In The Cosby Show episode “How Ugly Is He?”, the Huxtables face a humorous but heartfelt dilemma when Denise brings home a boyfriend who doesn’t meet the family’s expectations. A clever take on love, judgment, and acceptance.
A Classic Setup With a Modern Message
In the episode “How Ugly Is He?”, The Cosby Show takes a bold and hilarious dive into the superficial expectations families can have—especially when it comes to who their children choose to date. When Denise Huxtable brings home her new boyfriend, the Huxtable family is more than a little… surprised.
What follows is a perfect mix of comedy and discomfort, as the family tiptoes around the elephant in the room: they don’t think he’s attractive.
Cliff and Clair’s Reactions: Protective Parenting at Its Funniest
Cliff Huxtable, played by Bill Cosby, delivers some of his best facial expressions and awkward dad humor as he tries to stay supportive while clearly not hiding his real feelings. Clair, ever the graceful and intelligent mother, tries to balance her own instincts with respect for her daughter’s independence.
The episode shines in these parental moments—humorous yet deeply relatable. Every parent wants the best for their child, but what happens when their “best” doesn’t match what their child wants?
Denise Stands Her Ground
As always, Denise Huxtable (played by Lisa Bonet) brings her confident, independent energy to the situation. She reminds her parents—and the audience—that true connection goes beyond physical appearance.
Her quiet frustration and powerful defense of her boyfriend serve as a key lesson: love should be based on character, not cosmetics. Her stance forces the Huxtables to reexamine their reactions and biases.
More Than Just a Joke
Despite its comedic title, “How Ugly Is He?” is far more than just a visual gag. It challenges viewers to confront their own assumptions and delivers a subtle but meaningful reminder: prejudice doesn’t always come in the form of race, gender, or class—sometimes, it’s in how we judge someone’s appearance.
And like many Cosby Show episodes, it wraps the lesson in warmth, wit, and just enough awkwardness to make it unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
“How Ugly Is He?” is one of The Cosby Show‘s most memorable and conversation-worthy episodes. It dares to take a taboo subject—physical attraction—and explore it with humor, heart, and surprising honesty. It’s a timeless reminder that beauty may be skin-deep, but kindness, intelligence, and love go much further.
