TV series
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.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Jul 22, 2026
The Cosby Show is available to stream on Philo in United States. You can also buy it from Amazon. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
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.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
Denise returns from Africa, with a new husband and stepdaughter in tow. Joseph C. Phillips and Raven-Symoné join the cast as Martin and Olivia Kendall. Last appearance of Peter Costa as Peter.
Written by Carmen FinestraGuest stars Peter Costa, Deon Richmond, Lisa Rieffel, Reno Wilson
Episode 2
After recreating one of Cliff's stories, Theo and his roommates are kicked out of their apartment. First appearance of Keith Diamond as Danny. Guest appearance by Anthony Quinn.
Written by Carmen FinestraGuest stars Anthony Quinn, Spike Alexander, Keith Diamond, Carmen Finestra, Monique Reynolds, Domonique Reynolds, Everette Wilson, Ronald Wilson
Episode 3
Vanessa and her friends get drunk playing a drinking game. Pam Potillo as Janet. Elizabeth Narvaez as Kara. Guest appearance by Bill Cosby's real-life daughter Ensa Cosby, upon whom the character Vanessa is loosely based.
Written by Carmen FinestraGuest stars Essence Atkins, Lisa Rieffel, Pam Potillo, Elizabeth Narvaez, Royana Black, Ensa Cosby
Episode 4
Denise forgets to respond to a letter from the Navy and confirm that she and Martin want housing on the naval base in Rhode Island.
Written by Carmen FinestraGuest stars Wanakee Legardy, Charles Brown
Episode 5
Theo is diagnosed with dyslexia, a learning disability which contributed to the academic problems he has had over the years. Michelle Thomas as Justine.
Directed by Jay SandrichWritten by Mark St. GermainGuest stars Michelle Thomas, Alva Chinn
Episode 6
Denise and Olivia babysit Winnie and Nelson (Sondra and Elvin's twins).
Written by Carmen FinestraGuest stars Monique Reynolds, Domonique Reynolds, Raynor Scheine, Chris Griggs, Clayton Griggs
Episode 7
Rudy and one of her classmates have a crush on each other, but peer pressure could ruin things. Guest appearance by Elaine Stritch.
Directed by Jay SandrichWritten by Carmen FinestraGuest stars Deon Richmond, Elaine Stritch, Naoka Nakagawa, Tatyana Ali, Shaun Weiss, Michael A. Moran, Avanti Taylor, Gee-Jay Thomson
Episode 8
Cliff dreams that men worldwide have become pregnant -- including his son Theo, his sons-in-law Elvin and Martin, and himself. Voice-over by NBC News correspondent John Palmer.
Written by Carmen FinestraGuest stars Earle Hyman, Wallace Shawn, Clarice Taylor, Lanny Flaherty, Elayne Boosler
Episode 9
Denise invites Martin's ex-wife Paula for Thanksgiving dinner. Clair continues to send Cliff to the store for last-minute groceries, despite the fact that it is a cold and rainy Thanksgiving Day. Victoria Rowell as Paula.
Directed by Jay SandrichWritten by Carmen FinestraGuest stars Deon Richmond, Earle Hyman, Victoria Rowell, Troy Winbush, Clarice Taylor, Reno Wilson, Marcella Lowery, Dennis Scott
Episode 10
Martin's parents (Olivia's grandparents) come for a visit. Actor Moses Gunn and jazz singer Nancy Wilson guest star as Martin's parents.
Guest stars Nancy Wilson, Moses Gunn
Episode 11
Cliff is in charge while Clair and Denise are out of town. Guest: Elaine Stritch as Mrs. McGee
Directed by Jay SandrichWritten by Carmen FinestraGuest stars Deon Richmond, Elaine Stritch, Michelle Thomas, Reno Wilson, Alex Ruiz, Karen Williams, Traci Wolfe
Episode 12
As Christmas approaches, Cliff and Martin get to know each other better. Denise and Martin recreate their wedding ceremony, which allows Cliff to give his daughter away.
Written by Carmen FinestraGuest stars Tracey Ross, Karen Williams, Joanna Rhinehart
Episode 13
Elvin takes two female college friends to dinner to reminisce and Sondra becomes very upset.
