‘A Different World' Cast Reunites on 'The View' | The View

Darryl Bell, Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Dawnn Lewis, Cree Summer and Debbie Allen reunite to discuss the show’s lasting impact 37 years after its premiere.
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[@simplynellstinystudio]

Crying. This show pushed me to continue my college education. I am in grad school now at 56, earning my doctorate, and ADW was my catalyst. They inspired me to push through and push HIGHER.

[@yanceyh.1850]

Bless you !

[@Milaperadotti]

That is amazing. You seriously have inspired me to think about going back to school. I never got to finish my nursing degree and I’m 42 now and I felt like I was just too old, but I’ve given it a lot of thought and I do want to go back.

[@SW-ry3ni]

Oh my goodness I needed to see this. I'm 44 and want to go for my masters and was feeling like I'm too old. All my friends finished in their 20s

[@sharlisa2001]

Me too..not phd...but I went back and received my bachelors degree. Now I am thinking about my Masters.

[@SupportTheArts-yo8ox]

that's awesome!!!

[@rheeryder2524]

RIP Mr. Gaines (Lou Myers).

[@geneturks]

I had a beautiful opportunity to tour with him and he was the MOST amazing human! I will NEVER forget him.

[@lasonyajohnson3270]

@@geneturks VERY IMPORTANT ROLE. KEPT THEM NOURISHED SO THAT THEY COULD STUDY & ACHIEVE

[@lnapjr76]

Mr. Gaines was an all-time great television character. He was a crucial part of A Different World.

[@lisamosley4841]

Lou Myers actually graduated from WV State University which is an HBCU! Make WVSU the 11th stop on the tour!

[@mikkih5809]

@@lisamosley4841​​⁠- very cool!! Thank you for sharing that info.

[@DaPaximus]

I know Kadeem personally and I have told him several times that I am a video games executive now because I saw that it was possible on a Different World. 😊❤

[@MeggaMann_theBlueLion]

That’s awesome

[@mrpgarner1982]

He's in a video game: Beyond Good and Evil!

[@tianarobinson4372]

Wow

[@Dee-zg2yo]

Great outcome! It just goes to show that portraying African Americans in a positive light on TV or other ways benefits all Americans, especially Blacks. Modern rappers should embrace this fact and curb negative lyrics. That would be a game changer.

[@ndavis894]

Love it!

[@krisjackson6567]

Look. Dwayne’s “BABY PLEASE” still gets me in the gut to this day.

[@sugamama9444]

Every time

[@brettsfav4]

YES!

[@craftsbycarmen]

OMG, yessss!! I absolutely loved that scene and had to rewind it a few times (on my VCR)😂

[@chantillyjean-baptiste2814]

Oh my gawd! I watch that episode SEVERAL times a year and it gets me every single time 🥲

[@katinapearson7599]

Yes ma'am!! I still get chills.

[@violetrobinson2149]

Let's give them their flowers while they're still here.

[@Sunshine-vg9uq]

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@yulandak4751]

🪻🌸🪷🏵🌹🥀🌺🌻🌼🌷⚘️

[@melissacastillo4307]

Amen absolutely love the cast

[@supergrover17]

🌸🌷🌹🌺🌻🌼🪻🏵️💠🪷💐

[@shawnbailey573]

They so deserve them!

[@Multifacted_Brotha]

Wow Dawn Lewis looks good.. She still looks the same!

[@yanceyh.1850]

So does Cree.

[@florencedelvalle8145]

All the ladies looked beautiful and the men are still handsome.👍👍💯💯💯🌹🌹🌹

[@alondathomas293]

Hardison aka Dwayne Wayne looks like he hasn't aged either---always liked his character, and out of all the actors on the show, he actually had a brief but interesting movie career---he was in a Vampire in Brooklyn, that 1995 movie about the Black Panthers, and Drive. I grew up watching a Different World, so it's cool to see that entire cast back together---that's great.

[@adiquest]

I had and still have the biggest crush on Dawn

[@Jayebird69]

Charnele Brown ( Kim Reece) was absent here. But she still looks the same also.

[@michellehayesnelson3369]

I hate that people fear mentioning Bill Cosby's name....but this was one of his manifestations. No matter what we think about him personally we must acknowledge his achievements!!!!! Thanks Mr. Cosby. And thank you for this show and The Cosby Show for showing US in a different light.

