The Cosby Mysteries

The Cosby Mysteries is an American mystery drama television series that starred Bill Cosby that aired on NBC from September 21, 1994 to April 12, 1995. It is the first television series to star Cosby since The Cosby Show (which ended in the spring of 1992) and lasted one season (1994–1995).[1] Actor/rapper Mos Def appeared in several episodes (credited as Dante Bezé).[2]

The Cosby Mysteries
GenreMystery
Drama
Created byDavid Black
William Link
Directed byJerry London
StarringBill Cosby
Robert Stanton
James Naughton
Rita Moreno
ComposersCraig Handy, David Weiss
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes19 (18 + pilot)
Production
Running time60 minutes per episode
Production companiesSah Enterprises
Columbia Pictures Television
DistributorSony Pictures Television
Release
Original networkNBC
Original releaseSeptember 21, 1994 (1994-09-21) –
April 12, 1995 (1995-04-12)

Summary

Cosby played Guy Hanks, a New York City Police Department criminalist, 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 (James Naughton) and Medical Examiner John Chapman (Robert Stanton), 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 (Rita Moreno) and his girlfriend Barbara Lorenz (Lynn Whitfield).[3]

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 the beginning of 1995, William Link and David Black were casted out of 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 only lasted 18 episodes, as it was cancelled in February 1995.[4] The Cosby Mysteries has been re run in the 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.[6]

Cast

Episodes
No. Title Directed by Written by Original air date
1"The Lottery Winner Murders"Jerry LondonStory by : David Black & William Link & Ed Zuckerman
Teleplay by : Ed Zuckerman & Edward Tivnan & Alfonse Ruggiero		September 21, 1994 (1994-09-21)
2"Our Lady of Cement"Philip SgricciaStory by : Robert Van Scoyk
Teleplay by : Alfonse Ruggiero		September 28, 1994 (1994-09-28)
3"Self Defense"E.W. SwackhammerEdward TivnanOctober 5, 1994 (1994-10-05)
4"Only You"E.W. SwackhammerSiobhan ByrneOctober 12, 1994 (1994-10-12)
5"One Day at a Time"John WhitesellCharles KippsOctober 19, 1994 (1994-10-19)
6"Home, Street Home"Corey AllenCharles KippsOctober 26, 1994 (1994-10-26)
7"The Fine Art of Murder"Alan J. LeviStory by : Edward Tivnan & William Link
Teleplay by : Edward Tivnan		November 2, 1994 (1994-11-02)
8"Expert Witness"Corey AllenStory by : William Link & Edward Tivnan & Nancy Miller
Teleplay by : Charles Kipps & Siobhan Byrne & Nancy Miller		November 16, 1994 (1994-11-16)
9"Mirror, Mirror"Gwen ArnerStory by : Harold Schechter
Teleplay by : Harold Schechter & Eric Overmyer		November 30, 1994 (1994-11-30)
10"Camouflage"Neema BarnetteEric OvermyerDecember 14, 1994 (1994-12-14)
11"Last Tango"John BowabStory by : Max Eisenberg & Lonon Smith
Teleplay by : Max Eisenberg & Lonon Smith & Edward Tivnan		January 4, 1995 (1995-01-04)
12"Comic Book Murder"Lou AntonioStory by : Kenneth Cosby & David Black
Teleplay by : Kenneth Cosby & Siobhan Byrne		January 11, 1995 (1995-01-11)
13"Baker's Dozen"Nick HavingaStory by : Jack Richardson
Teleplay by : Charles Kipps & Jack Richardson		February 1, 1995 (1995-02-01)
14"The Hit Parade"Neema BarnetteLee Goldberg & William RabkinMarch 8, 1995 (1995-03-08)
15"Big Brother is Watching"Alan J. LeviTerence WinterMarch 15, 1995 (1995-03-15)
16"The Medium is the Message"Alan J. LeviPaul Robert CoyleMarch 22, 1995 (1995-03-22)
17"Goldilocks"Win PhelpsLee Goldberg & William Rabkin & Terence WinterApril 5, 1995 (1995-04-05)
18"Dial H for Murder"Lou AntonioR.J. StewartApril 12, 1995 (1995-04-12)

References
  1. "The '95 TV Season: Who's Gone? Who's New? Who's Back?". Ebony. 50 (12): 94. 1995. ISSN 0012-9011. Retrieved 2010-01-06.
  2. "The Cosby Mysteries (1994) (TV)". The Internet Movie Database. Retrieved 2010-01-06.
  3. Johnson, Robert E. (1994). "Bill Cosby Begins TV Season With New Mystery Series Co-Starring Lynn Whitfield". JET. 86 (21): 60–63. ISSN 0021-5996. Retrieved 2010-01-06.
  4. Michele Willens (23 February 1995). "Bill Cosby's Show Remains a Mystery : Television: NBC pulled the 'failure-proof' star's drama after it floundered but plans to bring a revised show back in March. Still, some believe if Cosby returns, it should be in a sitcom". Latimes.com. Retrieved 20 April 2020.
  5. Randolph, Laura B. (1994). "Activist-Actor Celebrates 30 Years of Wedded Bliss, Continues Fight Against Black Stereotypes on TV". Ebony. 49 (7): 104. ISSN 0012-9011. Retrieved 2010-01-06.
  6. Julio Martinez (30 June 1994). "The Cosby Mysteries". Variety.com. Retrieved 20 April 2020.
  7. "FuzzyMemories.TV – Saturday Night Live – "The Cosby Mysteries" (1994)". February 5, 1994. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
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