The Cosby Show - the Epitome of '80s Television

The Cosby Show. A show that many children and young adults of the 80s and 90s hold close to their hearts. I'm one of them. What is it about this show that made it so special? The answer is simple. It has the humor, the 80s culture, the excellent writing and some of the most well developed characters ever seen in a sitcom.

What is their not to love about this show? Starting in 1984 and running until 1992, The Cosby Show is one of the most recognized sitcoms of all time. If Andy Griffith defined 60s sitcoms, the Brady Bunch defined 70s sitcoms then The Cosby Show most definitely captured the 80s. All three of these shows captured something that not many sitcoms have ever captured, the feeling of the cast actually being a real family. Watching the Cosby Show is like watching a reality show, except much better.

Staring Bill Cosby, playing Heathcliff, the father of the Huxtable household you watch as he and his wife, Claire raise their children throughout the years. Their children being, Theo, Denise, Rudy, Sondra and Vanessa. This show brought something special to many viewers, characters that you can relate to. Whether you were a rather poor performing student like Theo. A curious child such as Rudy. A typical teenage girl such as Vanessa, a college student like Sondra, or a fashion lover such as Denise, you always could relate to one of the children in the household.

The family played an upper-middle class family. Heathcliff (Bill) played a doctor who worked in the delivery room. Clair (Phylicia) played a lawyer. However what is interesting is that while money wise they were all set and fairly wealthy the family lived like a typical middle class family during this time period. That's what made it so special. This is the family that everyone could relate to, rich or poor.

Many topics are covered throughout the seasons this show was on the air. Marriage, Moving out (a long running joke on the series because no matter what whoever moved out, came back), having children, dealing with relationships and even less serious matters such as staying up late, hosting a surprise party and going to a concert. Anything that could be thought of was covered in this show.

Another awesome thing this show had going for it was the support of some of the biggest stars of all time. One episode revolved around a Michael Jackson concert, another involved the family singing with Stevie Wonder. Even BB King appeared. Stars were also born on this show, most notably Adam Sandler, who had his on-screen debut with this show. Many high profile stars were mentioned or seen throughout the seasons.

The thing that really brought everything together though was watching the family grow up. Little Rudy evolved from the innocent 8 year old to the High School girl that every boy wanted. Sondra went from College to getting married and having children that grew up as the seasons went on as well. One of which is Disney Superstar Raven Symone. Theo went from struggling in middle school to graduating high school. Watching the characters evolve as the seasons went on made many get attached to what the show had to offer.

As over two decades have passed since the debut of this wonderful show and 15 years have passed since its Finale this show still holds up today. Providing many with laughs, tears and most of all smiles. Many will tell you that The Cosby Show was something special to them in the 80s and 90s and forever will be. It is special to me, special to my family and special to many more. Its impact on society will always be remembered.