[@neetrab]

Exactly. Maybe they mentioned him in this interview and it's just not in this clip, but I said the same. Ppl so afraid to mention the man. Smh

[@reneadijab1333]

I think because when you are a rapist it kind of cancels everything else out. The actors on the Cosby show have lost a fortune in residuals because the show no longer airs. That’s another fallout from his crimes.

[@BallCDO]

Facts

[@MrsStrother]

RIIIIGHT

[@drew63215]

The honor should go to Spike Lee's School Daze....in which A Different World was a spinoff.

[@goodlife2456]

They are not lying when they say that show inspired multiple generations to attend HBCU's. The ones who grew up on the show became adults, went to HBCU's, then had babies who grew up, who they then made go to an HBCU, lol. The fictional Hillman College is the most famous HBCU out there. There were people who thought back then that they could actually go there and to many of us who grew up watching A Different World, it is and always will be a real place. Thank you to Ms. Debbie Allen and the cast and crew of this legendary show. They may not have ever received their proper flowers back then, in terms of awards, but thank goodness they are around now to hear generations worth of thank you's, inspired by's and the "I am now this, because you all did that"

[@sunshinesunflowerz1647]

Thank you to Mr. William Cosby and Ms. Debbie Allen

[@amyweaver7413]

This 64 year old, white haired, white woman from Canada loved this show so much! It made me so happy to watch this reunion. Thank you!👏❤️👏

[@kareneaster7999]

🙏🏽👑💛WE KNOW...! US

[@KristineMaitland]

And it was cool American Canadian in the cast, namely Cree Summer.

[@January6thugs]

why do you need to mention your hair or skin color

[@samanthanickson6478]

@@January6thugsbecause she wanted to.

[@tb291]

Why does it bother you is the question 🙄 ​@January6thugs

[@IMHTP]

Too bad Charnele Brown wasn't here. Her character and image were a key part of this cast.

[@chocolatemuffin21]

She’s been on other shows during this process

[@evonza4858]

She was on the Today Show's reunion version Google and see🥰👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@t.l.robinson2162]

With her beautiful chocolate self and her pretty, white teeth.

[@BaseballPlayer0]

@@t.l.robinson2162 her and picollo

[@naomicerre5987]

I would love to see them have a show that one of them goes back to Hillman and teaches!! The other characters could come back as cameos. Maybe even having them on and seeing how their lives have changed via the goals they had or to see where they landed. Never say never!!

[@six1eight]

as an Asian American, i also used to watch ADW religiously. it was such an inspiring and important show for so many POC kids, and propelled us to aspire to higher education.

[@kinky.hair.academy3641]

Never seen it abbreviated. Please respect the show by saying its entire name. No renaming our shows like how yall try to rename Earth Wind and Fire.

[@terriw919fyi]

@six1eight 💯!!

[@liastorm795]

@@kinky.hair.academy3641 Oh shut up! Like it ALWAYS have to be that one big mouth to ruin something.🙄

[@ArtTheSinger]

@@kinky.hair.academy3641 I understand your point however we live in a time where everything is shorten.

[@ifym5455]

@six1eight that’s awesome. It is great to see how this show inspired young black women as myself but had a multi cultural impact. I was a child watching the show when it began and ended and it is one of my favorite show of all time, honestly.

[@tikneshiabeauford7289]

I'm a 54 year old black women, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend, who attended Dillard University, and became an infrastructure engineer and senior project manager, community activist, and radio show host. These brilliant, iconic trail blazing men and women were instant legends the moment they stepped into our living rooms and forever changed our lives. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

[@tracyleesmith781]

Hey! My older sister graduated from there in 1996 or 1997! Congrats!!🎉🎉🎉

[@TaylorMadeCori]

Amazing. You are amazing!!

[@tantoe2]

#MyDU 💙🤍 C/O 2005

[@johnnoel1541]

Lol. And you think you're smart? Communist

[@essenceedwards-burd4681]

My baby is graduating in May.

[@happiness5665]

This and The Cosby’s changed the game for black representation in television. So so fun to see this!!! Thank you for all you did for us !