Directed by Jay SandrichGuest stars Tonya Pinkins, Monique Reynolds, Domonique Reynolds, Chris Griggs, Clayton Griggs, Brenda Braxton
Episode 14
Guest appearance by The Muppets (Performed by Jerry Nelson, Dave Goelz, Richard Hunt, and Kevin Clash.) Voice-over by Wallace Shawn.
Written by Carmen FinestraGuest stars Wallace Shawn, Steve Whitmire, Carmen Finestra, Dave Goelz, Noel MacNeal, Matt Robinson, Fran Brill, Richard Hunt
Episode 15
Denise causes trouble while trying to help Vanessa get a date.
Written by Carmen FinestraGuest stars Malinda Williams, Garland Whitt, Danielle Burgio
Episode 16
Olivia's 4th birthday.
Written by Carmen FinestraGuest stars Kharisma, Jonathan Halyalkar, Markita Prescott
Episode 17
Theo thinks about proposing to Justine. Kenny, who was "born to sing the blues," gets the chance to sing with a legendary blues singer/guitarist. Deon Richmond as Kenny. Michelle Thomas as Justine. Guest appearance by B.B. King
Directed by Chuck VinsonWritten by Mark St. GermainGuest stars Deon Richmond, B.B. King, Michelle Thomas, Danielle Burgio, Robin Townsend
Episode 18
Rudy steals money from Clair to buy a sweatshirt (Rudy and her friend Kim do the Electric Slide). Deon Richmond as Kenny.
Directed by Jay SandrichWritten by Ehrich Van Lowe, Lore KimbroughGuest stars Deon Richmond, Nicole Leach, Naoka Nakagawa, Gilbert Cruz
Episode 19
Rudy is forced to take tap dancing lessons for a school project. Cliff is presented with a "challenge" he cannot resist. Guest appearances by Howard "Sandman" Sims and Elaine Stritch.
Written by Carmen FinestraGuest stars Elaine Stritch, Sandman Sims
Episode 20
Cliff, Elvin and Martin secretly compete to determine who is the most romantic husband in the Huxtable family.
Written by Carmen Finestra
Episode 21
Cliff and Clair discover that Theo has moved in with Justine. Last Appearance Of Michelle Thomas as Justine. Victoria Rowell as Paula.
Directed by Jay SandrichWritten by Carmen FinestraGuest stars Victoria Rowell, Michelle Thomas
Episode 22
Clair is burned out from work and family pressures and hurries off to the woods.
Directed by Jay SandrichWritten by Carmen FinestraGuest stars Edmund Lyndeck
Episode 23
Vanessa and her friends sneak out of town to attend a concert in Baltimore, but encounter huge problems along the way. Afterwards, she must face the wrath of Cliff and an infuriated Clair.
Directed by Malcolm-Jamal WarnerWritten by Mark St. GermainGuest stars Alec Mapa, Lisa Rieffel, Pam Potillo, Elizabeth Narvaez, Nicholas Sadler, Troy Rowland
Episode 24
The Huxtables' nerdy neighbor (Wallace Shawn) reinvents himself after a divorce.
Written by Mark St. GermainGuest stars Wallace Shawn, Mercedes Ruehl
Episode 25
Denise wants to become a teacher . . . without finishing college. Guest appearance by Max Roach.
Guest stars Max Roach, Suzzanne Douglas
Episode 26
"Gram Tee", Cliff's 98 year old great aunt, comes to visit the family.
Written by Lore KimbroughGuest stars Minnie Gentry, Mavis Staples, Monique Reynolds, Domonique Reynolds, Chris Griggs, Clayton Griggs
Episode information updated Jul 24, 2026
Bill CosbyHeathcliff Huxtable
Phylicia RashādClair Huxtable
Malcolm-Jamal WarnerTheo Huxtable
Tempestt BledsoeVanessa Huxtable
Lisa BonetDenise Huxtable
Keshia Knight PulliamRudy Huxtable
Sabrina Le BeaufSondra Huxtable
Geoffrey OwensElvin Tibideaux
NBCUnited States
Carsey-Werner CompanyUnited States
