Seasons & Episodes
Pilot / Theo's Economic Lesson
Clair is furious when Theo brings home a report card with 4 D's. He tells Cliff that he has no intention of going to co
Mr. Fish (a.k.a. Goodbye, Mr. Fish)
When Rudy's pet fish, Lamont, dies, Cliff tries to bring the family together for a funeral in the bathroom. The festivit
Bad Dreams
Vanessa claims that she is old enough to watch a scary movie, but Cliff still forbids it. Vanessa sneaks out anyway, but
Is That My Boy?
Freshman Theo tries out for the football team and makes it. Cliff is overjoyed, but his pride falters when he discovers
A Shirt Story
Theo wants to impress a girl by wearing an expensive shirt by designer Gordon Gartrelle. Since Cliff and Clair will not
Breaking With Tradition
Cliff's father, Russell, pays a visit and begins questioning Cliff about the kids' college choices. He asks Denise about
One More Time
While Clair cares for a friend's baby, she begins to consider having another. Cliff desperately tries to talk her out of
Play It Again, Vanessa
Vanessa plays clarinet in the school's orchestra. Though she tries her best and practices daily, she simply cannot play
How Ugly Is He?
Denise has a new boyfriend, David, but is reluctant to bring him home. She fears that Cliff will, like always, make fun
Bonjour, Sondra
Sondra, the eldest Huxtable child makes her first appearance when she visits home for Thanksgiving. She plans on going t
You're Not a Mother Night
Clair is exhausted from constantly caring for the children. Cliff decides to take her out on the town for "You're Not a
Rudy's Sick
Clair could be named partner at her law firm if an interview goes well-but Rudy is sick! Cliff vows to take care of her
Father's Day
Cliff complains about the poor quality of his annual Father's Day gifts. He challenges the children to find some better
Independence Day
Theo gets his ear pierced to impress a girl, but Denise thinks it might be infected. She is correct, and Theo must go to
Physician of the Year
Cliff is set to receive an important award, but a woman goes into labor right before the ceremony. Theo delivers his spe
Jitterbug Break
Cliff tries to impress Denise's friends by teaching them how to jitterbug. Some of Clair's friends also show off their d
Theo and the Joint
Clair discovers a marijuana joint in one of Theo's school books. She and Cliff confront him about it, and accept his exp
Vanessa's New Class
Vanessa is placed in an advanced science class. She creates a model of the solar system, but learns that she will have t
Clair's Case
A sneaky mechanic tries to swindle Sondra. It's Clair to the rescue as the two battle in court. David Langston Smyrl as
Back to the Track, Jack
Cliff's college track coach contacts him and asks to run in a charity event between Hillman and its rival, Norton Colleg
The Younger Woman
Cliff and Clair receive a visit from an old friend—and he has a new girlfriend that is half his age. They are initiall
Slumber Party
Rudy invites all of her friends over for a slumber party. It's Cliff's job to watch over them, and he demonstrates some
Mr. Quiet
Cliff, Clair, and the Huxtable clan volunteer at a local community center. There, a battered boy tries to find help, and
Cliff's Birthday
Cliff is turning 48, and as usual, he is trying to find out what his birthday present is ahead of time. Clair, with the
First Day of School
Cliff and Clair are overjoyed with the arrivial of the new school year, as their children are finally out of the house.
