25 years ago this fall; The Cosby Show returns for a 5th season and still remains #1

[simmytbone]

Hey guys,

25 years ago this fall;

The Cosby Show was back once again for a 5th consecutive season and the theme was once again changed to a more symphony orchestra theme

Here's a summary:

Season 5 comprises 26 episodes

Bill Cosby and Phylicia Rashad appear in all episodes

Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Keshia Knight Pulliam were both absent for one episode

Tempestt Bledsoe was absent for three episodes

Geoffrey Owens was absent for eighteen episodes

Sabrina LeBeauf was absent for nineteen episodes

The opening sequence in this season features the cast dancing on a veranda in Caribbean-style clothing, to music written by James DePreist, and performed by the Oregon Symphony Orchestra

This opening credit sequence is the only one during the series' entire run that featured the whole cast dancing together and it was choreographed by Geoffrey Holder best known for being a spokesperson for 7-UP Soda and for his role in the James Bond Film "Live and Let Die" which debut 40 years ago and the 1st James Bond Film Starring Roger Moore as Secret Agent 007, Yaphet Kotto of Homicide: Life on the Streets as the villain Mr. Big and Introducing Jayne Seymour later of Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman as Solitaire

The closed captioning this season is said to be made possible by MetLife and the NBC Television Network

During a recent interview with Katie Couric, Malcolm-Jamal Warner who played Cosby's only son Theo Huxtable stated that his least favorite opener was the 5th Season

This is what he stated to Couric:

"We had a lot of fun doing it and all of them were fun except the one I think with the Caribbean theme," he said with a laugh, noting the Season 5 opener below.

The 1st Episode of the 5th Season was entitled "Together Again and Again" which debut on October 6, 1988

1 week later, the series celebrated its 100th episode entitled "The Physical"

In the Opener:

With Denise returning to college for her sophomore year and Theo moving into on-campus accommodations, Cliff and Clair's goal of zero children living at home by the year 2000 begins to look attainable. But they receive a severe setback when Denise decides to drop out of Hillman and Theo forgets to mail in his check to reserve a dormitory room at NYU. Fearing that their nest will never be emptied, a melancholy Cliff proposes that he and Clair leave the house, let the children have it and, unlike General MacArthur, never return. Lisa Bonet appears as Denise.

and in the 100th episode:

Cliff follows up his "lost weekend" food binge with a day of emergency fasting for his annual blood test and physical. Despite his yeoman performance on the treadmill, the results indicate that his overindulgence in hoagies, chocolate soda and strawberry cheesecake must cease. Meanwhile, Denise is not fazed in the least by her firing from the record company. She picks herself up, dustsherself off, orders a large cheese pie – and then gets hired on as a waitress in the pizza parlor!

Lisa Bonet appears as Denise and it Featured a Guest appearance by John Amos of TV's Good Times and Roots Fame as Dr. Bradley Herbert, Jr. and it also featured Sari Chang better known as China Girl who also starred in the film King of New York and the 1995 remake of Flipper as the nurse

Note: John Amos worked w/Mr. Cosby on the set of the film "Let's Do It Again" which features Cosby's Longtime Close Friend Sidney Poitier and John Amos' Co-Star from Good Times Jimmie "JJ" Walker

The Cosby Show was once again the #1 show on Prime Time Television for the 4th Consecutive Season

In fact, 3 of the show from Carsey-Werner were the Top 3 Shows of the Season

The Cosby Show was #1, Roseanne which debut that season was #2 and The Cosby Show spin-off A Different World was #3

also, during the 88/89 Season

NBC was still the #1 Network on Prime Time Television with abc @ #2 and CBS @ #3

60 Minutes and Murder She Wrote which ran back to back on CBS Sunday Nights were the 2 highest rated shows on CBS with Murder She Wrote still being the #1 drama on Prime Time Television for the 4th consecutive season

HUNTER was also in its 5th Season and was in the Top 20 while Miami Vice and Highway to Heaven were in their 5th and Final Season, plus Family Ties was in its 7th and Final Season on NBC and Empty Nest The Spin-off of The Golden Girls Debuts on NBC and becomes a Top 10 Hit

also, Roseanne, Who's the Boss?, Anything But Love, Growing Pains and Head of the Class were the 5 Highest Rated Sitcoms on abc

CBS Saturday Mornings became known as Saturday ROCKS while Saved by the Bell Debut as Good Morning, Miss Bliss for The Disney Channel

Plus, Lori Loughlin joins the cast of Full House and the show got HUGE Ratings rising from #70 and cracks the Top 40 and it would stay in the Top 40 for 7 straight seasons

and now, here it is:

The Cosby Show in its 5th Season

Check it out!

The Opening to The Cosby Show Season 5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbVVsP0uins

and here are some moments:

"Together Again and Again" - The 1st Episode of the 5th Season
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfVwOfQCP5E

"The Physical" - The 100th Episode of The Cosby Show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gM1z-W5dlg

Malcolm-Jamal Warner On The One 'Cosby Show' Theme He Didn't Like And More on Katie
http://www.katiecouric.com/on-the-sh...d-heartthrobs/

[Zoneboy]

Originally Posted by tnawcwvictoriafa

During a recent interview with Katie Couric, Malcolm-Jamal Warner who played Cosby's only son Theo Huxtable stated that his least favorite opener was the 5th Season.

