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.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of The Cosby Show Season 2.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 3 Progress Shield
Bring 'em Back Alive
Sep 25, 1986
The Huxtable house is thrown into chaos after Rudy finds a snake in the basement.
Food for Thought
Oct 2, 1986
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
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". Earle Hyman as Russell. Clari
Man Talk
Oct 16, 1986
Although he has a steady girlfriend, Theo wants to start dating someone else.
Mother, May I?
Oct 23, 1986
After Clair specifically forbids her from wearing make-up, Vanessa, behind her mothers back does it anyways.
The March
Oct 30, 1986
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 he
Theo's Flight
Nov 6, 1986
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. Carl Anthony Payne II as Cockroach. First appearance o
Vanessa's Rich
Nov 13, 1986
Friends call Vanessa a stuck-up rich girl at school. Guest appearance by Essence Atkins.
Denise Gets a D
Nov 20, 1986
Denise'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 pl
A Girl and Her Dog
Dec 4, 1986
Rudy and Peter find a dog and attempt to take care of it without her parents knowing. Peter Costa as Peter.
War Stories
Dec 11, 1986
Cliff 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 Earl
Monster Man Huxtable
Jan 8, 1987
Elvin 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 Night
Jan 15, 1987
Cliff 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
Say Hello to a Good Buy
Jan 22, 1987
Cliff 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 s
Denise Gets an Opinion
Feb 5, 1987
Denise 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 Huxtable
Feb 12, 1987
Cliff is called to the hospital for 3 deliveries, Malinda Williams appearance, Patricia Richardson appearance.
You Only Hurt the One You Love
Feb 19, 1987
Rudy 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
The Shower
Feb 26, 1987
Denise 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 men
I Know That You Know
Mar 19, 1987
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. Geoffrey Owens
Andalusian Flu
Apr 2, 1987
While Cliff and Clair have the flu, Theo tries to keep the house going.
Bald and Beautiful
Apr 9, 1987
Cliff'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 Parenthood
Apr 30, 1987
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
The 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, Georg