The Bill Cosby Show

Watch The Bill Cosby Show

  • 1969
  • 2 Seasons
  • 6.2  (948)

The Bill Cosby Show was a popular American sitcom that aired on NBC from 1969 to 1971, starring comedian Bill Cosby. The show was a groundbreaking series for its time, featuring Cosby as a black lead character in a non-stereotypical role. The show was designed to appeal to a predominantly African American audience, and it succeeded with its mix of comedy, drama, and heartwarming moments.

The premise of the show followed the life of Chet Kincaid, a high school physical education teacher who was known for his wit, charm, and ability to connect with his students. Cosby's character was a bachelor who lived alone in the city, but he often took in his young niece and nephew as well as other students who needed a place to stay. He was a strong role model, mentor, and father figure to those he came into contact with.

The show's format was episodic, with each episode presenting a new challenge or situation for Cosby's character to cope with. The plots often revolved around his interactions with his students, his family, and his colleagues at school. Cosby brought his unique brand of humor to the show, often using physical comedy and witty one-liners to keep viewers engaged.

One of the unique features of The Bill Cosby Show was that it tackled serious issues that were relevant to the times. The show dealt with topics like racial prejudice, drug addiction, and the generation gap. Cosby's character was always willing to listen to both sides of an argument and try to find a way to bridge the gap between people who were at odds with each other.

The show had a strong supporting cast, including Joyce Bulifant as Bonnie, the school secretary who had a crush on Kincaid, and Lee Weaver as Mr. Harris, the school's principal who often found himself at odds with Kincaid's unconventional teaching methods. The young actors who played Cosby's students were also a major part of the show's success.

Overall, The Bill Cosby Show was a groundbreaking sitcom that broke new ground for African American representation on television. The show was a ratings hit during its brief run and helped to pave the way for other shows that featured black leads. Cosby's charisma, comedic timing, and natural talent made the show a joy to watch, while his character's positive influence on the young people in his life made it a show with a heart.

However, it is worth noting that the legacy of the show and its star has been severely tarnished in recent years due to the numerous allegations of sexual assault and misconduct against Cosby that have come to light. While it is important to acknowledge the impact that the show had during its time, it is also important to recognize the harm that Cosby has caused and the need to hold perpetrators of sexual violence accountable for their actions.

