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Today in History: The Cosby Show premieres, later tops ratings

By Drooid · Sep 20, 2026, 10:34 AM UTC · How we work

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Summary

Story summary

On September 20 1984, NBC launched the pilot of *The Cosby Show*, introducing the upper-middle-class Huxtable family. Directed by Jay Sandrich and written by Ed Weinberger and Michael J. Leeson, the episode earned high Nielsen ratings and critical praise, propelling the sitcom to become one of only three series to dominate U.S. viewership for five consecutive years.

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Story summary

On September 20 1984, NBC launched the pilot of *The Cosby Show*, introducing the upper-middle-class Huxtable family. Directed by Jay Sandrich and written by Ed Weinberger and Michael J. Leeson, the episode earned high Nielsen ratings and critical praise, propelling the sitcom to become one of only three series to dominate U.S. viewership for five consecutive years.