It’s Official: The Huxtables Are America’s Favorite TV Family
Ugly sweaters aside, The Huxtables are officially America’s favorite TV family.
According to a YouGov poll published this week, the family that starred on the ‘80s hit “The Cosby Show’’ earned 23 percent of the country’s vote, with “The Simpsons’’ following closely behind with 18 percent.
What draws viewers to the rambunctious family of seven?
Interestingly, the Huxtables are far larger than the typical American household, which is an average 3.34 people, according to a 2011 American Community Survey. So it’s not their size that’s relatable.
Perhaps Americans appreciate that the show might have helped break stereotypes, like FiveThirtyEight writer Mona Chalabi suggests.
Or perhaps fans were just intrigued by the “groundbreaking format’’ of taking a well-established comedian (Bill Cosby) and letting him play dad?
Chalabi also noted that “The Cosby Show’’ has been popular internationally as well.
Chalabi writes, “I was among the enthusiastic foreigners; growing up in the U.K., I would diligently tune in every week.’’
For whatever reason you like tuning into “Cosby’’ reruns, now you can rest assured that you’re not alone.
FUN FACT: Theo Huxtable was actually called “Teddy’’ in the pilot “Cosby’’ episode.
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