The deal: The Cosby Show broke racial and socioeconomic stereotypes of what a black family was both on TV and in real life. Before it was created, the only portrayal that really existed was the family on Good Times. Show me someone who doesn't like the Huxtables and I'll show you a damn liar. It definitely paved the way for future black family sitcoms, and some of the characters (or really just Claire and Denise) became icons in their own right.
*Because this show is more '80s than '90s, it was bumped down.