For the third time this week, Bill Cosby has received another blow to his legacy. The cable network channel TV Land, has pulled the classic 1980s family sitcom “The Cosby Show” from its syndication run. Syndication deals for past shows are a lucrative part of Cosby’s income and for other cast mates. The move by TV Land follows NBC canceling a planned 2015 sitcom with the comedian.
The unnamed sitcom was heralded as Cosby’s return to prime time TV and family values. In the show, he would once again play a wise, loving, family patriarch who guides a multigenerational family. However, the resurfacing of decades old rape allegations made the Cosby image and name too controversial. A developing TV sitcom with Cosby’s name attached to it also entails lining up potential sponsors for the show and calculating revenue to be generated from advertisement. In addition, earlier in the week Netflix announced it was postponing the debut of its “Bill Cosby 77” stand-up special.
So far, the actor has refused to talk personally about the rape allegations. His attorney did issue a statement in which he denies all the allegations made by the alleged victims.