The Bill Cosby Show
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Seasons
The Saturday Game
26. The Saturday Game
March 21, 1971
A young Jewish boy joins Chet's little league baseball team. Saturday is the day of the big game, and the boy is forced to decide between playing in the game, or sitting out due to his religious beliefs, Saturday being the Jewish sabbath.
The Long Road Back
25. The Long Road Back
March 14, 1971
John Marley guest stars in this episode as a wealthy, eccentric man who wants to relive his childhood. He seeks Chet's help to have his wish come true.
The Green-Eyed Monster
24. The Green-Eyed Monster
March 7, 1971
A male student from the high school seeks Chet's advice regarding love and jealousy. As it turns out, Chet could use a lesson or two himself and does not seem to practice what he preaches.
Power of the Trees
23. Power of the Trees
February 28, 1971
Elsa Lanchester guest stars as an eccentric woman who recruits Chet to help save a tree from being cut down at a construction site.
The Barber Shop
22. The Barber Shop
February 21, 1971
Chet visits the local barber shop for a haircut. While there, he gets involved in a dispute with the barber and another patron over baseball. The three of them end up going to a high rise hotel, where the barber claims he can catch a baseball dropped from a window of the hotel's top floor. Antonio Fargas guest stars as J.J. the barber, Arthur French is hilarious as Cartons. Funniest episode of the series, very well done.
A Dirty Business
21. A Dirty Business
February 14, 1971
Chet is at odds with a student at the high school who wants to be a spy. Because the student is a fast runner, Chet wants him to join up with the school's track team. But the student wants no part of it, preferring to remain out of the spotlight.
Tobacco Road
20. Tobacco Road
February 7, 1971
Chet aids a fellow teacher from the high school who's trying to quit smoking. Herb Edelman guest stars as Mr. Maher, the teacher who's trying to kick the habit.
The Generation Gap
19. The Generation Gap
January 31, 1971
Chet's mother is going out of town, so Chet's father comes to stay with him while she is away. As they spend time together, they discover that things have changed and they don't have as much in common anymore.
The Sesame Street Rumble
18. The Sesame Street Rumble
January 24, 1971
Chet has a large TV antenna installed so he can watch the big Rams/Packers football game. Many teachers from the high school come over to see the game, but Chet's TV set goes out. Chet goes next door to try and borrow the neighbors TV set, but the boy at home refuses to let Chet borrow it, insisting that he wants to watch Sesame Street.
Miraculous Martin
17. Miraculous Martin
January 17, 1971
Dick Van Dyke guest stars in this episode as Miraculous Martin, an out of work magician who's trying to stay sober and planning to get married.
Viva Ortega
16. Viva Ortega
January 10, 1971
Chet tutors a Mexican immigrant who is studying to become a United States citizen.
To Each According to His Appetite
15. To Each According to His Appetite
January 3, 1971
Students at the high school organize a lockout of the teachers cafeteria, requesting that they have input over what foods go on the student menu. Chet helps the students and cafeteria manager reach a compromise. But when the same students have a grievance with Chet's gym class, Chet is not as willing to cooperate.
Teacher of the Year
14. Teacher of the Year
December 27, 1970
Upon winning the award for Teacher of the Year, Chet has a difficult time convincing the other teachers to attend the banquet where he will receive the award.
The Poet
13. The Poet
December 20, 1970
A male student at the high school enjoys writing poetry, but doesn't want his friends to find out, fearing ridicule. Chet (who has also written some poetry) tells the student he shouldn't be concerned with what other people think, to go ahead and do what he enjoys doing. Chet then gets in a bind when he is mistaken as the author of a poem he copied in his youth, and the poem is scheduled to be published in the school newspaper.
Swann's Way
12. Swann's Way
December 13, 1970
Don Knotts guest stars in this episode as a shifty repossessor who's trying to repossess Chet's television set.
The Deluge (2)
11. The Deluge (2)
November 22, 1970
Conclusion of a two part episode. Chet helps an expectant mother deliver her baby at home during a driving rainstorm.
The Deluge (1)
10. The Deluge (1)
November 15, 1970
A driving rainstorm is pounding the Los Angeles area. Chet's next door neighbor is due to have her baby and is unable to get to the hospital, streets are flooded. Chet helps out as the woman prepares to have her baby at home. Part one of a two part episode.
The March of the Antelopes
9. The March of the Antelopes
November 8, 1970
Chet is in charge of a group of youngsters and is supposed to take them on an overnight camping trip. They set out to their destination, but mishaps occur, and they end up staying over at Chet's apartment.
The Artist
8. The Artist
November 1, 1970
Chet helps out a talented youngster who wants to become an artist. Chet disputes however, when the youngster chooses Chet as subject matter for his painting which will be on display at the art fair.
The Runaways
7. The Runaways
October 25, 1970
Chet is sent out to track down and find a runaway boy. He succeeds, and they spend the day together. After sharing a few adventures, Chet helps the boy decide he should go back home.
The Lincoln Letter
6. The Lincoln Letter
October 18, 1970
Chet inherits a valuable letter which originally came from Abraham Lincoln. Only catch, the letter is misplaced and needs to be found.
The Old Man of 4-C
5. The Old Man of 4-C
October 11, 1970
Will Geer guest stars in this episode as a lonesome elderly man looking for companionship. He befriends Chet, and becomes too demanding of Chet's time, but they end up compromising and spend some quality time together.
There Must Be a Pony
4. There Must Be a Pony
October 4, 1970
A female student at the high school is convinced she is destined to be an actress and is certain she will win an acting contest she has entered. Chet then tells her about the time he missed his own surprise birthday party to try and teach her a lesson about anticipation and being overconfident.
Is There a Doctor in the Hospital?
3. Is There a Doctor in the Hospital?
September 27, 1970
Chet injures his back during his gym class, and needs to be taken to the hospital. Upon arrival, he has difficulty trying to obtain medical service, until a young patient staying at the hospital assists Chet and helps him find a doctor.
Open House
2. Open House
September 20, 1970
One of Chet's fellow teachers from the high school is a part time real estate agent. Chet spends a weekend helping him out, trying to sell a house. Chet sells the house, but the couple who put the house up for sale change their mind.
Anytime You're Ready, C.K.
1. Anytime You're Ready, C.K.
September 13, 1970
The Holmes High School football team is on a losing streak, so the team asks Chet if they can have game films to help determine what they're doing wrong. Chet borrows a movie camera from a friend, and films the teams practice sessions. Funny silent films result from Chet's experiments with trying out the camera. A side plot has Chet trying to help out a student and former player of the football team who can no longer play due to injury.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    September 14, 1969
  • IMDB Rating
    6.2  (948)