Witch here guys. This stuff is all LEGIT COOL.

In this outstanding clip, guitar legend Riley Jackson (B.B. King) and Kenny, aka Bud, sing the blues. Is there another word for LEGIT COOL?



5. YOU LIKE YOUR TV IN GIF FORM NOW, RIGHT?

6. CLIFF & CLAIR GENUINELY LOVED EACH OTHER. GROSS I KNOW, BUT TV COULD PROBABLY USE MORE OF THAT.

Sometimes, The Cosby Show would devote the last five or six minutes of an episode to Cliff and Clair just hanging out together. They'd put the kids to bed and put on a jazz record and just dance. For like, AN ENTIRE SONG. They wouldn't talk. They'd just dance. Or rub each other's feet. Or talk, because, OK, sometimes they talked. Point is, it's really awesome that a family sitcom would be able to take a breather away from the cute, adorable kids for a second and let mom and dad enjoy themselves. SO COOL!

7. CHALLENGE!

With the Step Up movie franchise on it's 5th or 7th or 42nd installment and So You Think You're a Star Who Can Join a Dance Crew dominating TV, it's obvious dance is bigger now then it's ever been. And while I'm not a dance scholar, I do know that the entire medium of dance was created for this classic episode of The Cosby Show. So thank you for that Dr. Cosby.



1 of the greatest moments in all of Cosbydom is when he threw the sand out on the floor... for not a bit of a good damn reason... Hell i still yell out to people sometimes.. CHAALLLAANGE!!

8. FOOD PORN

These days everyone's a foodie, but back in 1984, people had barely even heard of sliced bread. Well, probably. Nevertheless, food was practically a sixth child in the Huxtable house.

9. DENISE HUXTABLE IS YOUR TUMBLR CRUSH

Denise was the wild card, both onscreen and off. She was wild. Sexy. Artistic. A free spirit. But mostly, she was just fierce. Girls wanted to be her. Boys wanted to be with her. Boys also probably wanted to be her. And like a fine wine, whoops, sorry forgot what I was gonna say. I drank all the wine.

10. SONDRA & ELVIN'S KIDS

Sondra's adorable twins were named Nelson and Winnie, after, of course, Nelson and Winnie Mandela. Also, of course, I didn't know who they were back then, because either I couldn't read or hated politics or something, but now thanks to this new movie coming out this month, everything finally clicked. It's like a joke that made you wait 30 years for the punchline.

11. THE FAMILY BAND

In case you somehow had the misguided notion that the Huxtable family left the musical performances only to the professionals, now's the time for me to tell you just how wrong you have been. Here's four of the family's best musical moments, which have been scientifically* proven to be even greater than they were when they first aired.

*Science=YouTube Comments

Night Time is the Right Time


I got the feelin


Shakespere Rap

Lipsticks


Claire Huxtable is NEVER here for yo bullshit... NEVA!
Claire could REEEEAD YOU!!!

12. JAMMIN' ON THE ONE AGAIN!

13. THE THEME SONG

Every single thing about The Cosby Show has gotten better with time. That, of course, includes the theme song.


Got it as my ringtone for my Poppop

http://www.funnyordie.com/articles/4ec4b8456d/an-unnecessary-tribute-to-the-cosby-show

 

[Upgrade Dave]

Nostalgia is great sometimes.
Those first 4-5 yrs of "The Cosby Show" were about as perfect of a family sitcom as you could get.

 

[Uncontainable_Spirit]

Excellent thread. Thank you for sharing.

 

[Philli]

Great Post... The Cosby Show is the G.O.A.T. for family sitcoms and black TV shows period.

 

[nawlinsn931]

really its cause nothing else compared then or now hell good times should be shown as well

 

[Maxxam]

Greatest sitcom of all time IMO

Saturday nights my wife, 2 oldest kids and I watch an episode or two.

I grew up watching this on Thursday nights with my family

But that's a school night, no TV in my house

 

[boss429]

Never a good show... mediocre, yes, but never good!

 

[WhenTheGoingGetsTtuff]

Never a good show... mediocre, yes, but never good!

This nigga...

 

[LoneStar29]

Greatest show EVER!!!

classic

 

[largebillsonlyplease]

Never a good show... mediocre, yes, but never good!

its a classic show.

will remain classic

 

[sharkbait28]

People are so funny man.... folks are one-starring this post out of sheer spite. Like this internet shit is that serious.

Dope thread.

Never a good show... mediocre, yes, but never good!

