About
Quick guide
Serveur du lecteur
Épisode
Saison
A Different World
19877
ComédieFamilial
Sortie
24 sept. 1987
Pays
États-Unis
Creator
Bill Cosby
Productions
Carsey-Werner CompanyBill Cosby
A Different World is a spin-off series from The Cosby Show and originally centered on Denise Huxtable and the life of students at Hillman College, a fictional mixed but historically black college in the state of Virginia. After Bonet's departure in the first season, the remainder of the series primarily focused more on Southern belle Whitley Gilbert and mathematics whiz Dwayne Wayne. The series frequently depicted members of the major historically black fraternities and sororities.
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About
Quick guide
A sitcom that follows college life at Hillman College, a fictional HBCU, over six seasons.
A Different World is a comedy series that spun off from The Cosby Show and centers on students at Hillman College. The show blends humor with social commentary, tackling issues such as racism, class disparity, HIV/AIDS, and gender dynamics. After the first season, the focus shifted to the sharp‑tongued Whitley Gilbert and the math‑savvy Dwayne Wayne, while still exploring campus culture and the friendships that shape young adulthood.
What to know
- Six seasons, 144 episodes, aired 1987‑1993 on NBC.
- Set on a fictional historically Black college; filmed at Clark Atlanta and Spelman.
- Features major HBCU fraternities and sororities on screen.
- Addressed topics like HIV/AIDS, pregnancy, class, and race early on.
- Producer Debbie Allen reshaped the show after season one.
- Known for light humor with mature themes suitable for older teens.
- Available on streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Watch if
If you appreciate ensemble comedies that balance wit with meaningful social themes, enjoy stories of campus life, or want to see early portrayals of HBCU culture on TV, A Different World offers a blend of humor and thoughtful commentary that stays relevant to this day.
Skip if
If you prefer action‑driven or purely slapstick sitcoms, or you’re looking for a series with high‑concept fantasy or intense drama, this show’s straightforward college‑comedy style may feel too light or predictable for your taste.
family friendlypolitical themesromance elementslight tonemature themesdialogue heavylanguage someuplifting tone
Show Premise
A Different World follows a group of students at Hillman College, a fictional historically Black college. The series explores campus events, friendships, and the everyday challenges of college life, all delivered with a blend of comedy and social commentary.
Character Roster
Key characters include Whitley Gilbert, the sassy Southern belle; Dwayne Wayne, the math whiz; and others who populate the Hillman campus. After Lisa Bonet’s departure as Denise Huxtable, the focus shifted to Whitley and Dwayne as central figures.
Social Themes
The show tackled race, class, gender, and HIV/AIDS—topics rarely addressed on network television in the late 80s and early 90s. These issues were woven into storylines, providing both humor and insight.
Evolution After Season One
Following Bonet’s exit, Debbie Allen took over as producer. She revamped the show’s tone and focus, boosting ensemble dynamics, campus politics, and the portrayal of HBCU traditions.
Legacy and Impact
A Different World is credited with inspiring many viewers to pursue education at HBCUs, and it remains a reference point for discussions about campus life and social issues in early television.
Where Are the Characters Now?
Several alumni, including Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Sinbad, and Dawnn Lewis, have gone on to successful careers in film, television, and music, while others remain active in community and arts projects.
How to Watch
The series is available for streaming on platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Episodes are also accessible on DVD collections and various digital purchase options.
FAQ
22 Q&A
What is A Different World about?
It’s a sitcom that follows student life at Hillman College, a fictional HBCU. The series blends humor with discussions on race, class, and campus culture.
Who left after season one?
Lisa Bonet departed as Denise Huxtable after the first season. Her character was written out following her real‑life pregnancy.
Why did Lisa Bonet leave the show?
Bonet left because she was pregnant, and producers and the network decided not to incorporate that into the storyline.
Who became the main characters after season one?
Jasmine Guy (Whitley Gilbert) and Kadeem Hardison (Dwayne Wayne) stepped into leading roles after Bonet’s exit.
Did the show address HIV/AIDS?
Yes. A 1990 episode tackled HIV/AIDS, making it one of the first network shows to address the issue.
Does the series discuss racism and class differences?
Absolutely. It frequently explores race relations and socioeconomic divides within the campus community.
Is the series family‑friendly?
It is mostly light‑tone and suitable for older teens, with some mature themes handled with care.
Are fraternities and sororities featured?
Major HBCU fraternities and sororities appear regularly, adding authenticity to the campus setting.
Where is Hillman College located?
Hillman is fictional, but the show filmed on campus at Clark Atlanta and Spelman in Atlanta.
Did any cast members become well‑known?
Yes. Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Sinbad, Dawnn Lewis, and others achieved notable careers in film and television.
Is there a sequel or spin‑off?
A Netflix sequel focusing on Whitley and Dwayne’s daughter was announced in 2024, keeping the legacy alive.
How many seasons were produced?
The show ran for six seasons, totaling 144 episodes from 1987 to 1993.
When did the show first air?
It premiered on September 24, 1987, and concluded on July 9, 1993.
Where can I stream the series?
A Different World is currently available on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Did the show receive any awards?
It won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Comedy Series during its run.
Who performed the theme song?
Aretha Franklin performed the theme from seasons 2 through 5, adding iconic flair.
What impact did the show have?
It inspired many viewers to consider HBCUs and opened dialogue on social issues rarely seen on TV at the time.
Were there notable guest stars?
Guests included Sinbad, Jada Pinkett Smith, and even a young Sinbad, adding star power.
What role did Debbie Allen play?
She became producer after season one, steering the show’s tone and addressing campus realities more accurately.
Did the show feature musical performances?
Occasional musical numbers appeared, including the Aretha Franklin theme and on‑screen performances by cast members.
How was pregnancy handled in the show?
Denise’s pregnancy was omitted; the character left Hillman instead of showing her as a mother.
What happened in the final episode?
The series concluded with characters moving forward, emphasizing growth and new beginnings, without major plot twists.
