How did Bill Cosby gained the title of "America's Dad?"
- Thread starter Samtemdo8
- Start date
Yeah but there's a sort of delicate balance struck in the best of them that keeps the main protagonists likeable even if they're total shits. Black Adder does this amazingly, as does Red Dwarf. But say, Black Books, everyone's just that bit too selfish, too oblivious, too stupid that you wonder why they haven't been murdered yet.
I have seen it as well. I actually did like it somewhat, but TV offering at the time was far more limited than what we have now with recording and streaming and multitude on channels, so it was way easier to be good in comparison.
But for me it was never about a black family. It was always about an American family, if somewhat rich. If offerend a glimpse into the strange American culture. That the family also happened to be black was never recognized as anything paricular relevant.
When i later saw some Fresh Prince, it didn't work for me at all. That show is about clash of American subcultures and requires vievers to have some idea of those ot least know the cliches to understand what is going on. Or even the jokes. And I completely lacked that knowledge. also didn't like any of the characters.
But for me it was never about a black family. It was always about an American family, if somewhat rich. If offerend a glimpse into the strange American culture. That the family also happened to be black was never recognized as anything paricular relevant.
When i later saw some Fresh Prince, it didn't work for me at all. That show is about clash of American subcultures and requires vievers to have some idea of those ot least know the cliches to understand what is going on. Or even the jokes. And I completely lacked that knowledge. also didn't like any of the characters.
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I think Fresh Prince put more of a spotlight on how unusual it was, to FIND affluent black families, anywhere in the US at that time. That the Cosby Show, was something of a statistical anomaly for the average american. I mean the basic premise of it is "What if the Cosby's inner city nephew, came to live with them? " The TV Show.
It's why they kept the running joke of Carlton being "white" and the whole family not being "black enough" for the entire run of the show. FP felt more willing to actually address issues that would be more relevant to the black audiences watching it. Like racism, police profiling, bigotry from within the black community itself, etc. I don't really recall Cosby tackling that as much. Granted I don't honestly remember any of the episodes, so maybe they did. But my memory of the show was it being more just standard, inoffensive slice of life comedy, with the occasional "Very special episode" But mostly there to just let Bill do his standup routines, funny voices, and goofy facial expressions that america loved so much.
Yes, but at the time I had now clue about any of this. And Fresh Prince presumed some some familiariry with those issues. So it didn't work for me.
that's fine, I'm just saying what I saw as the significant difference in the two shows, from my perspective. wasn't saying your take was wrong or anything.
I suggest you give it another watch and get familiar. There was a lot you missed out on.
I mean it's still just a 90's sitcom, so YMMV on how good a quality that is in general. But it had some pretty good moments of both comedy and drama throughout it's run. Usually involving Uncle Phil and Will. Though I recall the college frat issue with Carlton was pretty good too. It had it's moments.
Some of sex and relationship attitudes haven’t aged well - see that episode where Will fakes a wedding to shag his then girlfriend - but it was made in the 90s and written by people who grew up in the 70s and 80s so yeah.
When that show hit though, it was like a haymaker from Ali himself.
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