 

[i 1 2 4 Q]

Funny, I watched the pilot episode 4:30am this morning and 3 more after. shytz still relevant.

 

[blaqueman]

Never a good show... mediocre, yes, but never good!

You're entitled to your opinion Undercover Cracka,however, what other BlACK SITCOM, had :-

a) A Black family all together all being shown in a positive light?
b) A show that spans over 3 decades that has very good positive values for all races who view it?

Furthermore what is your contribution to this generation?

 

[grownazzblakman]

Never a good show... mediocre, yes, but never good!

Yeah Right...

Because only MEDIOCRE tv shows are ranked #1 in the Nielsen Ratings for 5 consecutive seasons from 1985-1990 and win 3 Golden Globe Awards and 6 Emmy's.

Yeah, I could see how you would think that.

 

[Better]

My only issue with the Cosby Show was it was yet ANOTHER TV show where it seems the only way a woman can be perceived as strong is if her husband is weak(er).

If Cliff stood up to Claire, many would've considered him a pig-headed chauvinist.

Since then, the strong/intelligent-wife, submissive-husband trope has been a staple on TV sitcoms. It's funny...

...and it's kind of sad that women don't see that they're being insulted, because I know for a fact women love these portrayals.


Other than that, the show was brilliant. I loved Elvin's character.

 

[4 Dimensional]

Love the Cosbys, BUT I'm more of a Good Times fan than the Cosbys.

I can relate more with the Evans family.

 

[Better]

I'm a huge Good Times fan...

...but a year ago, I took a little stay-at-home vacation, and I went H.A.M watching my 'Good Times' DVD's, and after about three days, I said, 'Fuck this shit! This shit is too depressing!'

I couldn't deal with the 'we finally got an opportunity!; nope, looks like we don't" shit they pulled all the damn time.

With that being said, I still loved the show, probably up until James left.

Tho', I must say, Sweet Daddy Williams shimmying back into his suit jacket is about the smoothest shit I've ever seen on TV.

Love the Cosbys, BUT I'm more of a Good Times fan than the Cosbys.

I can relate more with the Evans family.

 

[WhenTheGoingGetsTtuff]

My only issue with the Cosby Show was it was yet ANOTHER TV show where it seems the only way a woman can be perceived as strong is if her husband is weak(er).

If Cliff stood up to Claire, many would've considered him a pig-headed chauvinist.

Since then, the strong/intelligent-wife, submissive-husband trope has been a staple on TV sitcoms. It's funny...

...and it's kind of sad that women don't see that they're being insulted, because I know for a fact women love these portrayals.


Other than that, the show was brilliant. I loved Elvin's character.

You're trolling. Or just plain retarded. There was nothing weak about Cliff.

 

[4 Dimensional]

I'm a huge Good Times fan...

...but a year ago, I took a little stay-at-home vacation, and I went H.A.M watching my 'Good Times' DVD's, and after about three days, I said, 'Fuck this shit! This shit is too depressing!'

I couldn't deal with the 'we finally got an opportunity!; nope, looks like we don't" shit they pulled all the damn time.

With that being said, I still loved the show, probably up until James left.

Tho', I must say, Sweet Daddy Williams shimmying back into his suit jacket is about the smoothest shit I've ever seen on TV.

Lol, and that was the difference between James Evans working every menial job in the ghetto vs. Bill and Claire having very well paid jobs!

That is why like the discussion between the two shows. Two very different perspectives, but same family values in strength. My pops was like James Evans. SHELL!

Both shows taught good lessons, but I related to the struggle and realness that the Cosby show didn't really have to deal with. Theo wasn't in the Satin Knights or Warlords

JJ getting shot

But you're right, after James dies the show began to go down hill.

 

[Blu Diablo]

To understand why the sand was tossed on the floor you should look at this:



and look up Sandman Sims. Start here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/30/arts/sandman-sims-86-tap-dancer-and-fixture-at-the-apollo.html


CHAALLLUUUNGE!!
!!!!

P.S. Thank you for this thread!

 

[Better]

I could watch Good Times, and Sanford & Son because I could relate...

...but I've always been more of an idealist. Shows like Fresh Prince.. and The Cosby Show appealed more to me, because it reflected a more ideal life.

Homie, I'm allergic to struggle. I can deal with it if I'm working towards something far removed from it, but never-ending struggle like the Evans dealt with?

I applaud people who can deal with that...

...'cause I'm built like white folks when it come to that shit: I'd rather be dead.

Lol, and that was the difference between James Evans working every menial job in the ghetto vs. Bill and Claire having very well paid jobs!