The Juicer
Cliff, who has a fetish for electronic appliances, buys a juicer. Rudy and Peter, bored from Vanessa's inattentive baby-
Happy Anniversary
For Russell and Anna's 49th wedding anniversary, the family commissions a portrait of the couple as newlyweds, and offer
Cliff in Love
Sondra breaks up with her boyfriend Elvin and is depressed, taking it out on the family. Cliff and Clair aren't exactly
Theo and the Older Woman
When friend Suzanne accompanies Denise to observe the Huxtables' normal behavior, a smitten Theo behaves far from normal
Halloween
Vanessa has a crush on a one Robert Forman, who comes to her Halloween party. Daydreaming about her love, she drops an e
Rudy Suits Up
Rudy plays football and becomes a star, much to the chagrin of Clair, who worries she'll get hurt. But reluctance turns
Denise Drives
Denise wants to buy a car. She plans to use her savings to do so, but Cliff and Clair quickly point out flaws in her pla
Clair's Sister
Clair's sister Sarah gets engaged. First appearance of Joe Williams as Clair's father Al Hanks. Ethel Ayler as Carrie Ha
Clair's Toe
While preparing to go out on a proposal anniversary dinner, Clair breaks her toe, but tries not to let it upset her rout
Denise's Friend
Denise asks Cliff to talk to her friend, who has a medical problem. Cliff diagnoses the girl as having a mild bladder in
Mrs. Westlake
Theo's math teacher comes for dinner, to Theo's extreme consternation. He thinks she plans to tell his parents of a bad
The Auction
Clair bids on a painting by her great-uncle that her grandmother had once owned. Attempting to win her favor, Elvin trie
Vanessa's Bad Grade
Vanessa steals a sweater from Denise. The two soon begin to fight. In the end, Rudy's choice of television viewing, the
Theo and Cockroach
Theo and his friend Cockroach scheme to pass a test on William Shakespeare's "Macbeth", which neither one has read.
The Dentist
Peter goes to the dentist, but has Rudy come along for moral support so Peter won't be afraid of the dentist anymore. Da
Play It Again, Russell
Russell plays in a tribute with the band he played in years ago. Guest appearances by jazz musicians Tito Puente, Art Bl
A Touch of Wonder
After his limo collides with Denise's car, Stevie Wonder (appearing as himself) invites the Huxtables to a recording ses
Full House
After an exhausting midnight shift at the hospital and a night's sleep, all Cliff wants is to read his paper in peace -
Close to Home
A close friend of Cliff's, played by Samuel E. Wright, is overcome with sadness due to his daughter's recurring drug add
An Early Spring
Theo's math teacher has a baby and Cockroach shows a different side. Carl Anthony Payne II as Cockroach. Sonia Braga as
Theo's Holiday
After Theo claims that he'll have no problem making it in the "real world", the Huxtables convert their house in the "Re
The Card Game
Cliff plays pinochle with his father, a former teacher, and a friend. Theo buys a cheap ring for his girlfriend Tanya. E
Off to the Races
In a charity run, Cliff races at the Penn Relays with "Tailwind" Turner and -- as apparent payback for the race a year p
Denise's Decision
After much deliberation, Denise chooses the college that she will attend in the fall. Earle Hyman as Russell. Clarice Ta
Bring 'em Back Alive
The Huxtable house is thrown into chaos after Rudy finds a snake in the basement.
Food for Thought
Clair challenges Cliff to not eat any salty food for the day. Denise leaves for her freshman year at Hillman College.
Golden Anniversary
Russell and Anna's 50th wedding anniversary. The family performs James Brown's "I Got the Feelin' " in this sequel to Se
Man Talk
Although he has a steady girlfriend, Theo wants to start dating someone else.
Mother, May I?
After Clair specifically forbids her from wearing make-up, Vanessa, behind her mothers back does it anyways.
The March
Theo writes a report on the March on Washington. But gets a poor grade and is asked to redo his project. Much to his sur
Theo's Flight
Theo and Cockroach decide they want to learn to fly, but Cliff doesn't want to waste his money on another dream of his s
Vanessa's Rich
Friends call Vanessa a stuck-up rich girl at school. Guest appearance by Essence Atkins.
Denise Gets a D
Denise's college career starts with a D, but Denise is to scared to show her parents. Clair needs to rest in bed because
A Girl and Her Dog
Rudy and Peter find a dog and attempt to take care of it without her parents knowing. Peter Costa as Peter.
War Stories
Cliff and his father's friend play a challenging game of cards. Venesa prepares to go to a skating party with date Rober
Cliff in Charge
Cliff is in charge when Clair leaves for 10 days.
