The Cosby Show: Season 3
Season 3 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Picks up essential narrative continuity directly following the events of The Cosby Show Season 2.
- Character alliances, factions, and personal loyalties undergo significant shifts under escalating stakes.
- Addresses unresolved cliffhangers and thematic mysteries introduced during previous seasons.
- Establishes the primary seasonal conflict that drives serialized character arcs toward the finale.
Episode Guide
Season 3 Progress Shield
Bring 'em Back Alive
Sep 25, 1986 · 22 min
The Huxtable house is thrown into chaos after Rudy finds a snake in the basement.
Food for Thought
Oct 2, 1986 · 22 min
Clair challenges Cliff to not eat any salty food for the day. Denise leaves for her freshman year at Hillman College.
Golden Anniversary
Oct 9, 1986 · 22 min
Russell 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".
Man Talk
Oct 16, 1986 · 22 min
Although he has a steady girlfriend, Theo wants to start dating someone else.
Mother, May I?
Oct 23, 1986 · 22 min
After Clair specifically forbids her from wearing make-up, Vanessa, behind her mother’s back, does it anyways.
The March
Oct 30, 1986 · 22 min
Theo 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 h
Theo's Flight
Nov 6, 1986 · 22 min
Theo 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.
Vanessa's Rich
Nov 13, 1986 · 22 min
Friends call Vanessa a stuck-up, rich girl at school.
Denise Gets a D
Nov 20, 1986 · 22 min
Denise's college career starts with a D, but Denise is too scared to show her parents. Clair needs to rest in bed because of a pinched nerve.
A Girl and Her Dog
Dec 4, 1986 · 22 min
Rudy and Peter find a dog and attempt to take care of it without her parents knowing.
War Stories
Dec 11, 1986 · 22 min
Cliff and his father's friends play a challenging game of cards. Vanessa prepares to go to a skating party with a nervous date, Tyrone.
Monster Man Huxtable
Jan 8, 1987 · 22 min
Although, Elvin and Sondra have made plans for the weekend, he helps Theo with some wrestling moves. He also reveals that he is thinking of asking Sondra to marry him.
Rudy Spends the Night
Jan 15, 1987 · 22 min
Cliff establishes the Huxtable Men's Club, when the women are away, to help Theo recover from his sadness over a lost date. Vanessa is very excited that big sister Denise is lettin
Say Hello to a Good Buy
Jan 22, 1987 · 22 min
Cliff buys a new car. Rudy cuts some animal pictures out of Cliff's expensive books for school. Watched by almost 65 million viewers when it originally aired, "Say Hello to a Good
Denise Gets an Opinion
Feb 5, 1987 · 22 min
Denise has a blind date, but is really scared. So, she asks Theo to grade him for her.
Calling Doctor Huxtable
Feb 12, 1987 · 22 min
Cliff is called to the hospital for 3 deliveries.
You Only Hurt the One You Love
Feb 19, 1987 · 22 min
Rudy gets hurt from Theo's rough games. Also, Cliff learns that the woman who cleans up the Doctor's Lounge at the hospital (Rita Moreno) has been fired.
The Shower
Feb 26, 1987 · 22 min
Denise holds a bridal shower for her pregnant, bride-to-be friend, Veronica, but finds out some disturbing information.
Cliff's 50th Birthday
Mar 12, 1987 · 22 min
Cliff's 50th birthday has all kinds of surprises.
I Know That You Know
Mar 19, 1987 · 22 min
When 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.
Andalusian Flu
Apr 2, 1987 · 22 min
While Cliff and Clair have the flu, Theo tries to keep the house going.
Bald and Beautiful
Apr 9, 1987 · 22 min
Cliff's Navy friend comes to visit. Cockroach shaves his head to be in a rock video.
Planning Parenthood
Apr 30, 1987 · 22 min
Clair's sister decides she wants to be a mother. Cliff takes Rudy and her friends out to eat at a fancy restaurant.
Hillman
May 7, 1987 · 22 min
The Huxtable family goes to Hillman College to attend a ceremony in honor of its president's retirement.