The Cosby Show

Season 3

TV-PG

78%

"The Cosby Show" centers on the lives of the Huxtables: obstetrician Cliff and his lawyer wife Claire, their daughters Sondra, Denise, Vanessa and Rudy, and son Theo. Based on the standup comedy of Bill Cosby, the show focused on his observations of family life. Although based on comedy, the series also addresses some more serious topics, such as learning disabilities and teen pregnancy.

Where to Watch Season 3

Amazon VideoBuy $30.99

25 Episodes

Bring 'em Back Alive
E1
Bring 'em Back AliveThe Huxtable house is thrown into chaos after Rudy finds a snake in the basement.
Food for Thought
E2
Food for ThoughtClair challenges Cliff to not eat any salty food for the day. Denise leaves for her freshman year at Hillman College.
Golden Anniversary
E3
Golden AnniversaryRussell and Anna's 50th wedding anniversary. The family performs James Brown's "I Got the Feelin' " in this sequel to Season 2's "Happy Anniversary". Earle Hyman as Russell. Clarice Taylor as Anna. Geoffrey Owens as Elvin. Appearance by Frank Foster and the Count Basie Orchestra. First mention of Rudy's desire to have a husband named "Bud" when she grows up.
Man Talk
E4
Man TalkAt school, a classmate starts flirting with Theo. Theo is flattered and interested, but he already has a girlfriend. Rudy wants to have a tea party and since her sisters are busy, she asks Cliff to the tea party.
Mother, May I?
E5
Mother, May I?Vanessa starts wearing makeup without her parents' permission. Clair talks to Vanessa and reminds her she must wait until she's 15. Meanwhile, Theo is taking a fire-safety class at school and quizzes his parents on procedures.
The March
E6
The MarchTheo writes a report on the March on Washington. But gets a poor grade and is asked to redo his project. Much to his surprise he learns more about the march from his family than he did from books. Meanwhile Vanessa is worried about asking a boy to the turn-around dance. Earle Hyman as Russell. Clarice Taylor as Anna. Joe Williams as Al Hanks. Ethel Ayler as Carrie Hanks.
Theo's Flight
E7
Theo's FlightTheo and Cockroach decide they want to learn to fly, but Cliff doesn't want to waste his money on another dream of his son's. Carl Anthony Payne II as Cockroach. First appearance of Deon Richmond as Kenny, a.k.a. "Bud".
Vanessa's Rich
E8
Vanessa's RichFriends call Vanessa a stuck-up rich girl at school. Guest appearance by Essence Atkins.
Denise Gets a D
E9
Denise Gets a DDenise's college career starts with a D, but Denise is to scared to show her parents. Clair needs to rest in bed because of a pinched nerve. Rudy portrays "the wind" in a school play. Rosalind Cash as Dr. Hughes (The episode is preceded by a 30-second anti-drug public service announcement featuring Bill Cosby).
A Girl and Her Dog
E10
A Girl and Her DogRudy and Peter find a dog and attempt to take care of it without her parents knowing. Peter Costa as Peter.
War Stories
E11
War StoriesCliff and his father's friend play a challenging game of cards. Venesa prepares to go to a skating party with date Robert Forman, soon find a very cute guy will cross her path Earle Hyman as Russell.
Cliff in Charge
E12
Cliff in ChargeCliff is in charge when Clair leaves for 10 days.
Monster Man Huxtable
E13
Monster Man HuxtableSondra comes home from college and brings Elvin along with her. Theo is written up in the school paper about his wrestling skills. Elvin helps him learn a few new moves and shares with Theo that he is going to propose marriage to Sondra.
Rudy Spends the Night
E14
Rudy Spends the NightCliff establishes the Huxtable Men's Club when the women are away to help Theo get over his sadnes of a lost date. Venessa is very excited that big sister Denise is letting her go to the Village with Denise's college friends.
Say Hello to a Good Buy
E15
Say Hello to a Good BuyCliff buys a new car. Rudy cuts some animal pictures out of Cliff's expensive books for school. Guest appearance by Sinbad, who would later portray Walter Oakes on the Cosby Show spinoff, A Different World. Watched by almost 65 million viewers when it originally aired, "Say Hello to a Good Buy" was the series' highest rated episode.
Denise Gets an Opinion
E16
Denise Gets an OpinionAfter breaking up with Vanessa, Robert is having girl problems and talks to Cliff about it. Denise is nervous about meeting a blind date and asks Theo to check him out first. When a friend of Cliff's arrives, Theo mistakes him for the date.
Calling Doctor Huxtable
E17
Calling Doctor HuxtableCliff is called to the hospital for 3 deliveries, Malinda Williams appearance, Patricia Richardson appearance.
You Only Hurt the One You Love
E18
You Only Hurt the One You LoveRudy gets hurt from Theo's rough games. Rudy cries. Theo gets punished. Clair goes to a doctor and gets the same advice that Cliff gave her. Cliff learns that the woman who cleans up the Doctor's Lounge at the hospital (Rita Moreno) has been fired. Absent: Sabrina Le Beauf as Sondra Huxtable and Lisa Bonet as Denise Huxtable.
The Shower
E19
The ShowerDenise holds a bridal shower for her pregnant and bride-to-be friend Veronica, but finds out some disturbing information. Absent: Sabrina Le Beauf as Sondra Huxtable, although mentioned.
Cliff's 50th Birthday
E20
Cliff's 50th BirthdayCliff is turning 50 years old and the family plans a lot of surprises for him. He finds out all the things that are older than him, get a key chain that works for everyone except him, and has a party with some special friends.
I Know That You Know
E21
I Know That You KnowSondra and Elvin announce their engagement. Since Cliff always says he knows everything that goes on, Clair and the kids decide to play a joke on Cliff about the engagement. He finds out before the joke and turns the tables on the others.
Andalusian Flu
E22
Andalusian FluBoth Cliff and Clair are sick in bed with the flu, leaving Theo in charge; Theo orders Vanessa and Rudy around to clean up the house while he takes the credit for it even though he's planning to go out with a girl.
Bald and Beautiful
E23
Bald and BeautifulCliff's Navy friend comes to visit. Cockroach shaves his head to be in a rock video. Robert Culp (Bill Cosby's co-star from the 1960s TV series I Spy) appears as Scott Kelly.
Planning Parenthood
E24
Planning ParenthoodCliff takes Rudy & her friends to a fancy restaurant. All dressed up in their best clothes, they go to the restaurant. Chaos ensues despite Cliff's effort to show them elegance. Clair's sister visits and announces she wants to have a baby.
Hillman
E25
HillmanThe Huxtable family goes to Hillman College to attend a ceremony in honor of its president's retirement. Guest appearance by Joe Seneca. Filmed at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. The episode serves as a backdoor pilot for the spinoff series A Different World, which premieres in the fall of 1987.