Monster Man Huxtable
Elvin helps Theo with some wrestling moves, although he and Sondra have made plans for the weekend, and reveals that he
Rudy Spends the Night
Cliff establishes the Huxtable Men's Club when the women are away to help Theo get over his sadnes of a lost date. Venes
Say Hello to a Good Buy
Cliff buys a new car. Rudy cuts some animal pictures out of Cliff's expensive books for school. Guest appearance by Sinb
Denise Gets an Opinion
Denise has a blind date, but is really scared. So she asks Theo to grade him for her!!!! But this soon leads to a big hi
Calling Doctor Huxtable
Cliff is called to the hospital for 3 deliveries, Malinda Williams appearance, Patricia Richardson appearance.
You Only Hurt the One You Love
Rudy gets hurt from Theo's rough games. Rudy cries. Theo gets punished. Clair goes to a doctor and gets the same advice
The Shower
Denise holds a bridal shower for her pregnant and bride-to-be friend Veronica, but finds out some disturbing information
Cliff's 50th Birthday
Cliff's 50th birthday has all kinds of surprises.
I Know That You Know
When Sondra and Elvin announce their engagement, Clair and the children use the news to play a practical joke on Cliff,
Andalusian Flu
While Cliff and Clair have the flu, Theo tries to keep the house going.
Bald and Beautiful
Cliff's Navy friend comes to visit. Cockroach shaves his head to be in a rock video. Robert Culp (Bill Cosby's co-star f
Planning Parenthood
Clair's sister decides she wants to be a mother. Cliff takes Rudy and her friends out to eat at a fancy restaurant.
Hillman
The Huxtable family goes to Hillman College to attend a ceremony in honor of its president's retirement. Guest appearanc
Call of the Wild
The newlywed Sondra and Elvin return from their honeymoon with shocking news for Cliff and Clair: they want to abandon t
Theogate
Theo and Cockroach come home unusually late from a track meet, and the Huxtables got a phone message earlier from the tr
It's Not Easy Being Green
Rudy wants to wear summer clothes in winter to a party, while Cliff tries to get rid of an old water heater.
Cliff's Mistake
While setting up the house as a "haunted house" for Halloween, Cliff discover's he's lost a power drill that his neighbo
Shakespeare
Christopher Plummer and Roscoe Lee Browne appear. Theo must read Julius Caesar for school, but complains that it is bori
That's Not What I Said
Cliff and Clair have a marital argument after Theo gets detained by police for riding in a car with an unlicensed driver
Autumn Gifts
Rudy goes to an older widowed lady's house each afternoon to have tea and play cards, but notices that she refuses to ta
Looking Back
Sondra and Elvin have their first marital fight, and Elvin comes to the Huxtable house for comfort and support. Clair sh
Where's Rudy?
Theo and Vanessa lose track of Rudy in a mall while Clair enters a squash exhibition. Earle Hyman (Russell) appears on
Dance Mania
Theo and Cockroach have tickets to appear on television on the dance show "Dance Mania", but are told that only one of t
The Locker Room
Theo and his classmates brag about their dates with girls in the locker room, but Theo's mood changes when one of the gu
The Show Must Go On
Vaudeville is shown to Rudy and her friends, who are unimpressed.
Bookworm
Clair drags Cliff to her book club meeting, and he's the lone male there. Much to Clair's surprise, Cliff knows quite a
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Rudy has to play the violin in music class at school, but gets jealous because she thinks her classmates' instruments ar
The Visit
Theo visits a friend in the hospital who has cancer. Troy Winbush as Denny. Adam Sandler as Smitty. Special appearance b
The Drum Major
Vanessa tries out for the drum major at school. Theo playfully mocks her efforts, but learns from friends that Vanessa i
Waterworks
Clair tries to stop Cliff from fixing a leaky pipe by hiring a team of professionals: friends of Sondra and Elvin from P
Once Upon a Time
Rudy writes a fairy tale, and the colorful story is acted out in her fantasy. Members of the family play the roles of a
Petanque
Cliff and a friend play pétanque. First appearance of Sullivan Walker as Dr. James Harmon.
Trust Me
A friend of Clair's has marital problems; Cliff takes a "mini-vacation" in the house as Theo, Rudy, and Vanessa try to s
Home for the Weekend
Denise comes home from college, but seems to have more time for her friends than for the family.
