‘Cosby’ Repeat Airs in Wake of Tragedy

A repeat of “Cosby” on CBS Monday night--the first episode to air since the shooting death last Thursday of the son of the series’ star, Bill Cosby--attracted more viewers than normal, according to Nielsen figures released Tuesday.

Network executives declined to discuss the ratings jump or their plans for future promotion of the comedy. CBS released a statement saying only, “We are being very sensitive how we handle the promotion and scheduling of the show.”

But Cosby spokesman David Brokaw, speaking for himself and the entertainer, praised CBS for its response to the tragedy. Executives had consulted with Cosby before proceeding with Monday’s broadcast.

The episode scored a 12.7 household rating, 8% higher than what the series has been averaging this season and its best showing since Nov. 4. (Each rating represents 970,000 households.)

The program was bookended by two written tributes to Ennis Cosby. It began with a short message from CBS, saying the network joined “America in mourning the loss of Ennis William Cosby.” At the conclusion, Ennis’ photograph was shown with the words, “My son, my hero.”

Meanwhile, Brokaw confirmed Tuesday that the entertainer plans to return to the New York-based production on Monday. The comedy had been on a scheduled hiatus this week, although the show’s writers continued to work on scripts.

“I don’t think anyone doubted that, in short time, Bill Cosby would be back to work,” Brokaw said. “When people ask why he is returning so soon, he said to say, ‘Because there is no guilt.’ He is proud of Ennis. He was a fine young man, and his life didn’t end in drugs or something sordid or tawdry.”

Brokaw added, “Mr. Cosby told me how he remembered filming a movie, ‘Man and Boy,’ back in 1972, and how an actor on that film lost a son during the shoot. The father took care of the arrangements and went to the funeral, but otherwise did not miss a day of work. There didn’t seem to be anything inappropriate about that.”

He said, “I can’t imagine Bill Cosby not continuing a full slate of activity. He’s an active man; he needs to work. He needs that challenge for excellence. He enjoys staying in touch with the public.”

Eighteen of the season’s scheduled 25 episodes have already been shot. Another repeat will air on Monday, with originals then returning for the February ratings sweeps.

The tone and direction of the show will most likely stay the same, Brokaw said.

“Mr. Cosby and the writers were beginning to have a sense of what the show is about, and they have a sense that they now better understand how to present the characters and the family,” he said. “Everyone is saying that each episode is better than the last one. They are increasingly happy with the scripts, and don’t want to interrupt what feels like a flow.”

Brokaw recalled how Cosby joked around during an appearance on “The Late Show With David Letterman” last fall, and how Letterman told the comedian, “You’re a very funny guy.” Cosby responded, “That’s what I do for a living.”

Brokaw said, “Even in the midst of this tragedy, Bill Cosby has maintained a sense of humor. He’s made me laugh a number of times in our conversations. He has not lost that gift.”

At the same time, he added, “the entire family has dealt with this tragedy as well as anyone could. That is not to say there has not been tremendous grieving and sorrow. His heart has also gone out to those other families that have lost children at this time.”