[@lexkanyima2195]

So why it lacked the role models

[@Nell_3]

So why are you trolling😂😂Just scroll troll👿😈👹🧌😂

[@Sunshine-vg9uq]

@@lexkanyima2195 get out of here satans, you two don't belong HERE

[@JBeezyJesusFreak]

Episodes from these shows still stay with me.

[@bouncebackalways467]

AS A BLACK AMERICAN FROM A BLACK FAMILY AND NOW WITH MY OWN BLACK FAMILY.. I REALLY HATED BOTH SHOWS.. JUST COULDN'T RELATE

[@kagamel.8992]

Proud HBCU grad of Hampton University! This show changed EVERYTHING for the culture.

[@jdnightwing]

I'm right there with you bruh!! Btw, ANOTHER one here.... proud HBCU grad of Tuskegee University!!

[@skywalker6648]

How so?

[@lcukei]

@@skywalker6648it inspired so many people of color to attend college, especially HBCU institutions. Do you not have friendships with people of color?

[@neal6805]

@@skywalker6648*If you have to ask, then you probably wouldn’t understand it if we explained it to you.*

[@neal6805]

*Proud HBCU grad - FAMU*

[@AllAmericanJock]

Patti LaBelle and Diahann Carroll were also fabulous and hilarious as the fueding mothers of Dwayne (Kadeem Harrison) and Whitley (Jasmine Guy). Love everything about A Different World, from the theme song on down. Disappointed but not surprised it didn't receive much Emmy recognition, besides one-time guest star nominations for Goldberg and Carroll. Everyone named above deserved an award, but especially Jasmine Guy. Her performance was magnificent. The broader industry didn't know how special this sitcom was, but audiences did. Parents need to make sure their kids' cultural education includes watching this amazing, groundbreaking show.

[@kristinazubic9669]

“Miss Thing, Senior” 😂😂

[@valm.5243]

After over 30 years, "A Different World" and "The Cosby Show" continue to be my favorite tv shows. I watched faithfully from age 10 - 16. Now, I am 47 years-old and it feels like not that long ago that I would be glued to the screen as a kid, so excited for Thursday nights when it would come on. I have so much nostalgia, even just listening to the theme song. It was amazing to see people who looked like me on the screen, growing up in a small town, where my family was the only black family for miles. I loved seeing the friendship bonds and it made going to college seem like a great experience. I ended up going to an HCBU and I am a medical doctor today. Thanks to the cast, Ms. Debbie Allen, the writers,the producers, the behind the scenes staff and Mr. Cosby. You have truly made a difference that will be evident for generations to come!

[@evonza4858]

And our Brotha Bill Cosby produced and came up with both ideas🥰👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@GuyanaCapital-qr3wg]

With shows like that, people are expected to become doctors. Why did the gov. stop allowing shows like this on TV? Now people want to be thugs Not doctors

[@MsKylea]

I didnt attend an HBCU, but I went to college bc of this show. *relax, relieve, release in my Whitley Gilbert voice"

[@sylviabranch4201]

Me too I became a nurse

[@gb5262]

Me too criminal justice

[@TheBrownIsland]

HBCU are not the only Colleges to attend. The Options are endless with College.

[@MsKylea]

@@gb5262 Me, too. Bachelor in CJ, Master in Criminology and Sociology!!

[@coreyo.conner7897]

I used the relax ,relate, release quote all throughout the Trump years lol

[@florencedelvalle8145]

Cree plays the librarian on Abbot Elementary this season. She wears her signature hat too!🥰🥰🥰😂😂👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@rheeryder2524]

😮😮😮😮 I love it.

[@apriljean8285]

Loved that episode ❤

[@Nonya2734]

I saw her too. Love love love her😊

[@JBeezyJesusFreak]

What?! Seee... I'm gonna have to take a peek at this show

[@vistalite]

I worked with Cree in the early 90s. I had no idea she was famous - I have never watched many tv shows or movies. She was the sweetest person ever. I’m happy to know she’s still acting and looking great.

[@michaelchancley1617]

I’m surprised Jasmine Guy never got into voice acting, the way she switches between Jasmine and Whitley so effortlessly. This show deserves a retroactive Emmy. Not many shows that were out at the time had the cultural impact of “A Different World”.