The Prom
Theo, Denny and Smitty go to great lengths to impress their dates for the senior prom but fail disastrously; Cliff and C
Gone Fishin'
When the Huxtable men go fishing, Theo catches a dead body, and soon attracts attention from the media. This success goe
Together Again and Again
As Theo begins his freshman year at New York University, Denise announces that she is dropping out of Hillman College. S
The Physical
Cliff prepares for a physical.
Rudy's All-Nighter
Rudy's friend sleeps over.
Move It (a.k.a. The Baby Game)
Everyone wants pregnant Sondra and Elvin to find a new house. Elvin's surname, Tibideaux, is revealed.
Out of Brooklyn
Denise leaves Brooklyn for a job in Africa.
The Birth
Sondra goes into labor, and Elvin is a nervous wreck. Sondra gives birth to twins—a boy and a girl—who are named af
Cyranoise de Bergington
Theo wants to date his friend Howard's ex-girlfriend, but he is stunned upon learning who she wants to date.
How Do You Get to Carnegie Hall?
Vanessa, Janet and Kara want to be professional singers; Russell wins a prize in a sweepstakes, which turns out to be a
If the Dress Fits, Wear It
Clair secretly goes on a crash diet and exercise program to lose five pounds in a week so she can fit into a dress.
Is There a Hamster in the House?
Rudy takes care of a friend's hamster for the weekend.
Truth or Consequences
Rudy lies to cover for Vanessa, who secretly goes out on a date with her older boyfriend.
Cliff Babysits
Cliff babysits Winnie and Nelson when the rest of the family goes to see a Michael Jackson concert.
Mrs. Huxtable Goes to Kindergarten
Clair appears as a panelist on a local Sunday morning talk show entitled "Retrospective". Clair buys a new couch and Cli
The Lost Weekend
With the rest of the family gone for the night, Theo throws a "small" party that gets out of control.
No Way, Baby
Cliff tracks down the grandfather of one of his patients: an expectant teenage mother with no other family. Clair deduce
Can I Say Something, Please?
Rudy wants to change some of her rules.
The Dead End Kids Meet Dr. Lotus
Theo consults a voodoo shopkeeper for advice on winning his girlfriend back.
The Boys of Winter
Cliff's old basketball friend comes to visit.
It Comes and It Goes
Sondra bemoans taking care of the twins.
Theo's Women
After catching Theo kissing another woman in the lounge of her dormitory, Justine breaks up with him. Desperate to win h
Birthday Blues
Clair's 46th birthday.
A Room With No View
Vanessa and Rudy argue and fight. After the sisters do physical damage to the house, Cliff exiles them to the basement.
What He Did for Love
Theo's friend Denny finds an expensive watch and gives it to his girlfriend, but it is soon revealed to be stolen mercha
Day of the Locusts
Sondra comes down with strep throat, prompting her mother Clair and Elvin's mother Francine to "steal" the babies.
57 Varieties
Theo wants to go to Egypt for an archaeological dig.
Denise: The Saga Continues
Denise returns from Africa, with a new husband and stepdaughter in tow. Joseph C. Phillips and Raven-Symoné join the ca
Surf's Up
After recreating one of Cliff's stories, Theo and his roommates are kicked out of their apartment. First appearance of K
I'm 'In' With the 'In' Crowd
Vanessa and her friends get drunk playing a drinking game. Pam Potillo as Janet. Elizabeth Narvaez as Kara. Guest appea
Denise Kendall: Navy Wife
Denise forgets to respond to a letter from the Navy and confirm that she and Martin want housing on the naval base in Rh
Theo's Gift
Theo is diagnosed with dyslexia, a learning disability which contributed to the academic problems he has had over the ye
Denise Kendall: Babysitter
Denise and Olivia babysit Winnie and Nelson (Sondra and Elvin's twins).
Shall We Dance?
