Malcolm-Jamal Warner Says Filming The Cosby Show in N.Y.C. Gave Him ‘a Different Exposure to Reality’

The actor, whose podcast ‘Not All Hood’ launched on June 10, told PEOPLE why he was lucky that the family comedy was filmed in New York City instead of Los Angeles.

When Malcolm-Jamal Warner looks back on his time as Theo Huxtable on *The Cosby Show*, he does so with a deep sense of nostalgia and gratitude. The iconic NBC sitcom, which captivated audiences for eight successful seasons from 1984 to 1992, not only introduced the world to Warner, but also played a crucial role in shaping his career. At 53, Warner reflects on how this landmark role was more than just a stepping stone; it was a defining moment that altered the course of his life.

Warner’s experience on the show was deeply influenced by its unique setting. Unlike many of his contemporaries who grew up in the heart of Hollywood’s entertainment industry, Warner’s formative years were spent in New York City—a city that, at the time, was not a hub for television production. He recently shared his thoughts with PEOPLE while promoting his new podcast, *Not All Hood*. “We weren’t in Hollywood, and there weren’t really many other shows shooting in New York. We all had to grow up with friends who were not in the business,” Warner said. This environment, he explained, offered him a more authentic and diverse view of the world compared to the insular world of Hollywood.

The contrast between his New York upbringing and the glitz of Hollywood provided Warner with a grounded perspective. “When you grow up in New York, there’s a different exposure to reality than when you grow up on television in Hollywood,” he noted. This exposure to a broader range of experiences and viewpoints was instrumental in shaping his outlook and personal growth during his formative years.

Moreover, Warner acknowledged the profound impact of the show’s global success on his life. “I think that foundation was a wonderful foundation for me,” he said. “Because when I was walking through the world, that show was not just a hugely popular #1 show in America, it was the #1 show around the world.” The widespread acclaim of *The Cosby Show* not only established Warner as a household name but also offered him a unique vantage point from which to view and navigate the world.

In reflecting on his time on the show, Warner appreciates how *The Cosby Show* provided him with both a career-launching platform and a rich, well-rounded life experience. The show’s remarkable success and its setting in New York City contributed to a deeply formative chapter in his life, blending professional achievements with invaluable personal growth. As he embarks on new ventures, like his podcast *Not All Hood*, Warner continues to carry the lessons and experiences from those pivotal years with him, shaping his journey and career in profound ways.