[@user-mj9rr7ro3b]

Everyone look so timeless,ageless, especially Debbie Allen🙏🏾

[@osirismoon]

Whoopi blushing like Celie from the Color Purple. 😆

[@antonionash7666]

🤣🤣

[@MarquittaY]

😂😂😂😂

[@Couture426]

I screamed 😂😂

[@princellasmith7562]

I’m glad she’s getting her flowers. Youngsters really don’t understand how big of a star Whoopi was and how legendary she is. She owned the late 80s and 90s. Best generation of stars.

[@Tonya-ej4dz]

😂😂😂😂

[@daniellemoxey9940]

One of the most influential shows of all time! Hillman University may have been "make-believe" but it truly made black children/teens believe they could achieve incredible levels of greatness while still being true to the beauty of their culture❤🤎🖤

[@helloxonsfan]

*Very true...!!! This is one of my favorite shows...!!! I readily identify with the characters, & the stories, & the setting of the show because my college experience was very similar...!!!* ❤ ❤ ❤

[@ttaylor758]

If you need a TV show to convince you that are capable, then maybe your parents need to do a better job.

[@maya1844]

Fun fact: Hillman was “make believe” but largely based on my HBCU alma mater - Hampton University 🙌🏾💙🤍 The real “HU”!! 😊

[@helloxonsfan]

Very true...!!! This is one of my favorite shows because I readily identify with the characters, & the stories, & the setting of the show because my college experience was very similar...!!! ❤

[@karenfrazier4788]

​@@ttaylor758 I think your comment is a bit harsh. People are influenced by crap on Tik Tok, the news media, etc. Just let it be a good thing that a show has influenced them to further their education and it has nothing to do with a parenting skills. Peace and love comments only. Too much darn stuff going on in this world.

[@vegasmitch1472]

Ms. Debbie & Her Sister Ms. Phylicia are so Classy & Beautiful even at 70+! Didn't know Ms. Dawn was a Song writer also.

[@sharj76ify]

I’m an 80s baby. I can say that this show exposed a lot of Black American children to the idea of going to college and what it could be like going to college . My parents were both college graduates but a lot of my friends were first generation college students because of this show 🥰🙏🏽

[@lolacanard9911]

I love that they had Debbie with them this time. The cast always talks about how she changed the show, so it’s good to hear her perspective.

[@camy3018]

Debbie is the Director on Grey's Anatomy so probably doesn't have much time to do the rounds with the cast.

[@sylviabranch4201]

Yes I love it good job Debbie Allen

[@TheBrownIsland]

*DEBBIE SAVED THE SHOW!* The previous Writers & Producers from the 1st Season did not know how to write & produce a show about HBCU, Current Events and Black & Brown Students. *She's an HBCU Graduate herself and knew what to do from her experience & Life at an HBCU,*what it's really like and the *Storylines that should be written.*

[@ItIsNotThatSerious]

I don’t think any other show has done reunions and promo interviews as much as them 😂 It’s kind of cool how they’re all still close though.

[@ItIsNotThatSerious]

@@camy3018She’s been with them in most of their interviews

[@BeebeeSnow]

I am a Chicana from California. I graduated high school in 1989 and this show inspired me to go to college! Thank you for showing us 80's kids that college is for everyone. My college experience was just magnificent!

[@syebethel]

Say it again: college is for ____________ !

[@kinky.hair.academy3641]

Hope you got the deeper message about how hard it is for Black people in America to rise up. People allow Black people to hold the doors open for them, but are quick to lock us out.

[@nicolapowell7730]

That's wonderful! Thanks for sharing.

[@johnnoel1541]

College is for idiots to become communist

[@araya52]

When I got out of high school I had no desire to go to college I went straight to work after I graduated. But was inspired at 42 years of age to go back because of Different World. These characters sparked a fire of learning in my belly. I went for my BA in management and masters in substance abuse counseling. I started my PhD in Behavioral Health and I'm still at it at 67. I will tell you it is never too late to learn. The greatest thing when I started was being accepted by 18, 19 and 20 year olds who just said, come on and study with us. That was the best thing because I needed their energy and feistiness to help me through. Hillman, A Different World, and all it's cast of characters will forever be embedded into our culture and will continue to inspire for others to attend an HBCU. One more thing, I had no idea Dawn Lewis wrote this iconic theme song!

[@TG-hf1gx]

FABULOUS👩🏾‍🎓

[@kevina.4500]

Ufff... How I felt it when 'Dwayne Wayne' flipped his sunglasses. It took me back to my 10 year old self watching the show and looking up to him so much!