Rudy and one of her classmates have a crush on each other, but peer pressure could ruin things. Guest appearance by Elai
The Day the Spores Landed
Cliff dreams that men worldwide have become pregnant -- including his son Theo, his sons-in-law Elvin and Martin, and hi
Cliff's Wet Adventure
Denise invites Martin's ex-wife Paula for Thanksgiving dinner. Clair continues to send Cliff to the store for last-minut
Grampy and Nu-Nu Visit the Huxtables
Martin's parents (Olivia's grandparents) come for a visit. Actor Moses Gunn and jazz singer Nancy Wilson guest star as M
Cliff la Dolce
Cliff is in charge while Clair and Denise are out of town. Guest: Elaine Stritch as Mrs. McGee
Getting to Know You
As Christmas approaches, Cliff and Martin get to know each other better. Denise and Martin recreate their wedding ceremo
Elvin Pays for Dinner
Elvin takes two female college friends to dinner to reminisce and Sondra becomes very upset.
Cliff's Nightmare
Guest appearance by The Muppets (Performed by Jerry Nelson, Dave Goelz, Richard Hunt, and Kevin Clash.) Voice-over by Wa
Denise Kendall: Singles Counselor
Denise causes trouble while trying to help Vanessa get a date.
The Birthday Party
Olivia's 4th birthday.
Not Everybody Loves the Blues
Theo thinks about proposing to Justine. Kenny, who was "born to sing the blues," gets the chance to sing with a legendar
Rudy's Walk on the Wild Side
Rudy steals money from Clair to buy a sweatshirt (Rudy and her friend Kim do the Electric Slide). Deon Richmond as Kenny
Mr. Sandman
Rudy is forced to take tap dancing lessons for a school project. Cliff is presented with a "challenge" he cannot resist.
Isn't It Romantic?
Cliff, Elvin and Martin secretly compete to determine who is the most romantic husband in the Huxtable family.
Theo's Dirty Laundry
Cliff and Clair discover that Theo has moved in with Justine. Last Appearance Of Michelle Thomas as Justine. Victoria Ro
What's It All About?
Clair is burned out from work and family pressures and hurries off to the woods.
Off to See the Wretched
Vanessa and her friends sneak out of town to attend a concert in Baltimore, but encounter huge problems along the way. A
The Moves
The Huxtables' nerdy neighbor (Wallace Shawn) reinvents himself after a divorce.
Live and Learn
Denise wants to become a teacher . . . without finishing college. Guest appearance by Max Roach.
The Storyteller
"Gram Tee", Cliff's 98 year old great aunt, comes to visit the family.
Same Time Next Year
Denise takes classes locally at Medgar Evers College, while Vanessa enrolls at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. Rudy
Bird in the Hand
Cliff tries to win a classic jazz record at an auction, while filling in for Denise as volunteer parent at Olivia's pres
The Last Barbecue
The Huxtable family erupts in a battle of the sexes after Theo suggests having a stripper at Martin's post-wedding bache
Period of Adjustment
Clair's teenage second cousin moves in with the family.
It's All in the Game
After Vanessa gets into a minor car accident and tries to cover it up, Cliff and Clair complain about the various small
Getting the Story
Rudy and Kenny do a video project.
Just Thinking About It
Under pressure from her boyfriend to become sexually active, Pam considers using birth control.
The Infantry Has Landed (and They've Fallen Off the Roof)
Rudy gets her first period. Clair plans "Women's day" where she goes out alone with Rudy and answers any questions she h
You Can Go Home Again
Seeking privacy, Denise and Martin decide to look for their own apartment.
It's a Boy
The husband of one of Cliff's patients worries that he will be a poor father because he has no athletic ability. After P
Clair's Liberation
Clair enters menopause. She takes the news fine, but the kids treat her as if she's losing her mind.
It's Your Move
Elvin and Sondra help friends move during a football game.
Theo's Final Final
Theo will make the dean's list if he gets an A on his final, but a beautiful exchange student planning to leave the next
Attack of the Killer B's
Pam's grades have improved, but she worries that she will not be able to afford college.
Total Control
Cliff's patient and her husband are convinced that they are prepared for every scenario ... and then labor begins.
