Browse episode ratings trends for The Bill Cosby Show. Simply click on the interactive rating graph to explore the best and worst of The Bill Cosby Show's 52 episodes.
Best Episodes of The Bill Cosby Show
Tobacco Road
S2 Ep20
10.0
7th Feb 1971
Chet aids a fellow teacher from the high school who's trying to quit smoking. Herb Edelman guest stars as Mr. Maher, the teacher who's trying to kick the habit.
The Generation Gap
S2 Ep19
10.0
31st Jan 1971
Chet's mother is going out of town, so Chet's father comes to stay with him while she is away. As they spend time together, they discover that things have changed and they don't have as much in common anymore.
Goodbye Cruel World
S1 Ep20
10.0
8th Feb 1970
Wally Cox guest stars in this episode as a shy man lacking in self confidence. With Chet's help, he builds up the nerve to ask a woman out on a date. She rejects him, and he wants to commit suicide. Chet helps to restore the man's confidence and self esteem.
The Worst Crook That Ever Lived
S1 Ep18
10.0
25th Jan 1970
Chet is asked to help straighten out Raymond, a youngster who has a penchant for stealing. In an effort to keep Raymond out of trouble, Chet finds a spot for him on his little league baseball team. But Raymond steals the money that Chet had saved up which was intended to buy uniforms for the team. In the end, Raymond realizes what he did was wrong and returns the money to Chet.
The Saturday Game
S2 Ep26
9.0
21st Mar 1971
A young Jewish boy joins Chet's little league baseball team. Saturday is the day of the big game, and the boy is forced to decide between playing in the game, or sitting out due to his religious beliefs, Saturday being the Jewish sabbath.
The Long Road Back
S2 Ep25
9.0
14th Mar 1971
John Marley guest stars in this episode as a wealthy, eccentric man who wants to relive his childhood. He seeks Chet's help to have his wish come true.
The Green-Eyed Monster
S2 Ep24
9.0
7th Mar 1971
A male student from the high school seeks Chet's advice regarding love and jealousy. As it turns out, Chet could use a lesson or two himself and does not seem to practice what he preaches.
Power of the Trees
S2 Ep23
9.0
28th Feb 1971
Elsa Lanchester guest stars as an eccentric woman who recruits Chet to help save a tree from being cut down at a construction site.
A Dirty Business
S2 Ep21
9.0
14th Feb 1971
Chet is at odds with a student at the high school who wants to be a spy. Because the student is a fast runner, Chet wants him to join up with the school's track team. But the student wants no part of it, preferring to remain out of the spotlight.
Teacher of the Year
S2 Ep14
9.0
27th Dec 1970
Upon winning the award for Teacher of the Year, Chet has a difficult time convincing the other teachers to attend the banquet where he will receive the award.
March of the Antelopes
S2 Ep9
9.0
8th Nov 1970
Chet is in charge of a group of youngsters and is supposed to take them on an overnight camping trip. They set out to their destination, but mishaps occur, and they end up staying over at Chet's apartment.
The Artist
S2 Ep8
9.0
1st Nov 1970
Chet helps out a talented youngster who wants to become an artist. Chet disputes however, when the youngster chooses Chet as subject matter for his painting which will be on display at the art fair.
There Must Be a Party
S2 Ep4
9.0
4th Oct 1970
A female student at the high school is convinced she is destined to be an actress and is certain she will win an acting contest she has entered. Chet then tells her about the time he missed his own surprise birthday party to try and teach her a lesson about anticipation and being overconfident.
Worst Episodes of The Bill Cosby Show
The Substitute
S1 Ep9
5.5
16th Nov 1969
Chet starts dating a substitute teacher from the high school, and has difficulty finding time to spend alone with her.
A Word from Our Sponsor
S1 Ep12
5.7
7th Dec 1969
A chance encounter on the street leads Chet to try out, and eventually to get hired, for a job playing an athletic coach in a breakfast cereal television commercial. Chet discovers, however, that shooting 30 seconds of film isn't as simple as it appears when the final product is seen on television.
The Fatal Phone Call
S1 Ep1
6.0
14th Sep 1969
While out jogging, Chet hears the telephone ringing inside a phone booth. He hesitates, but decides to answer. As a result, Chet ends up getting involved in a dispute between an auto mechanic and his wife. In an interesting twist, a case of mistaken identity in which Chet is involved brings this episode to a close. Vic Tayback guest stars as Calvin the mechanic.
How You Play the Game
S1 Ep23
6.0
8th Mar 1970
Chet is in the running for the city handball championship. He defeats his semi-final opponent, using psychological tactics. In the final match however, Chet has the tables turned on him and loses the match while being psyched out by his opponent. By losing, Chet teaches a player on the high school football team a lesson in good sportsmanship.
Going the Route
S1 Ep11
6.3
30th Nov 1969
Chet's nephew is in bed with a cold. Chet is asked and agrees to substitute for his nephew in the morning paper route.
