Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids is an animated series created, produced, and hosted (in live action

Live action

In filmmaking, video production, and other media, the term live action refers to cinematography, videography not produced using animation...

 bookends) by comedian Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby

William Henry "Bill" Cosby, Jr. is an American comedian, actor, author, television producer, educator, musician and activist. A veteran stand-up performer, he got his start at various clubs, then landed a starring role in the 1960s action show, I Spy. He later starred in his own series, the...

, who also lent his voice to a number of characters, including Fat Albert himself. Filmation

Filmation

Filmation Associates was an American production company that produced animation and live action programming for television during the latter half of the 20th century. Located in Reseda, California, the animation studio was founded in 1963...

 was the production company for the series. The show premiered in 1972 and ran until 1985. The show, based on Bill Cosby's remembrances of his childhood gang, focused on the lovable, oversized Albert, with his signature rumbling exclamation "Hey hey hey!", and his friends.

Fat Albert primarily spoke to African-American youth in low-income families, a segment of the population previously ignored by Saturday morning programming.