Agreed, I can't stand this opening.

[ThomasE]

Originally Posted by tnawcwvictoriafa

Hey guys,

25 years ago this fall;

The Cosby Show was back once again for a 5th consecutive season and the theme was once again changed to a more symphony orchestra theme


There is no closing theme version of this orchestration of the theme, instead a funk/jazz version of the theme was used as the closing theme this season


With Denise returning to college for her sophomore year and Theo moving into on-campus accommodations, Cliff and Clair's goal of zero children living at home by the year 2000 begins to look attainable. But they receive a severe setback when Denise decides to drop out of Hillman and Theo forgets to mail in his check to reserve a dormitory room at NYU. heartthrob/[/url]

Actually, the information about there being no closing for the orchestration theme is false. There was one that was used for the end of episodes and the last time it was used was after Sondra gave birth to the twins. The next episode used the updated jazzy theme. That was the ep when Rudy did chores around the house for money to buy her mother a birthday gift. I have the first run eps from 1988 from NBC for proof. As a youngster, I took note of the change in the closing.

Regarding Denise, when she was on A Different World, she was already in her sophomore year as she left for college during season three of TCS. With this particular season five being reviewed, Denise was set to begin her Junior year at Hillman.

I just wanted to make those points clear. I know its not so much the OP's error but the source probably missed the pieces of trivia so no harm done.

[TVFactFan]

Originally Posted by tnawcwvictoriafa

Hey guys,

25 years ago this fall;

The Cosby Show was back once again for a 5th consecutive season and the theme was once again changed to a more symphony orchestra theme

Here's a summary:

Season 5 comprises 26 episodes

Bill Cosby and Phylicia Rashad appear in all episodes

Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Keshia Knight Pulliam were both absent for one episode

Tempestt Bledsoe was absent for three episodes

Geoffrey Owens was absent for eighteen episodes

Sabrina LeBeauf was absent for nineteen episodes

The opening sequence in this season features the cast dancing on a veranda in Caribbean-style clothing, to music written by James DePreist, and performed by the Oregon Symphony Orchestra

This opening credit sequence is the only one during the series' entire run that featured the whole cast dancing together and it was choreographed by Geoffrey Holder best known for as a spokesperson for 7-UP Soda and for his role in the James Bond Film "Live and Let Die" which debut 40 years ago and the 1st James Bond Film Starring Roger Moore as Secret Agent 007, Yaphet Kotto of Homicide: Life on the Streets as the villain Mr. Big and Introducing Jayne Seymour later of Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman as Solitaire

There is only one version of the theme used for this season, much like in season 4

There is no closing theme version of this orchestration of the theme, instead a funk/jazz version of the theme was used as the closing theme this season

The closed captioning this season is said to be made possible by MetLife and the NBC Television Network

During a recent interview with Katie Couric, Malcolm-Jamal Warner who played Cosby's only son Theo Huxtable stated that he his least favorite opener was the 5th Season

This is what he stated to Couric:

"We had a lot of fun doing it and all of them were fun except the one I think with the Caribbean theme," he said with a laugh, noting the Season 5 opener below.

The 1st Episode of the 5th Season was entitled "Together Again and Again" which debut on October 6, 1988

1 week later, the series celebrated its 100th episode entitled "The Physical"

In the Opener:

With Denise returning to college for her sophomore year and Theo moving into on-campus accommodations, Cliff and Clair's goal of zero children living at home by the year 2000 begins to look attainable. But they receive a severe setback when Denise decides to drop out of Hillman and Theo forgets to mail in his check to reserve a dormitory room at NYU. Fearing that their nest will never be emptied, a melancholy Cliff proposes that he and Clair leave the house, let the children have it and, unlike General MacArthur, never return. Lisa Bonet appears as Denise.

and in the 100th episode:

Cliff follows up his "lost weekend" food binge with a day of emergency fasting for his annual blood test and physical. Despite his yeoman performance on the treadmill, the results indicate that his overindulgence in hoagies, chocolate soda and strawberry cheesecake must cease. Meanwhile, Denise is not fazed in the least by her firing from the record company. She picks herself up, dustsherself off, orders a large cheese pie – and then gets hired on as a waitress in the pizza parlor!

Lisa Bonet appears as Denise and it Featured a Guest appearance by John Amos of TV's Good Times and Roots Fame as Dr. Bradley Herbert, Jr.

