The Cosby Mysteries is an American mysterydrama television series that starred Bill Cosby that aired on NBC from January 31, 1994 to April 12, 1995. It is the first television series to star Cosby since The Cosby Show and lasted one season. Actor/rapper Mos Def appeared in several episodes.
Summary
Cosby played Guy Hanks, a New York City Police Departmentcriminalist who retired from the force after winning $44 million in the lottery. His peaceful retirement was frequently interrupted by his former colleagues, Detective Adam Sully and Medical ExaminerJohn Chapman, who ask him to consult on tough cases. As Hanks used his wits and his forensics knowledge to solve crimes, he dealt with his holistic housekeeper Angie and his girlfriend Barbara Lorenz.
History
The show was created by David Black and William Link. Link's previous series included Columbo on NBC and Murder, She Wrote on CBS. Link developed the series at Cosby's request, as Cosby wanted to make an intelligent, character driven mystery series that did not rely on graphic violence. The show began in January 1994 as a two hour movie, and regular episodes began airing on NBC in September. Its NBC premiere ranked 54th among the season's network prime-time series. Executive producer William Link criticized NBC for not effectively advertising the show before its premiere launch. The NBC Entertainment president Warren Littlefield blamed Bill Cosby for not using his personal fame to promote the show. By early 1995, William Link and David Black were casted out of the production team by NBC. Critics expressed hope that The Cosby Mysteries would fare better than Cosby's previous two ventures, Here and Now and the game show remake, You Bet Your Life. The Cosby Mysteries only lasted 18 episodes, as it was cancelled in February 1995. The Cosby Mysteries has been re run inthe United Kingdom on digital channel ITV1, and in the US on A&E, STARZ! Mystery and TV One. The Cosby Mysteries was shot in New York City by SAH Enterprises.
In an episode of The Simpsons, "Guess Who's Coming to Criticize Dinner?", Homer Simpson laments the cancellation of The Cosby Mysteries, saying "That show had limitless possibilities!"
An episode of Saturday Night Live hosted by Patrick Stewart on February 5, 1994, did a parody sketch of The Cosby Mysteries. Adam Sandler played Cosby as a buffoonish character, who rambles on incoherently with dialog full of made up nonsense words.
