It turns out that the more than 50 women accusing Bill Cosby of sexually assault haven’t dissuaded Americans from wanting to see his alter ego, Dr. Cliff Huxtable, on the small screen.
“You asked, and we heard you loud and clear, Bouncers. We’re bringing #TheCosbyShow back by popular demand. Tune in December 19th. #TVOurWay,” Bounce TV announced on Twitter.
Cosby famously starred in and produced “The Cosby Show” in the 1980s. He became known as America’s Dad for his portrayal of Huxtable as the country fell in love with the character and his charming family of six.
The show was syndicated in 1988 and various networks showed reruns up until 2014 — when TV Land, Bounce TV and BET all stopped airing the show due to the growing number of sexual assault allegations.
Bounce’s announcement that it was bringing back the once-beloved NBC sitcom, which had eight seasons, got mixed reactions on social media.
“Great! This show had an entire cast that made it wonderful tv,” @caramelcoat8dme tweeted.
“Great to hear. Just becoz they have allegations against Cosby. U don’t have to take it out on every1,” @LuvFourU wrote.
But others weren’t so enthusiastic about the show’s return.
“After electing a Man with multiple Rape allegations President of the United States.. It’s only fair they bring back #TheCosbyShow,” @_ImFreshPrince_ tweeted.
“Sorry would rather not imagine him drugging & raping those women between scenes. Would u air this if he’d raped your daughter,” idkidd wrote.
The 79-year-old actor’s reputation took a severe hit when dozens of women started coming forward and revealing similar stories of being drugged and assaulted by Cosby.
Cosby is currently awaiting a trial in Pennsylvania after he was charged with three separate counts of sexual assault that each carry a minimum jail sentence of 10 years.