To Kincaid, with Love
S1 Ep7
6.5
2nd Nov 1969
Chet is receiving attention from a female student of the high school. He thinks she has a crush on him, but the girl is actually trying to set Chet up with her mother.
The Killer Instinct
S1 Ep8
6.5
9th Nov 1969
Chet is having problems with a proud father who insists that his son make the high school football team. Trouble is, the kid just doesn't have what it takes and is not cut out to play football.
Brotherly Love
S1 Ep10
6.8
23rd Nov 1969
Chet's brother Brian moves in with Chet after having an argument with his wife. Brian spoils Chet's plans for the evening, then hilarity ensues when they attempt to sleep in the same bed together.
Lullaby and Goodnight
S1 Ep2
7.0
21st Sep 1969
Chet is having difficulty sleeping at night, due to the new neighbor across the street who's dog won't stop barking.
A Christmas Ballad
S1 Ep13
7.0
21st Dec 1969
Chet helps a down on his luck old timer capture the spirit of Christmas. Rex Ingram guest stars.
The Elevator Doesn't Stop Here Anymore
S1 Ep16
7.0
11th Jan 1970
Chet gets stuck inside an elevator at the high school along with one other faculty member and the school's cleaning lady. They entertain each other until help arrives. Henry Fonda and Elsa Lanchester guest star in this episode.
Driven to Distraction
S1 Ep21
7.0
15th Feb 1970
Drivers ed instructor Chet tries to teach a nervous student how to drive. Very funny episode.
The Blind Date
S1 Ep22
7.0
1st Mar 1970
Chet reluctantly agrees to go on a blind date, and ends up falling in love. Cicely Tyson guest stars as Chet's love interest.
The Bill Cosby Show Episode Guide
The Fatal Phone Call
S1 Ep1
6.0
14th Sep 1969
While out jogging, Chet hears the telephone ringing inside a phone booth. He hesitates, but decides to answer. As a result, Chet ends up getting involved in a dispute between an auto mechanic and his wife. In an interesting twist, a case of mistaken identity in which Chet is involved brings this episode to a close. Vic Tayback guest stars as Calvin the mechanic.
Lullaby and Goodnight
S1 Ep2
7.0
21st Sep 1969
Chet is having difficulty sleeping at night, due to the new neighbor across the street who's dog won't stop barking.
The Best Hook Shot in the World
S1 Ep3
7.7
28th Sep 1969
A short, but talented youngster with an unusual hook shot is determined to make the Holmes High School basketball team, where Chet is coach. He makes the team, after defeating Chet in a game of one on one. It's the day of the big game, Chet and the team pin their hopes on the little guy and his hook shot to win the game.
A Girl Named Punkin
S1 Ep4
8.5
5th Oct 1969
Chet does volunteer work for the local community center, a place for underpriviledged children. He is having problems with Punkin, a young girl who is unresponsive and stays to herself. Chet eventually breaks through, and Punkin comes around. A touching scene where Chet tells Punkin a bedtime story and teaches her a lesson in love and caring at the same time is the high point of this episode.
Rules is Rules
S1 Ep5
8.0
12th Oct 1969
Chet goes to great lengths to obtain a valve needle which he needs in order to inflate basketballs for his gym class.
Let X Equal a Lousy Weekend
S1 Ep6
8.5
26th Oct 1969
When Chet is forced to fill in as a substitute algebra teacher, he comes across a word problem that he is unable to solve for the class. So, he spends most of his weekend trying to find the solution.
To Kincaid, with Love
S1 Ep7
6.5
2nd Nov 1969
Chet is receiving attention from a female student of the high school. He thinks she has a crush on him, but the girl is actually trying to set Chet up with her mother.
The Killer Instinct
S1 Ep8
6.5
9th Nov 1969
Chet is having problems with a proud father who insists that his son make the high school football team. Trouble is, the kid just doesn't have what it takes and is not cut out to play football.
The Substitute
S1 Ep9
5.5
16th Nov 1969
Chet starts dating a substitute teacher from the high school, and has difficulty finding time to spend alone with her.
Brotherly Love
S1 Ep10
6.8
23rd Nov 1969
Chet's brother Brian moves in with Chet after having an argument with his wife. Brian spoils Chet's plans for the evening, then hilarity ensues when they attempt to sleep in the same bed together.
Going the Route
S1 Ep11
6.3
30th Nov 1969
Chet's nephew is in bed with a cold. Chet is asked and agrees to substitute for his nephew in the morning paper route.
A Word from Our Sponsor
S1 Ep12
5.7
7th Dec 1969
A chance encounter on the street leads Chet to try out, and eventually to get hired, for a job playing an athletic coach in a breakfast cereal television commercial. Chet discovers, however, that shooting 30 seconds of film isn't as simple as it appears when the final product is seen on television.
A Christmas Ballad
S1 Ep13
7.0
21st Dec 1969
Chet helps a down on his luck old timer capture the spirit of Christmas. Rex Ingram guest stars.
Home Remedy
S1 Ep14
8.0
28th Dec 1969
Chet is home with a cold, and is unable to rest because all his relatives come over offering their cure-alls and remedies.
