A Very Special Episode...

[Y&RWorldTurner]

The ironic thing is during the 1990-1991 and 1991-1992 seasons, ADW was actually higher rated The Cost Show in the yearly Nielsen ratings.

[Khan]

That isn't surprising. For many viewers, I think, the introduction of Raven-Symone as Olivia was the true breaking point. Add to that a small writing staff that had run out of fresh ideas, as well as a general sense of malaise amongst the rest of the cast (after awhile, it seemed everyone just stopped acting altogether and watched Bill Cosby be goofy), and you have a series on a serious, slow decline.

[Bright Eyes]

She's the reason I never want children. Or, at least, the original one.

[Eric83]

I remember seeing a JET Article from like 1991 and it had ADW ranked as the most watched show amongst African Americans and TheCosby Show was at the bottom half of top 10, maybe that's what made the difference?

But The Cosby Show sucked especially when they brought in Pam, the "hood cousin". I hate the two parter episode they gave her about having sex with her boyfriend. The only good thing about her was Charmaine and Lance (who I loved)

[Y&RWorldTurner]

Olivia and cousin Pam (Erica Alexander) were the absolute worst things to ever happen to that show.

It retrospect, it was a show that probably should have never lingered into the 90's.

[Soapsuds]

I hated Pam too...I dont know why she was brought in...and I floved Olibia...leave her alone..lol

[Khan]

That reminds me of when I was in high school and read this book that had, among other things, the ten most watched series among AA's for a particular season (forget which one). And do you know what outranked TCS and ADW, along with a few, other high profile series starring AA's? KNOTS LANDING. A nighttime soap opera that had, at most, three black actors among its regular cast during its entire, 14-year run, with none of 'em lasting more than a few seasons; and it had more AA viewers than "Amen," a show that was wall-to-wall bruthas and sistas. Shows to go you, doesn't it?

[Khan]

Years and years and years ago, I read an article or interview with Bill Cosby, who stated he might have ended his show much sooner, except he wanted to give the younger actors a platform on which to launch their careers. That's why episodes in the last 2-3 seasons tended to include minimal involvement from him and even Phylicia Rashad.

[VirginiaHamilton]

I did, precisely because I didn't find the new class (save for Gina) to be likable at all. The storylines that I thought the old-schoolers would've carried on with personality and heart just didn't exist in the new class (save for Gina).

[DRW50]

Karen: That's because I fought for what was good, and right! Did I ever tell you about the march...

Abby: Oh shut up, Karen.

[SFK]

Yes, Tom Hanks played an alcoholic. I haven't seen that episode since the '80s, but the one thing that really stuck with me is him swigging down a bottle of vanilla extract for its alcohol content.

[SFK]

I was thinking about this one last night! This and the episode where Joey shoots Nell in the foot!

God, I miss Nell Carter. I really loved that show.

[DRW50]

Wasn't there one where Alex Keaton was hooked on pills?

Speaking of which - how can we forget the best?

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[London]

The meme and gif for that never gets old on ONTD

[quartermainefan]

I never saw ADW but The Jeffersons was a great show, and they were great on All In The Family too.