That is why like the discussion between the two shows. Two very different perspectives, but same family values in strength. My pops was like James Evans. SHELL!

Both shows taught good lessons, but I related to the struggle and realness that the Cosby show didn't really have to deal with. Theo wasn't in the Satin Knights or Warlords

JJ getting shot

But you're right, after James dies the show began to go down hill.

 

[WhenTheGoingGetsTtuff]

To understand why the sand was tossed on the floor you should look at this:



and look up Sandman Sims. Start here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/30/arts/sandman-sims-86-tap-dancer-and-fixture-at-the-apollo.html


CHAALLLUUUNGE!!
!!!!

P.S. Thank you for this thread!

Cool. It was just so damn funny to me when he did that. That was like a highlight of LIFE for me! I remember thinking what in the whole entire hell is he doing!!!

 

[freshnclean]

Threads like these always reveal the cacs..

 

[Blu Diablo]

With that being said, I still loved the show, probably up until James left.

But you're right, after James dies the show began to go down hill.

"Good Times was intended to be a vehicle for Esther Rolle and John Amos. Both expected the show to deal with serious topics in a comedic way, while also providing positive characters for viewers. However, the character of J.J. was an immediate hit with audiences and became the breakout character of the series. J.J.'s frequent use of the word "Dy-no-mite!" (he also referred to himself as "Kid Dy-no-mite!") became a popular catchphrase. As a result of the character's popularity, writers focused more on J.J.'s comedic antics instead of serious issues. As the series progressed through seasons two and three, Rolle and Amos grew increasingly disillusioned with the direction the show was taking, especially with J.J.'s antics and stereotypically buffoonish behavior in the storylines.[5] Although she had no ill-will against Jimmie Walker himself, Rolle was rather vocal about her dislike of Walker's character. In a 1975 interview with Ebony magazine she stated:

He's 18 and he doesn't work. He can't read or write. He doesn't think. The show didn't start out to be that...Little by little—with the help of the artist, I suppose, because they couldn't do that to me—they have made J.J. more stupid and enlarged the role. Negative images have been slipped in on us through the character of the oldest child.[2]

Although doing so less publicly, Amos also was outspoken about his dissatisfaction with the J.J. character. Amos stated:

The writers would prefer to put a chicken hat on J.J. and have him prance around saying "DY-NO-MITE", and that way they could waste a few minutes and not have to write meaningful dialogue.[6][7]

While John Amos was less public with his dissatisfaction, he was ultimately fired after season three because of his behind the scenes fights with Norman Lear. Amos' departure was initially attributed to his desire to focus on a film career, but Amos admitted in a 1976 interview that Norman Lear called him and told him that his contract option with the show was not being picked up. Amos stated, "That's the same thing as being fired."[8] The producers decided not to recast the character of James Evans, instead opting to kill off the character in the two-part season four episode "The Big Move""

The show was killed from within because the writers wanted to coon J.J. up and kill off the strong black pops.

 

[Maxxam]

To understand why the sand was tossed on the floor you should look at this:



and look up Sandman Sims. Start here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/30/arts/sandman-sims-86-tap-dancer-and-fixture-at-the-apollo.html


CHAALLLUUUNGE!!
!!!!

P.S. Thank you for this thread!

 

[4 Dimensional]

"Good Times was intended to be a vehicle for Esther Rolle and John Amos. Both expected the show to deal with serious topics in a comedic way, while also providing positive characters for viewers. However, the character of J.J. was an immediate hit with audiences and became the breakout character of the series. J.J.'s frequent use of the word "Dy-no-mite!" (he also referred to himself as "Kid Dy-no-mite!") became a popular catchphrase. As a result of the character's popularity, writers focused more on J.J.'s comedic antics instead of serious issues. As the series progressed through seasons two and three, Rolle and Amos grew increasingly disillusioned with the direction the show was taking, especially with J.J.'s antics and stereotypically buffoonish behavior in the storylines.[5] Although she had no ill-will against Jimmie Walker himself, Rolle was rather vocal about her dislike of Walker's character. In a 1975 interview with Ebony magazine she stated:

He's 18 and he doesn't work. He can't read or write. He doesn't think. The show didn't start out to be that...Little by little—with the help of the artist, I suppose, because they couldn't do that to me—they have made J.J. more stupid and enlarged the role. Negative images have been slipped in on us through the character of the oldest child.[2]

Although doing so less publicly, Amos also was outspoken about his dissatisfaction with the J.J. character. Amos stated:

