The four-parter sheds new light on Cosby’s cultural contributions and impact at the height of his disgrace – accused of rape, drug-facilitated sexual assault, sexual battery and other misconduct by more than 60 women as far back as nearly 60 years. Bell, who grew up idolizing Cosby, unpacks how Cosby’s desire for power, which propelled his professional success, could be the same driving force that motivated his alleged crimes against women. WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT COSBY peels back complex layers, portraying the genius performer, philanthropist and role model, contrasted by the accused sexual predator that now defines him. It offers viewers the chance to reconsider Cosby’s mark in a society where rape culture, toxic masculinity, capitalism and white supremacy are shaping how we re-evaluate sex, power and agency.

W. Kamau Bell, who created and directed the series, described his relationship to Cosby as a comedian who grew up on all things Bill Cosby, saying:

“As a child of Bill Cosby, I was a huge fan of all his shows and wanted to be a comedian because of him,” said Bell. “I never thought I’d ever wrestle with who we all thought Cosby was and who we now understand him to be. I’m not sure he would want me to do this work, but Cliff Huxtable definitely would.”

We Need To Talk About Cosby is produced by Boardwalk Pictures Production in association with WKB Industries for Showtime. Directed by Bell, the series was produced by Bell, Andrew Fried, Katie A. King, Dane Lillegard, Jordan Wynn, and Sarina Roma. King also serves as showrunner and Geraldine Porras serves as a co-executive producer.