Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his iconic role as Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” left a lasting legacy on television. As fans remember the Emmy-nominated actor following his tragic passing at the age of 54, many are wondering how they can revisit his groundbreaking work on the beloved 1980s sitcom. While the complete series isn’t currently available on major streaming platforms, there are still several ways to watch Warner’s memorable performances.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Legacy as Theo Huxtable
Warner joined “The Cosby Show” in 1984, playing the only son of Cliff and Clair Huxtable for all eight seasons of the series. His portrayal of Theo earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1986.
Throughout the show’s run from 1984 to 1992, Theo’s journey from a struggling student with dyslexia to a mature young man with a college degree, resonated deeply with audiences. In a 2023 interview on “Live with Kelly and Mark,” Warner recalled the unique way he landed the role.
“They were looking for a 6-foot-2-inch 16-year-old,” he joked. “They couldn’t find that, so my agent resubmitted me, and I was literally the last person they saw.”
Warner often spoke about the show’s cultural impact — especially for 80s kids. In a conversation with Bevy Smith on Radio Andy, he noted the importance of “The Cosby Show” when it came to education and family.
“There’s a generation of us who went to college, sought out higher education, got married, and had loving families because of that show. That impact is irreversible,” Warner said.
Where to Watch ‘The Cosby Show’ Today
As fans mourn Warner’s passing, many on social media have noted how difficult it is to watch episodes of “The Cosby Show” after the scandal surrounding the show’s creator, Bill Cosby.
“The saddest part about Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s passing is that there’s a whole generation that will never see his early acting brilliance on the Cosby Show because of what that terrible man did. They won’t be able to watch reruns or watch it on streaming to truly appreciate him,” one fan wrote on X, along with a clip of the iconic season 2 episode “Happy Anniversary.”
As of July 2025, “The Cosby Show” is not available to stream on Netflix, Hulu, or Max, and its past run on Amazon Prime Video has ended. However, fans can catch reruns on TV One, a network known for airing classic Black television series. Check your local listings or the TV One website for airtimes and upcoming marathons.
In addition, individual episodes and complete seasons are available to stream on Philo and they can be purchased on Amazon Prime Video. If you’re looking to add the show to your physical media collection, DVD box sets are also available through online retailers such as Ebay, Walmart, and Amazon. Although viewing options are somewhat limited in the streaming era, these avenues still provide fans the opportunity to experience Warner’s breakout role.
Celebrating a Life Beyond ‘The Cosby Show’
While Theo Huxtable remains Warner’s most famous character, his career spanned more than four decades and included standout performances in “Malcolm & Eddie,” “The Resident,” “American Crime Story,” and “Sons of Anarchy.” He also made significant contributions to music, winning a Grammy in 2015 and earning a spoken word poetry nomination in 2023.
In June 2024, Warner launched the podcast “Not All Hood,” focusing on mental health and identity in the Black community.
“So many of our Black images and so much of our Black music shows one side of our culture,” he told People. “We want to balance that out with the many other aspects of Black culture.”
In 2013, he told the Archive of American Television that his “proudest achievement” in life was being able to have a post-Cosby life and career and still have his “head on as straight as possible.”
“I’ve had such an awesome life,” he said at the time. “I’ve got my ups and downs and all of that, but if I die tomorrow, I know I would go with a smile on my face. I have peace of mind and for me, you can’t put a price on that. And I can definitely say that I feel successful in my post-Cosby life and having a peace of mind.”
Warner’s life was tragically cut short in July 2025 after a drowning accident in Costa Rica, but his impact, both on screen and off, continues to inspire. His contribution to television, music, and culture remains profound.
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How to Watch Malcolm-Jamal Warner on The Cosby Show