January 31, 1994 (1994-01-31) – April 12, 1995 (1995-04-12)
The Cosby Mysteries was a short-lived American mysterydrama television series starring Bill Cosby that aired on NBC from September 21, 1994, to April 12, 1995. 19 episodes were made. It was the first television series to star Cosby since The Cosby Show (which ended in the spring of 1992) and lasted just one season (1994–1995).[1] Actor/rapper Yasiin Bey (also known as Mos Def) appeared in several episodes (sometimes credited as Dante Smith).[2]
His peaceful retirement is frequently interrupted by his former colleagues, Detective Adam Sully (James Naughton) and medical examiner John Chapman (Robert Stanton), who ask him to consult on tough cases. As Hanks uses his wits and his forensics knowledge to solve crimes, he deals with his holistic housekeeper Angie Corea (Rita Moreno) and his girlfriend Barbara Lorenz (Lynn Whitfield).[3]
Production 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 on January 31, 1994, as a two hour movie, and 18 regular episodes began airing on NBC on September 21, 1994 until its cancellation the following year. 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. NBC Entertainment president Warren Littlefield blamed Bill Cosby for not using his personal fame to promote the show.
At the beginning of 1995, creators William Link and David Black were dropped from the production team by NBC.[4]
Critics expressed hope that The Cosby Mysteries would fare better than Cosby's previous two ventures,[5]Here and Now and the game show remake, You Bet Your Life. The Cosby Mysteries has been rerun in the United Kingdom, on digital channel ITV1, and in the United States on A&E, STARZ! Mystery and TV One.
The Cosby Mysteries was shot in New York City by SAH Enterprises.[6]
Cancellation
The Cosby Mysteries only lasted just 19 episodes in one season, and was cancelled permanently in February 1995.[4] On April 12, 1995, The Cosby Mysteries ceased operations for good.
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.[7]
