Why The Cosby Show Still Holds Value: A Love Letter to My Favorite Show
- Juli "Candi" Long
- Feb 24
- 5 min read
There are certain shows that don’t just entertain us—they raise us. They shape the way we see the world, the way we love, the way we dream. And for me, that show was The Cosby Show.
If you grew up in the late 80s or 90s, you know exactly what I mean. The sound of that jazz-infused theme song playing, the image of Cliff making silly faces at Rudy, the legendary clapbacks from Clair Huxtable—iconic. This wasn’t just a sitcom; it was a blueprint for what Black family, love, and success could look like.
I wasn’t just watching The Cosby Show—I was living it. I watched it with my dad as a child, caught reruns religiously after school, and when I became an adult? I made sure I owned multiple DVD box sets just in case they ever tried to take it off the air (yes, I’m that serious about my Cosby love). When I was pregnant with my daughter, The Cosby Show was my comfort show. And now, as a mom, I’ve passed it down to both of my kids—because the lessons, the laughs, and the love are just as powerful today as they were decades ago.
This show gave me hope. It gave me a vision of what family could be. Even though my parents eventually divorced, I still believed in Black love and strong families—because I saw it every week in the Huxtable household. And now, as I reflect on the show’s impact, I realize that the lessons The Cosby Show taught me still live in me today, from the way I parent to the way I appreciate Black art and culture.
So let’s rewind for a second. Let’s talk about why The Cosby Show still matters, why it shaped a generation, and why—no matter what—I'll always be an honorary Huxtable.
Why I Still Watch The Cosby Show Today
And funny enough, as I’m writing this, The Cosby Show is literally playing in the background. This isn’t just a show I used to love—it’s a show I still turn to, even now, when I need to unwind, when I need to feel something familiar, when I just want to be reminded of all the things it taught me. Watching it today doesn’t just bring back memories—it reinforces the lessons I’ve carried with me all these years.
How The Cosby Show Shaped My View on Family & Love
Growing up, I saw The Cosby Show as more than entertainment—it was a vision of the life I wanted. Even though my parents divorced by the time the show ended, I still believed in Black love, strong marriages, and the power of family because I saw it weekly in the Huxtable household.
I thought I was an honorary Cosby kid because I saw reflections of my real life in them. My grandparents—my Pawpaw and Nana—were Cliff and Clair Huxtable to me. My Pawpaw adored my Nana, always holding her hand, kissing her, showering her with compliments—just like Cliff did with Clair.
And let’s talk about Clair Huxtable.She was my shero. Strong, brilliant, loving, and never to be played with. She balanced her career and family so effortlessly, and as a Black woman, she was soft when needed but fierce when necessary.
One episode that stands out to me is when Vanessa sneaks out to a Wretched concert. When she got caught? Whew, listen… Clair let her have it! That scene was legendary because Clair wasn’t just mad—she was disappointed, frustrated, and determined to teach a lesson. I understood as a kid why Vanessa needed that moment, and now as a mother, I see myself in Clair.
My daughter once told me, "Sometimes you’re beauty, sometimes you’re the beast." And listen, she ain't lying! I believe in gentle parenting, but there are moments where my inner Clair Huxtable comes out because sometimes our kids need to know we mean business.
Black Excellence & Cultural Pride in The Cosby Show
Beyond family, The Cosby Show instilled a deep sense of Black pride in me.
HBCUs were always front and center. Cliff constantly wore HBCU sweatshirts, and I didn’t realize until I was older how powerful that was—introducing Black kids to colleges that were made for us.
The music was always intentional. We heard jazz, Latin, and soul influences, reinforcing how rich our culture is.
The guest stars were legendary. I was introduced to Nancy Wilson, Lena Horne, and Sammy Davis Jr. before I even knew who they were. The Cosby Show gave these Black legends their flowers while they were still here.
If you were a true Cosby Show fan, you know this painting wasn’t just decor—it had an entire episode dedicated to it! ‘Funeral Procession’ by Ellis Wilson, a powerful piece of Black art that made its way into millions of homes through the Huxtables 
The famous painting in the Huxtable living room—‘Funeral Procession’ by Ellis Wilson. A subtle but powerful nod to Black art in mainstream television.
One episode that really stuck with me was the Black art auction episode. Clair and Cliff spent thousands on a piece of art by a Black artist because they valued it—and that moment taught me the importance of supporting Black creativity and preserving our culture.
My Favorite Cosby Show Episodes & Why They Stick With Me
There are so many classic episodes, but two stand out as my all-time favorites:
⭐ The Tap Dancing Challenge Episode
Rudy had to take tap dancing lessons for an upcoming recital, and her instructor was a real-life tap legend (I need to research his name!).
The best part? When Cliff tried to challenge him in a tap battle, and the instructor kept shouting, “CHALLENGE!”
As a kid, this scene tickled my whole spirit, and to this day, I can’t watch it without laughing.
Still got it! Russell Huxtable proving that real talent never fades.
⭐ Russell Huxtable’s Trombone Reunion
Russell, Cliff’s father, was a former trombone player, and in this episode, he reunited with his old bandmates.
Seeing these older Black men still have their talent and joy hit me differently as I got older.
It was a moment that celebrated Black music, legacy, and the idea that your gifts never leave you.
Why I’m Passing The Cosby Show Down to My Kids
I’ve introduced The Cosby Show to both of my kids, and just like me, they love it.
London (16) has her favorite episodes from when she was a kid.
Cairo (6) just started getting into it, watching at night before bed.
It’s becoming a family tradition, and that makes my heart full.
In a world where media often focuses on struggle and trauma, The Cosby Show reminds me—and now reminds my kids—that Black families can thrive.
Final Thoughts: The World Needs More of This
The world may be different now, but the lessons from The Cosby Show still matter. We need more of this. We need more representations of healthy Black families, love, and joy.
So if you’re looking for some feel-good nostalgia, do yourself a favor—go watch The Cosby Show today.
Call to Action:
❓ What’s your favorite Cosby Show episode? Let’s reminisce in the comments!
Commentaires