Growing Growing Grown
S1 Ep15
9.0
4th Jan 1970
Chet is asked to chaperone at a high school dance. Chet's car is not available, he ends up borrowing his brothers garbage truck to drive his date to the dance. At the dance, Chet teaches one student a lesson in the importance of physical appearance.
The Elevator Doesn't Stop Here Anymore
S1 Ep16
7.0
11th Jan 1970
Chet gets stuck inside an elevator at the high school along with one other faculty member and the school's cleaning lady. They entertain each other until help arrives. Henry Fonda and Elsa Lanchester guest star in this episode.
Lover's Quarrel
S1 Ep17
8.5
18th Jan 1970
Chet tries to get his ever arguing aunt and uncle to stop fighting and treat each other with kindness and respect. Veteran actors Mantan Moreland and Jackie ""Moms"" Mabley guest star and give classic performances as the bickering old couple.
The Worst Crook That Ever Lived
S1 Ep18
10.0
25th Jan 1970
Chet is asked to help straighten out Raymond, a youngster who has a penchant for stealing. In an effort to keep Raymond out of trouble, Chet finds a spot for him on his little league baseball team. But Raymond steals the money that Chet had saved up which was intended to buy uniforms for the team. In the end, Raymond realizes what he did was wrong and returns the money to Chet.
The Gumball Incident
S1 Ep19
8.0
1st Feb 1970
Chet is wrongfully accused and arrested for breaking a gumball machine. Tom Bosley guest stars as Cookie Maharg.
Goodbye Cruel World
S1 Ep20
10.0
8th Feb 1970
Wally Cox guest stars in this episode as a shy man lacking in self confidence. With Chet's help, he builds up the nerve to ask a woman out on a date. She rejects him, and he wants to commit suicide. Chet helps to restore the man's confidence and self esteem.
Driven to Distraction
S1 Ep21
7.0
15th Feb 1970
Drivers ed instructor Chet tries to teach a nervous student how to drive. Very funny episode.
The Blind Date
S1 Ep22
7.0
1st Mar 1970
Chet reluctantly agrees to go on a blind date, and ends up falling in love. Cicely Tyson guest stars as Chet's love interest.
How You Play the Game
S1 Ep23
6.0
8th Mar 1970
Chet is in the running for the city handball championship. He defeats his semi-final opponent, using psychological tactics. In the final match however, Chet has the tables turned on him and loses the match while being psyched out by his opponent. By losing, Chet teaches a player on the high school football team a lesson in good sportsmanship.
The Return of Big, Bad, Bubba Bronson
S1 Ep24
7.0
22nd Mar 1970
Big Bronson, an old high school classmate of Chet's, is coming to town for a visit. Chet recalls having a past dispute with Bronson, and fears revenge. Chet meets ex prize fighter Hurricane Smith, and asks for some boxing lessons to prepare himself for Bronson's arrival. Lou Gossett guest stars as Hurricane Smith, Don Pedro Colley guest stars as Big Bronson.
This Mouth Is Rated X
S1 Ep25
29th Mar 1970
Chet is unsure how to handle one of his basketball players who is constantly letting profanities slip out of his mouth.
Really Cool
S1 Ep26
5th Apr 1970
Chet is asked to tell a few stories about his life for a forthcoming article in the Holmes High School newspaper.
The Bill Cosby Show is an American situation comedy that aired for two seasons on NBC's Sunday night schedule from 1969 until 1971, under the sponsorship of Procter & Gamble. There were 52 episodes made in the series. It marked Bill Cosby's first solo foray in television, after his co-starring role with Robert Culp in I Spy. The series also marked the first time an African American starred in his or her own eponymous comedy series.
The best rated episodes of The Bill Cosby Show are:
Tobacco Road S2E20 rated 10.0
The Generation Gap S2E19 rated 10.0
Goodbye Cruel World S1E20 rated 10.0
The Worst Crook That Ever Lived S1E18 rated 10.0
The Saturday Game S2E26 rated 9.0
The Long Road Back S2E25 rated 9.0
The Green-Eyed Monster S2E24 rated 9.0
Power of the Trees S2E23 rated 9.0
A Dirty Business S2E21 rated 9.0
Teacher of the Year S2E14 rated 9.0
The lowest rated episodes of The Bill Cosby Show are:
The Substitute S1E9 rated 5.5
A Word from Our Sponsor S1E12 rated 5.7
The Fatal Phone Call S1E1 rated 6.0
How You Play the Game S1E23 rated 6.0
Going the Route S1E11 rated 6.3
To Kincaid, with Love S1E7 rated 6.5
The Killer Instinct S1E8 rated 6.5
Brotherly Love S1E10 rated 6.8
Lullaby and Goodnight S1E2 rated 7.0
A Christmas Ballad S1E13 rated 7.0
The first episode of The Bill Cosby Show aired on September 14, 1969.
The last episode of The Bill Cosby Show aired on March 21, 1971.