The writers would prefer to put a chicken hat on J.J. and have him prance around saying "DY-NO-MITE", and that way they could waste a few minutes and not have to write meaningful dialogue.[6][7]

While John Amos was less public with his dissatisfaction, he was ultimately fired after season three because of his behind the scenes fights with Norman Lear. Amos' departure was initially attributed to his desire to focus on a film career, but Amos admitted in a 1976 interview that Norman Lear called him and told him that his contract option with the show was not being picked up. Amos stated, "That's the same thing as being fired."[8] The producers decided not to recast the character of James Evans, instead opting to kill off the character in the two-part season four episode "The Big Move""

The show was killed from within because the writers wanted to coon J.J. up and kill off the strong black pops.

Yeah man, that was increasingly obvious too. At least the Cosbys was able to keep it solid from start to finish. JJ's character was way over the top at times and it got worse near the end. JJ was very dumb when it came to school as well. Pitiful. They had a good thing going with Good Times.


Side bar: Sorry WTGGT, I didn't mean to derail your thread at all with Good Times talk. I can't help but to compare the two when either comes up in discussion.

 

[rNubb]

Never a good show... mediocre, yes, but never good!

 

[Onpoint]

GOAT of all sitcoms! Still able to relate to it today!

 

[WhenTheGoingGetsTtuff]

Yeah man, that was increasingly obvious too. At least the Cosbys was able to keep it solid from start to finish. JJ's character was way over the top at times and it got worse near the end. JJ was very dumb when it came to school as well. Pitiful. They had a good thing going with Good Times.


Side bar: Sorry WTGGT, I didn't mean to derail your thread at all with Good Times talk. I can't help but to compare the two when either comes up in discussion.

No issue with me.

They're 2 totally different entities. As a matter of fact i WILL say without Good Times i don't think there would be a cosby show.

Both good black shows. And both can be spoken of as such.

 

[rNubb]

I could watch Good Times, and Sanford & Son because I could relate...

...but I've always been more of an idealist. Shows like Fresh Prince.. and The Cosby Show appealed more to me, because it reflected a more ideal life.

Homie, I'm allergic to struggle. I can deal with it if I'm working towards something far removed from it, but never-ending struggle like the Evans dealt with?

I applaud people who can deal with that...

I was with you up until this shit below.

...'cause I'm built like white folks when it come to that shit: I'd rather be dead. :lol:

My reality was a cross between these families.

 

[moblack]

What is so great about the Cosby show is it spawned this show.

 

[playahaitian]

great post

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/crBNdOREZE0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

made me smile...

seen every episode numerous times...

one of the greatest sit-coms EVER.

Learned so much I say thing NOW to kids that I heard Cliff say...

I actually take kids in my family to dinner at sit down restaurants till this day and take them shows all because of Cliff taking Rudy and her friends out.

and I remember the backlash from many Black people AGAINST the show.

Claiming it was unrealistic, 2 parents, one doctor one lawyer, their kids went to PUBLIC school, the kids "complexions", none of the daughters really talking about sex (which was not true just not overt) and none getting pregnant (people forget Denise's friend did)

People need to remember ONE THING...

this was one of the few times outside the 50-60's that FAMILIES watched TV together.

I remember that we ALL would watch together on Thursday and talk about it the next day I school.

 

[Better]

Most people won't agree with that POV.

I am, as my username suggests, an extremist.

For me, either I live life to my standards, or I'm not interested.

A lot of people consider it strong to deal with what life brings you. I differ in that I consider it weak to just deal with what life brings your way. I believe the strong create the life they want. If you don't like your life, why accept it as is?

I don't advocate suicide, lol - I'm simply saying that, rather than merely existing on this plane of existence, I'd much rather be dead. I gotta have it my way or else. I am hardwired that way, for better or worse.

In my early twenties - after I realized the NBA was not an option - I struggled to find a purpose. Growing up, I always had a dream. I threw myself into my dreams completely. Baseball, and later basketball. No dream had me like the living dead. I even spent a weekend in an institute of psychiatry, though I 'talked my way out', and I would've only been kept there two weeks tops.


So, uh - yeah...

My reality was a cross between these families.

 

[Mo-Better]

Never a good show... mediocre, yes, but never good!

Probably the dumbest comment on BGOL of all time.

 

[Theo_Huxtable]

I love watching it still, especially since my son enjoy seems it enjoy it too. imo The Cosby Show and Married With Children are two timeless sitcoms, but I basically hate sitcoms now.​