The Best Episodes of The Cosby Show Season 5

As Theo begins his freshman year at New York University, Denise announces that she is dropping out of Hillman College. Sondra is revealed to be pregnant. First mention of Cliff's theory that the children keep returning home because "they want the house."

Director: Jay Sandrich

Writer: Carmen Finestra

Cliff prepares for a physical. John Amos as Dr. Bradley Herbert, Jr.

Director: Jay Sandrich

Writer: Carmen Finestra

Rudy's friend sleeps over.

Director: N/A

Writer: Janet Leahy

Everyone wants pregnant Sondra and Elvin to find a new house. Elvin's surname, Tibideaux, is revealed.

Director: N/A

Writer: Carmen Finestra

Denise leaves Brooklyn for a job in Africa (Lisa Bonet's last appearance of Season 5).

Director: N/A

Writer: Carmen Finestra

Sondra goes into labor, and Elvin is a nervous wreck. Deon Richmond as Kenny. Michelle Thomas as Justine. First appearances of Reno Wilson as Howard, and Elizabeth Narvaez as Kara. Guest appearance by Naomi Campbell.

Director: N/A

Writer: Carmen Finestra

Sondra gives birth to twins—a boy and a girl—who are named after Nelson Mandela and his then-wife Winnie. Elvin decides to return to medical school.

Director: N/A

Writer: Carmen Finestra

Theo wants to date his friend Howard's ex-girlfriend, but he is stunned upon learning who she wants to date. Troy Winbush as Denny. Reno Wilson as Howard.

Director: Chuck Vinson

Writer: N/A

Vanessa, Janet and Kara want to be professional singers; Russell wins a prize in a sweepstakes, which turns out to be a toaster. Pam Potillo as Janet. Elizabeth Narvaez as Kara. Guest appearance by singer Betty Carter.

Director: N/A

Writer: Janet Leahy

Clair secretly goes on a crash diet and exercise program to lose five pounds in a week so she can fit into a dress. Appearance by Debbie Allen; voice-over by Ahmad Rashād (Phylicia Rashād's sister and husband).

Director: Jay Sandrich

Writer: Carmen Finestra

Rudy takes care of a friend's hamster for the weekend.

Director: N/A

Writer: Mark St. Germain

Rudy lies to cover for Vanessa, who secretly goes out on a date with her older boyfriend.

Director: N/A

Writer: Carmen Finestra

Cliff babysits Winnie and Nelson when the rest of the family goes to see a Michael Jackson concert.

Director: N/A

Writer: N/A

Clair appears as a panelist on a local Sunday morning talk show entitled "Retrospective". Clair buys a new couch and Cliff tries to keep the old one. Clair's law firm is identified as Greentree, Bradley & Dexter.

Director: Chuck Vinson

Writer: Carmen Finestra

With the rest of the family gone for the night, Theo throws a "small" party that gets out of control. Troy Winbush as Denny. Reno Wilson as Howard. First appearance of Alex Ruiz as Lou. Cameo appearance by Joie Lee. Phylicia Rashād (Clair), Malcolm-Jamal Warner (Theo), Tempestt Bledsoe (Vanessa), and Elizabeth Narvaez (Kara) appear on the episode of A Different World which airs later that evening.

Director: N/A

Writer: Carmen Finestra

Cliff tracks down the grandfather of one of his patients: an expectant teenage mother with no other family. Clair deduces that the charming man is illiterate. Guest appearance by Sammy Davis, Jr.

Director: N/A

Writer: Carmen Finestra

Rudy wants to change some of her rules. Voice-over by Ed McMahon (from The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson).

Director: N/A

Writer: Carmen Finestra

Theo consults a voodoo shopkeeper for advice on winning his girlfriend back. Troy Winbush as Denny. Reno Wilson as Howard. Alex Ruiz as Lou. Michelle Thomas as Justine. Guest appearances by Moses Gunn and Harold Perrineau.

Director: N/A

Writer: Carmen Finestra

Cliff's old basketball friend comes to visit. Guest appearance by U.S. Senator (and former NBA basketball player) Bill Bradley.

Director: N/A

Writer: Carmen Finestra

Sondra bemoans taking care of the twins.

Director: Jay Sandrich

Writer: N/A

After catching Theo kissing another woman in the lounge of her dormitory, Justine breaks up with him. Desperate to win her back, Theo turns to Cliff for advice. Michelle Thomas as Justine. First appearance of Vanessa A. Williams as Jade.

Director: N/A

Writer: Mark St. Germain

Clair's 46th birthday.

Director: Jay Sandrich

Writer: Carmen Finestra

Vanessa and Rudy argue and fight. After the sisters do physical damage to the house, Cliff exiles them to the basement.

Director: N/A

Writer: N/A

Theo's friend Denny finds an expensive watch and gives it to his girlfriend, but it is soon revealed to be stolen merchandise. Troy Winbush as Denny. Alex Ruiz as Lou. Vanessa A. Williams as Jade.

Director: Chuck Vinson

Writer: Carmen Finestra

Sondra comes down with strep throat, prompting her mother Clair and Elvin's mother Francine to "steal" the babies.

Director: Chuck Vinson

Writer: Carmen Finestra