Season 3Public facts
Researching from public sources…
Explore further
Smart links across the graph — keep clicking to get lost in the universe.
Episodes
Bring 'em Back AliveBring 'em Back AliveOpen episodeThe Huxtable house is thrown into chaos after Rudy finds a snake in the basement.
Food for ThoughtFood for ThoughtOpen episodeClair challenges Cliff to not eat any salty food for the day. Denise leaves for her freshman year at Hillman College.
Golden AnniversaryGolden AnniversaryOpen episodeRussell and Anna's 50th wedding anniversary. The family performs James Brown's "I Got the Feelin' " in this sequel to Season 2's "Happy Anniversary". Earle Hyman as Russell. Clarice Taylor as Anna. Geoffrey Owens as Elvin. Appearance by Frank Foster and the Count Basie Orchestra. First mention of Rudy's desire to have a husband named "Bud" when she grows up.
Man TalkMan TalkOpen episodeAlthough he has a steady girlfriend, Theo wants to start dating someone else.
Mother, May I?Mother, May I?Open episodeAfter Clair specifically forbids her from wearing make-up, Vanessa, behind her mothers back does it anyways.
The MarchThe MarchOpen episodeTheo writes a report on the March on Washington. But gets a poor grade and is asked to redo his project. Much to his surprise he learns more about the march from his family than he did from books. Meanwhile Vanessa is worried about asking a boy to the turn-around dance. Earle Hyman as Russell. Clarice Taylor as Anna. Joe Williams as Al Hanks. Ethel Ayler as Carrie Hanks.
Theo's FlightTheo's FlightOpen episodeTheo and Cockroach decide they want to learn to fly, but Cliff doesn't want to waste his money on another dream of his son's. Carl Anthony Payne II as Cockroach. First appearance of Deon Richmond as Kenny, a.k.a. "Bud".
Vanessa's RichVanessa's RichOpen episodeFriends call Vanessa a stuck-up rich girl at school. Guest appearance by Essence Atkins.
Denise Gets a DDenise Gets a DOpen episodeDenise's college career starts with a D, but Denise is to scared to show her parents. Clair needs to rest in bed because of a pinched nerve. Rudy portrays "the wind" in a school play. Rosalind Cash as Dr. Hughes (The episode is preceded by a 30-second anti-drug public service announcement featuring Bill Cosby).
A Girl and Her DogA Girl and Her DogOpen episodeRudy and Peter find a dog and attempt to take care of it without her parents knowing. Peter Costa as Peter.
War StoriesWar StoriesOpen episodeCliff and his father's friend play a challenging game of cards. Venesa prepares to go to a skating party with date Robert Forman, soon find a very cute guy will cross her path Earle Hyman as Russell.
Cliff in ChargeCliff in ChargeOpen episodeCliff is in charge when Clair leaves for 10 days.
Monster Man HuxtableMonster Man HuxtableOpen episodeElvin helps Theo with some wrestling moves, although he and Sondra have made plans for the weekend, and reveals that he is thinking of marrying her. Geoffrey Owens as Elvin.
Rudy Spends the NightRudy Spends the NightOpen episodeCliff establishes the Huxtable Men's Club when the women are away to help Theo get over his sadnes of a lost date. Venessa is very excited that big sister Denise is letting her go to the Village with Denise's college friends.
Say Hello to a Good BuySay Hello to a Good BuyOpen episodeCliff buys a new car. Rudy cuts some animal pictures out of Cliff's expensive books for school. Guest appearance by Sinbad, who would later portray Walter Oakes on the Cosby Show spinoff, A Different World. Watched by almost 65 million viewers when it originally aired, "Say Hello to a Good Buy" was the series' highest rated episode.
Denise Gets an OpinionDenise Gets an OpinionOpen episodeDenise has a blind date, but is really scared. So she asks Theo to grade him for her!!!! But this soon leads to a big hilarious mix up.
Calling Doctor HuxtableCalling Doctor HuxtableOpen episodeCliff is called to the hospital for 3 deliveries, Malinda Williams appearance, Patricia Richardson appearance.
You Only Hurt the One You LoveYou Only Hurt the One You LoveOpen episodeRudy gets hurt from Theo's rough games. Rudy cries. Theo gets punished. Clair goes to a doctor and gets the same advice that Cliff gave her. Cliff learns that the woman who cleans up the Doctor's Lounge at the hospital (Rita Moreno) has been fired. Absent: Sabrina Le Beauf as Sondra Huxtable and Lisa Bonet as Denise Huxtable.
The ShowerThe ShowerOpen episodeDenise holds a bridal shower for her pregnant and bride-to-be friend Veronica, but finds out some disturbing information. Absent: Sabrina Le Beauf as Sondra Huxtable, although mentioned.
Cliff's 50th BirthdayCliff's 50th BirthdayOpen episodeCliff's 50th birthday has all kinds of surprises.
I Know That You KnowI Know That You KnowOpen episodeWhen Sondra and Elvin announce their engagement, Clair and the children use the news to play a practical joke on Cliff, who launches a counter-offensive of his own. Geoffrey Owens as Elvin.
Andalusian FluAndalusian FluOpen episodeWhile Cliff and Clair have the flu, Theo tries to keep the house going.
Bald and BeautifulBald and BeautifulOpen episodeCliff's Navy friend comes to visit. Cockroach shaves his head to be in a rock video. Robert Culp (Bill Cosby's co-star from the 1960s TV series I Spy) appears as Scott Kelly.
Planning ParenthoodPlanning ParenthoodOpen episodeClair's sister decides she wants to be a mother. Cliff takes Rudy and her friends out to eat at a fancy restaurant.
HillmanHillmanOpen episodeThe Huxtable family goes to Hillman College to attend a ceremony in honor of its president's retirement. Guest appearance by Joe Seneca. Filmed at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. The episode serves as a backdoor pilot for the spinoff series A Different World, which premieres in the fall of 1987.