So, my brother hit me on the text a couple weeks ago and said that reruns of the 80s/90s sitcom "A Different World" would begin coming on TV ONE every night. My reactions? FINALLY!!! Somewhere out there in the land of TV programming loves me! I immediately searched through my TV guide that my cable provider offers and set up a reminder and set my DVR to record the show! A little overboard? If you knew me, you would understand. LOL!
"A Different World" is easily one of my favorite TV sitcoms of all time. The Cosby Show spin-off was the first show of any kind to focus on blacks at an institute of higher education. And as the title so blatantly stated - it was a different world.
The show was revolutionary for its time and even when compared to sitcoms of today, still covers a more wide range of relevant subject matter. Episode topics ranged from domestic abuse, sexual harassment, and hazing among Greek fraternities and sororities on college campuses, to date rape, apartheid, affirmative action and even tackling the HIV epidemic when the topis was still considered taboo. The only thing more intriguing than the episode topics was the list of guest stars and the talented cast that gave life to the amazing characters that called Hillman College Home. The show's guest stars included everyone from Lena Horne, Patti Labelle, and Kris Kross to Billy Dee Williams, Envogue, Tupac and Diane Carroll. The show is credited for starting the careers of stars such as Jada Pinkett Smith, Sinbad, and launching the directorial career of the multi-talented Debbie Allen.
Another element that added to the authenticity of the show was the detail that went into maintaining the image of each individual character. There was Freddie - the free-spirited, earth-saver, who was most often wearing her hair natural and dressed in full hippie gear. Then there was the always high-maintenance Whitley Gilbert, the daughter of a judge and Neimann Marcus card-holder, most often sporting a fur coat and a travel size Louis Vuitton logo carry on bag before the logo was even recognizable by most modern day fashionistas. And who could forgot those basketball shorts and flip up glasses worn by Dwayne Wayne?
"A Different World" managed to do what few tv shows have the ability to do - it inspired viewers to have an interest in education past high school years. I was so in love with this show that I rarely wanted to admit that Whitley and Dwayne weren't a real couple and part of me still pictures them living together today with their 2.5 kids and a dog. I know, I know. A little delusional, but for young people growing up who may not know anyone who went to college, the show gave them the opportunity to learn more about college through the cast's experiences at Hillman. Okay, I will admit it - when I moved into my college dorm for the first time, I semi expected the cast to be there to welcome me! LOL! Needless to say they weren't there, but the rest of my college experience did not disappoint. But it could have been better if Whitley had let me borrow that Louie bag! ;-)
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