The Cosby Show—the groundbreaking sitcom that reshaped television and gave NBC a much-needed boost—turns 30 years old today, marking a milestone for one of the most iconic shows in TV history. From 1984 to 1992, the Huxtables provided a refreshing take on family life, filled with humor, warmth, and, of course, unforgettable moments. But while the show’s humor, characters, and groundbreaking portrayal of a successful Black family made it legendary, one of the most enduring aspects of The Cosby Show was its opening credits sequence.
Minimalist yet powerful, the opening credits were a visual celebration of family dynamics, setting the tone for each episode. Here’s a definitive ranking of every Cosby Show opening credits sequence, from music and dance to Bill Cosby’s legendary mugging.
1. Season Three – The Peak of Perfection
Season three’s opening credits are widely regarded as the height of The Cosby Show’s brilliance. The sequence begins with a close-up of Bill Cosby’s face before he exits the frame, allowing the words “BILL COSBY in THE COSBY SHOW” to appear. The visuals then smoothly transition to Cosby and Phylicia Rashad (Clair Huxtable) appearing together in perfect harmony, symbolizing their equal partnership in both family and life. The salsa-inspired theme song and loose, comedic dance moves perfectly reflect the show’s laid-back, plotless nature, while Cosby’s over-the-top mugging adds to the charm.
Music: 10/10
Dance: 8/10
Cosby Mugging: Unmeasurable by any scale
2. Season Six (and Much of Seven) – A Nod to Motown Magic
As The Cosby Show hit its peak popularity, the season six opening credits brought the energy of the Apollo Theater to the small screen. Featuring lively Motown horns and some of the best choreography in the series, this sequence expertly blends high energy with the show’s classic charm. It might not have had the bold statement of season three, but its all-around excellence makes it a fan favorite.
Music: 9/10
Dance: 9/10
Cosby Mugging: 8/10
3. Season Two – The Classic Beginning
The second season’s opening credits marked the moment The Cosby Show truly found its signature style. The family members cavort in front of a simple grey backdrop, starting with Cosby’s famous mugging. This sequence introduces us to the Huxtable family dynamics and gives us a peek into the relationships between the characters—particularly Theo’s easygoing personality and Denise’s occasionally rebellious streak. While this sequence may have been minimalist compared to later seasons, its simplicity made it memorable.
Music: 6/10
Dance: 7/10
Cosby Mugging: 7/10
4. Season Four – A More Elaborate Family Album
Season four’s credits saw the Huxtable family growing and evolving. With the inclusion of Sondra’s husband, Elvin, and the ever-growing presence of Denise’s character, the sequence shifts from a focus solely on the parents to a fuller family portrait. Cosby’s playful interaction with Lisa Bonet’s character, Denise, further solidified the show’s emphasis on family dynamics. The inclusion of Bobby McFerrin’s music adds a late ’80s flair, though it detracts slightly from the overall feel.
Music: 5/10
Dance: 8/10
Cosby Mugging: 7/10
5. Season One – The Humble Beginnings
Season one’s opening credits featured the Huxtables hanging out in a park, with the family dressed in baseball paraphernalia. While it’s a relatively basic sitcom opening—complete with no dancing or mugging—it’s full of warmth and charm. With only one season under its belt, the show hadn’t yet developed its iconic visual style, but it still gives us an introduction to the characters, especially Cliff and Clair.
Music: 8/10
Dance: N/A
Cosby Mugging: N/A
6. Season Five – A Bold Experiment
Season five’s credits took a dramatic turn, featuring an elaborate Busby Berkeley-inspired routine, complete with a Caribbean theme. The sequence marked a bold attempt to break away from the show’s usual formula, opting for intricate choreography and a surreal nesting doll effect. Though it’s visually striking, the choreography felt disconnected from the show’s usual style. Still, it remains one of the more experimental moments in Cosby Show history.
Music: 7/10
Dance: 4/10
Cosby Mugging: 5/10
7. Season Eight (and Sometimes Seven) – An Uncertain Attempt at Modernization
By the time The Cosby Show reached its final season, the credits had undergone an overhaul in an attempt to keep up with the changing TV landscape. With hip-hop influences and jittery editing, this sequence felt like an awkward attempt to update the show for the ‘90s. While the dancing was decent, it lacked the warmth and charm of earlier seasons. Oddly, Cosby’s exaggerated facial expressions and attempts at dancing gave the sequence an endearing, if somewhat out-of-place, vibe.
Music: 7/10
Dance: 6/10
Cosby Mugging: 5/10
Final Rankings:
- Season Three
- Season Six (and much of Seven)
- Season Two
- Season Four
- Season One
- Season Five
- Season Eight (and sometimes Seven)
The Cosby Show’s opening credits were more than just an introduction to the show—they were a reflection of the series’ core: family, love, and laughter. Whether it was the fun of dancing with the family or Bill Cosby’s signature comedic expressions, the opening sequence was an essential part of the show’s charm. As the series evolved, so too did the credits, but the heart of the family album never changed. Here’s to the unforgettable Huxtables, who gave us a timeless family portrait—one that will forever live on in our hearts.