Note: John Amos worked w/Mr. Cosby on the set of the film "Let's Do It Again" which features Cosby's Longtime Close Friend Sidney Poitier and John Amos' Co-Star from Good Times Jimmie "JJ" Walker

The Cosby Show was once again the #1 show on Prime Time Television for the 4th Consecutive Season

In fact, 3 of the show from Carsey-Werner were the Top 3 Shows of the Season

The Cosby Show was #1, Roseanne which debut that season was #2 and The Cosby Show spin-off A Different World was #3

also, during the 88/89 Season

NBC was still the #1 Network on Prime Time Television with abc @ #2 and CBS @ #3

60 Minutes and Murder She Wrote were the 2 highest rated shows on CBS with Murder She Wrote still being the highest rated drama on Prime Time Television

HUNTER was also in its 5th Season and was in the Top 20 while Miami Vice and Highway to Heaven were in their 5th and Final Season while Empty Nest The Spin-off of The Golden Girls Debut on NBC and became a Top 10 Hit

also, Roseanne, Who's the Boss?, Anything But Love, Growing Pains and Head of the Class were the 5 Highest Rated Sitcoms on abc

CBS Saturday Mornings became known as Saturday ROCKS while Saved by the Bell Debut as Good Morning, Miss Bliss for The Disney Channel

Family Ties also began its Final Season as well

and now, here it is:

The Cosby Show in its 5th Season

Check it out!

The Opening to The Cosby Show Season 5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbVVsP0uins

and here are some moments:

"Together Again and Again" - The 1st Episode of the 5th Season
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evEtU93TNCw

"The Physical" - The 100th Episode of The Cosby Show
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH8yj0XS15I

"The Birth" - a 2 Part Episode
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vU1cKxOK_tE

"If the Dress Fits, Wear It" - Debbie Allen Guest Stars
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apQDPjhlFYc

"Cliff Babysits"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4D3kxJFHBdI

"57 Varieties" - The Final Episode of the 6th Season
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOD1ErzGKNg

Malcolm-Jamal Warner On The One 'Cosby Show' Theme He Didn't Like And More on Katie
http://www.katiecouric.com/on-the-sh...d-heartthrobs/

Yes I have to agree, season 5 opening was the worst out of all.

My favorite was the one with Elvin getting down lol I think it season 7

[ThomasE]

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

Yes I have to agree, season 5 opening was the worst out of all.

My favorite was the one with Elvin getting down lol I think it season 7

Was is the season six Junior Walker Saxaphone/Apollo opening or the season seven/eight street-hip hop opening?

[TVFactFan]

Originally Posted by ThomasE

Was is the season six Junior Walker Saxaphone/Apollo opening or the season seven/eight street-hip hop opening?

Ok it was season 6 lol

[simmytbone]

Originally Posted by ThomasE

Actually, the information about there being no closing for the orchestration theme is false. There was one that was used for the end of episodes and the last time it was used was after Sondra gave birth to the twins. The next episode used the updated jazzy theme. That was the ep when Rudy did chores around the house for money to buy her mother a birthday gift. I have the first run eps from 1988 from NBC for proof. As a youngster, I took note of the change in the closing.

Regarding Denise, when she was on A Different World, she was already in her sophomore year as she left for college during season three of TCS. With this particular season five being reviewed, Denise was set to begin her Junior year at Hillman.

I just wanted to make those points clear. I know its not so much the OP's error but the source probably missed the pieces of trivia so no harm done.

Thanks for the correction my brother and yes, no harm done

[ThomasE]

Originally Posted by tnawcwvictoriafa

Thanks for the correction my brother and yes, no harm done

You're welcome, my brother. All is to the good.

[ladybug1980]

I kind of like Season 5 opening. It's not my favorite though. I like Season 6 and 7 openings the best. The only thing I can say about the Season 5 opening that I don't like is Vanessa's hair. I actually think Season 4's opening is weak, but that's me. But I think that's where Phylicia Rashad is the most beautiful in it. LOL.

[simmytbone]

Originally Posted by ladybug1980

I kind of like Season 5 opening. It's not my favorite though. I like Season 6 and 7 openings the best. The only thing I can say about the Season 5 opening that I don't like is Vanessa's hair. I actually think Season 4's opening is weak, but that's me. But I think that's where Phylicia Rashad is the most beautiful in it. LOL.

Personally, I like Season 2 opening the best as it sound more pop and Season 1 is a close 2nd and it was more feel good music and good to exercise, IMO lol

Now, Season 3 was more like Samba Dance Music, Season 4 Theme was composed by Bobby McFerrin who is best known for his 1988 #1 Pop Single "Don't Worry, Be Happy"

He also did the theme to the short-lived NBC Drama The Bronx Zoo a series Created By the late Gary David Goldberg Creator of Family Ties, Day By Day, Brooklyn Bridge, Sara and Spin City and starred Ed Asner better known as Lou Grant

Season 6 & 7 does sound more like Jr. Walker and the All-Stars' Big Hit "Shotgun"

and following the success of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Season 8 was more like Hip Hop since the early 90's saw Big Rappers rise from Will Smith to MC Hammer to Vanilla Ice to Marky Mark Wahlberg to Young MC to Salt 'N' Pepa to Queen Latifah

Now, I like Season 5 and I don't think the theme was all that bad, but I guess Mr. Cosby couldn't come up with other bright ideas for the opening, IMO

But also, the spin-off A Different World also saw the opening change from the Phoebe Snow Theme to a more familiar theme that would be used for the next 4 seasons performed by The Queen of Soul Herself Aretha Franklin