Like it or not, Bounce TV is bringing back “The Cosby Show” next month.
The channel says its decision to re-air the classic sitcom starting Dec. 19 was one “by popular demand.” Responses to its Twitter announcement have been mixed, however.
Here’s the announcement tweet:
You asked, and we heard you loud and clear, Bouncers. We’re bringing #TheCosbyShow back by popular demand! Tune in December 19th. #TVOurWay pic.twitter.com/p4C5RfYFN2
— Bounce (@bouncetv) November 11, 2016
And here are some of the immediate responses:
“Good cause if Trump can be president we should be able to watch Cosby show. Thanks #BounceTV,” @oju1 wrote.
“sorry would rather not imagine him drugging & raping those women between scenes,” @idkidd said. “Would u air this if he’d raped your daughter?”
“Great! This show had an entire cast that made it wonderful tv,” @caramelcoat8dme tweeted back.
“Bounce TV you got be kidding me?? seriously Bill Cosby is being accused how many women on sexual abuse,” @Kellyannk308 opined.
Here’s Bounce’s full statement:
“Following the results of a qualitative research study which indicated demand from a vast majority of Bounce viewers to see ‘The Cosby Show’ on television again, the network has made the decision to begin airing the series next month.”
“While we take very seriously the accusations against Bill Cosby, our research showed that African-American consumers see a distinction between Bill Cosby, the man, and the iconic TV character Cliff Huxtable. Research and direct viewer feedback were the deciding factors in the network’s decision to move forward. The desire among African Americans to see the show on TV again is being reinforced on social media based upon overwhelmingly positive viewer response since the announcement.”
In recent years, Bill Cosby has been accused of drugging and raping dozens of women from his past. As a result, the aging comedian has seen pretty much all of his projects yanked from television.
Cosby has been in and out of court due to related criminal and civil complaints. Other accusers that have come forward are not filing charges, or cannot due to statutes of limitations.
Bounce TV’s slogan is “TV Our Way.”