Classic Television - Prime Time

The New Bill Cosby Show

Original Channel

CBS

Original Run

September 11, 1972 - December 18, 1972

The New Bill Cosby Show is an American variety television series aired in the United States by CBS as part of its 1972-73 lineup.

The New Bill Cosby Show was an attempt to exploit the widespread popularity of Bill Cosby, who had previously starred in an eponymous sitcom and the drama (with comedic undertones) I Spy and who had been responsible for several of the best-selling comedy albums of the 1960s. Cosby's supporting cast was biracial, highlighted by Foster Brooks of "funny-drunk" routine fame and also included performer Lola Falana, who additionally served as the show's announcer, and other persons previously best known as comedy writers, including Ronny Graham and Pat McCormick. Quincy Jones' orchestra provided the music. Ongoing sketches included "The Wife of the Week" and the adventures of "The Dude", a man who was so impossibly cool that nothing whatever could faze him or cause him in any way to lose his composure or coolness.

The opening theme was "Chump Change" by Quincy Jones. It later went on to become the main theme for the CBS game show Now You See It.

The show was met with low ratings, due to competition from ABC's Monday Night Football, and was cancelled after one season.