What 30 years of 'The Cosby Show' taught us

We first met Cliff Huxtable and family when NBC's The Cosby Show premiered on Sept. 20, 1984, and became a huge hit.

As we look back now, 30 years later, we can see the legacy left from the series, the messages and its beloved star, Bill Cosby.

Here's what The New York Times wrote in its review of the show when it debuted:

" ... Mr. Cosby, here at his very best, can take the ordinary and make it seem delightfully fresh. He is not just another harassed father. He is the ultimate father dealing with problems that are terribly and hilariously real."

And here are six ways The Cosby Show made it all fresh:

1. With those sweaters, of course.

Cosby Show costumer Sarah Lemire didn't want Cosby hanging around in a suit, and designer Koos Van Den Akker had sent over a sweater. It was a match made in TV heaven, and the Cosby sweaters became a part of pop culture.

2.The wisdom of Dad.

Watch as he answers a question about Santa Claus.

3. His adept handling of teenagers.

Remember the time Theo got an earring?

4. And daughters who get engaged out of the blue.

Vanessa threw him for a loop when she came home and announced she was engaged.

5. The cameos of famous people.

Adam Sandler, Alicia Keys, B.B. King, Stevie Wonder, Lena Horne — those are just some of the many famous faces that popped up on the show. Keys was only 4 when she got a ride on Cosby's lap during a slumber party scene.

6. They were a family.