During "The Cosby Show, " Phylicia Rashad became pregnant, but her character did not.

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While there, he had the chance to sit in on the making of The Cosby Show.

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Later, shows such as "The Cosby Show, " "Family Ties, " "Growing Pains" and "Full House" showcased caring dads of a new generation, Thompson says.

CNN: June 15, 2012 -- Updated 1120 GMT (1920 HKT)

In fact, Cosby did it twice--first with The Cosby Show, which ran from 1984 to 1992, and then again with Cosby, which remained on the air for four seasons.

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Among the new owners is Thomas Werner, who has experience both as a baseball owner (San Diego Padres) and in television (developing several sitcom megahits, including The Cosby Show and Roseanne).

FORBES: Double Play

He'd prefer to see them try to "crack the code for the big family comedy, " a la Family Ties and The Cosby Show, since its broad-based appeal and subsequent financial upside is that much greater.

FORBES: Television

So have talk show host Oprah Winfrey, as well as Marcy Carsey, Thomas Werner and Caryn Mandabach -- the team that created The Cosby Show, Roseanne and 3rd Rock from the Sun, among others -- who have agreed to provide original programming.

FORBES: The Convergence Gamble

So have talk show host Oprah Winfrey, as well as Marcy Carsey, Thomas Werner and Caryn Mandabach -- the team that created the hit television shows Roseanne, The Cosby Show and 3rd Rock from the Sun -- who have agreed to provide original programming.

FORBES: The convergence gamble

The panel, featuring major on-screen and behind-the-scenes guests, will look at breakthrough shows including I Spy, The Bill Cosby Show, Julia, Laugh-in, and The Flip Wilson Show.

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