The Cosby Show: Realer than Reality
Entertainment Weekly released its list of the top 100 TV shows from the last twenty five years this week. Surprisingly, Survivor (6) ranked higher than The Cosby Show
(7). This is ridiculous. When I first read it, I thought it was an
elaborate senior… editor prank. Then when I realized it wasn't, my
face became red like the sun on the Japanese flag. And keep in mind,
I’m black. Survivor isn't a classic TV show. And it isn't and will never be better than The Cosby Show.
The Cosby Show instantly brought back the sitcom, broke barriers
for African-Americans, and was consistently funny for eight seasons.
What did Survivor do? Destroyed the sitcom, didn't break any barriers,
and was consistently dull for sixteen seasons. I didn’t even see any
coconut bras. Remember that episode of The Cosby Show when Heathcliff found a bra in Theo’s laundry? Bill Cosby holding up a bra equals classic television.
Survivor is supposed to be a reality show, but it's not. How is
sending sixteen strangers to a remote island and have them go through
absurd challenges to win a large amount of money real? How often does
this happen in real life? Oh, about every six months when a new season
begins. The Cosby Show dealt with relatable issues like
relationships, education and parenting. Remember when Rudy’s fish died,
and they had a funeral, then it turned out that Rudy didn't really
care? That’s classic because a lot of people can relate to a pet dying,
plus there's a great comedic twist. The only people that can relate to
Survivor are past contestants. The list needs be readjusted a bit. The Cosby Show should be in the top four, Survivor, not even on the friends list.
Take a look at the list yourself.
-Reggie Williams
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