Adventures in Babysitting
Rudy begs Martin to let her babysit Olivia. Cliff and Dr. Harmon enter a pinochle tournament as partners ... and so do t
27 and Still Cooking
To celebrate his 27th wedding anniversary with Clair, Cliff recreates the Callaloo Pot, a Caribbean restaurant where the
The Return of the Clairettes
An old friend of Clair visits, along with her husband. Rudy prepares for her first date.
No More Mr. Nice Guy
Theo's friend Denny thinks his girlfriend is cheating on him.
Home Remedies
When Olivia comes down with a cold, everyone (except Cliff) has a different home remedy to offer as a cure. Russell and
Nightmare on Stigwood Avenue
Rudy has a nightmare about Olivia always getting her way.
There's Still No Joy in Mudville
Cliff goes bowling with his friends.
Cliff and Jake
Clair tries to prevent Cliff from buying a new appliance from his friend Jake.
Theo and the Kids (1)
Theo, who is majoring in pediatric psychology, begins an internship as a junior counselor at the community center; he so
Theo and the Kids (2)
Theo continues his attempts to help Stanley and the other children at the community center.
With This Ring?
18 year old Vanessa reveals that she is engaged to a 29 year old Head Caretaker of her University ... and has been for s
There's No Place Like This Home
Cliff announces plans to add a new room to the house for Clair ... and only Clair. Sondra and Elvin are on the verge of
Particles in Motion
During his first parent-counselor meeting, Theo and a single mother discover mutual attraction. Rudy meets Stanley and t
Pam Applies to College
Pam begins to realize that, because of her below average grades earlier in high school, she will not be able to attend t
Warning: A Double-Lit Candle Can Cause a Meltdown
Anxious to see a famous rapper, Rudy and her friends lie to their parents in order to get into a club for 16 year olds a
It's Apparent to Everyone
Winnie and Nelson drive Cliff and Clair crazy around the house while Elvin and Sondra wait to move into their new house.
The Iceman Bricketh
Vanessa's grandparents Russell Huxtable and Carrie Hanks are desperate to meet her fiancé Dabnis, who bonds with Cliff
Olivia's Field Trip
Cliff chaperones Olivia's field trip to the museum; Theo falls victim to a scammer while ordering T-shirts for the commu
For Men Only
Cliff teaches a class "for men only" at the community center.
Olivia Comes Out of the Closet
Olivia tries to delay Martin's return to Asia.
Two Is a Crowd
Vanessa and Dabnis have relationship problems, as do Rudy and Stanley.
Clair's Place
As Christmas approaches, Clair gets a wonderful present: the completion of her special room.
Theo's Future
Theo is accepted to graduate school at NYU, but faces a tough decision when he is unexpectedly offered a chance to inter
The Price Is Wrong
Pam, Lance, Charmaine, and a group of senior citizens protest a grocery chain that gives preferential treatment to custo
Bring Me the Lip Gloss of Deirdre Arpelle
Kenny pretends that he is dating another girl, in order to make Rudy jealous and force Stanley out of the picture.
Eat, Drink and Be Wary
Rudy and her friends want to go on the subway.
The Getaway
Sondra, Elvin, and the twins finally move into their own house in New Jersey.
Cliff Gets Jilted
Vanessa and Dabnis announce that they have broken their engagement ... and would-be father-in-law Cliff is devastated.
Cliff and Theo Come Clean
Theo decides to turn down the corporate job in San Francisco and attend graduate school in New York. One of the students
Clair's Reunion
Clair and her college friends plan a retirement party for one of their former professors from Hillman. Vanessa brings ho
Rudy's Retreat
Cliff and Clair see Rudy changing. While preparing their wills, Sondra and Elvin try to determine who should be the twin
You Can't Stop the Music
Cliff and Clair go to a local radio station for a live salsa performance. Kenny babysits Olivia.
Some Gifts Aren't Deductible
Kenny turns to Rudy and Cliff for help after lying to his girlfriend about plans for her birthday party. Cliff and Clair
And So We Commence
Theo prepares to graduate from New York University. An elated Cliff continues to invite additional people to the ceremon
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