MovieChat Forums > The Cosby Show (1984) Discussion > Should The Show Suffer Because of What I...

Should The Show Suffer Because of What Its Creator did?

posted 9 years ago by IoannesImprov
41 replies | jump to latest

Admittedly I think what Bill Cosby has done tests the limits of the old adage "separate the art from the artist", but is it fair to punish all the other people who worked on this show because of the abhorrent behavior of its star?

I jokingly suggested to a friend that the show could be reedited to remove Bill Cosby altogether ala Garfield without Garfield or replaced with another popular black sitcom actor who hasn't been disgraced, say Reginald Veljohnson, and simply retitled "The Show".

Being somewhat more serious would it be beyond reason to start a campaign to retitle the show "the Huxtables" in order to preserve it as a cultural artifact that had a beneficial impact in terms of countering negative racial stereotypes and providing positive family role models?

[–] gc18 8 years ago

Unfortunately his name and face are all over the product and the brand is damaged.

[–] Suriname86 8 years ago

This and it would seem unethical to continue to air the show and allow Cosby to collect residuals and profit from its syndication. Unfortunately, it's an ugly situation that Cosby put the stations in and have deprived viewers of a quality show with his perversions.

[–] RedSimba 8 years ago

No, I believe in separating the art from the artist. Regardless of the terrible acts Mr. Cosby allegedly did, this is still a great family show that teaches valuable lessons. If people are uncomfortable with seeing his face on TV, then simply change the channel.

[–] kr-1959 8 years ago

We shouldn't lose sight of the foundation of the American judicial system: innocent until proven guilty by a jury of your peers in a court of law. NOT in the court of public opinion. Then, to answer your question, it depends on whether or not he is actually guilty. If so, then the show is available on DVD to those who want it. For those who don't, then it already isn't being shown on TV.

[–] 8 years ago

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[–] fiatlux-1 8 years ago

While I don't feel that people should punish an entire CAST just because of one actor's misdeeds, I can understand how viewing it after hearing allegations can change things.
I feel the same way when watching 7th Heaven now, thanks to Stephen Collins' actions. Its just not the same.

As for The Cosby Show I find I don't like the show nearly as much on re-watch....and this was long before the allegations surfaced.
I am beginning to realize some sitcoms can be re-visited with the same pleasure, but others just seem flat....perhaps they were just products of their time.

I'd say this cloud is Cumulo Nimbus.
Didn't he discover America?
Penfold, shush.

[–] Trioxin_Zombie 8 years ago

My love for the show means I can and do ignore real life events. Be they true or false. I will continue to watch it. I'm going back through it all again now. On Season 1 at the moment. Episode 4. I'll finish season 1 in a day or so. Then on to season 2. It is one of the best sitcoms I have in my large and forever growing sitcom collection on DVD. To answer your question. No the show should not suffer.

"If he's you and you're him and you're him and he's him. Am I still me?"

[–] 8 years ago

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[–] vnisanian2001 8 years ago

No, it shouldn't, and please, DO NOT CHANGE THE TITLE!