[@lisasmith8007]

I know right! literally screamed with delight!!!

[@mykoniichistorychannel]

They all look great, but Darryl, Dawnn and Debbie…they look FANTASTIC.

[@nyquesoslice8208]

dawn, cree & debbie look fabulous

[@FG-xc5qj]

I agree with you, Darryl, Dawn and Debbie. No age lines, just fantastic!

[@lisawicks8205]

Dawn Lewis looks amazing

[@lasonyajohnson3270]

Most Definitely. Hasn’t Aged A Single Day

[@sharoncarsons5734]

September 24, 1987, the date A Different World first aired was a time of transition for Black America. Thirty years after American schools had been desegregated, the first generation of non segregated Black Americans were graduating colleges and being hired by corporate America. A Different World was one of the shows that inspired us to face the hostile work environments that we were integrating. It was a reminder that Black Americans have always had a supportive community in one another. And it introduced all of us to Black sororities and Black fraternities - which are one of the most powerful organizations within the Black community. America has a Black female Vice President because of it. Vice President Kamala Harris is an HBCU graduate and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. 🎉 For the culture! 🎉

[@abrenahunter919]

Alpha Kappa Alpha and all other sororities/fraternities are not of God. They are NOT CHRISTIAN! They are based on idolatry, deception,etc. And God is not pleased with anyone who becomes apart of these secret organizations. The Bible says,"No man can serve two masters "...

[@user-bt9vm5qj2d]

Thank you (also) to Dr. Bill Cosby for bringing this show to network television.❤ (Ms. Davis)

[@skywalker6648]

.....

[@skywalker6648]

copy and paste much?

[@tbam73]

The casting team also needs props because every single character, even recurring, small parts even when they didnt speak... brilliantly done.

[@jenniferakufo9575]

I’m a 90’s baby but baby when I tell you I LOVEEEEEE this show!! One of my all time faves!!!!

[@kennethdrake7686]

Me too 1990 here

[@courtneyscott5630]

​@@kennethdrake7686Exactly and I'm an 80's baby a I love watching this show growing up!!!!

[@coreyo.conner7897]

I was born in '85 two years before A Different World first premiered and for some reason I didn't start watching until 2010/11 when it aired everyday for an hour on TV One. It quickly became one of my favorite TV shows of all time and I was upset it took me that long to discover it. 😢

[@princellasmith7562]

It went off the air in 1993. 80s and 90s kids got the best of it.

[@TheBLESS-edOne.]

@@princellasmith7562 I still watch. 🤷🏽‍♀ Check your local listings, and recommend to others.

[@tonyrossbackinthedaymusicv3107]

I LOVED everything about A Different World. still to this day.

[@evonza4858]

And the idea and production came from Brotha Bill Cosby 🥰👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@allgoodwoods219]

I didn’t attend an HBCU but this show changed my life. It let me know how much was possible for me.

[@mgbuy7197]

I got emotional when i saw the cast from A Different World on the View. ADW was my favorite show of all time back in the 90's and i still watch it today in re-runs. This show will go down in history as one of the best shows in television.

[@IMHTP]

_A Different World_ had one of the best supporting casts of any sitcom--they were as funny and diverse as the main characters!

[@kayprism]

Susan Fales-Hill deserves her flowers! She created Whitley & Dwayne and was head writer bringing Debbie's ideas and insight to life! Reggie Rock Bythewood and Gina Prince Bythewood met on this show too! Folks always forget the writers. Without them there's no show!

[@rheeryder2524]

Fun fact: Susan is Diahnn Carol's niece.

[@risaorellana7906]

Joyce Robinson casted the show? Correct me if I'm wrong

[@niecyj.1782]

Susan Fales is Josephine Premice's daughter. Diahann Carroll was her godmother.

[@Sunshine-vg9uq]

"WE" Blacks don't forget, because we are celebrating Blacks and seems like 'you' want to come in and taint the OUR celebration - get all the fooh, WE can celebrate who we want...................................................'folks' like 'you' don't belong here how about that

[@tonyaj2055]

I'm glad that they acknowledge the writers as well. I always look at the credits at the ending of shows...

[@tallicia1973]

I never missed a single episode as a preteen/teenager growing up and most recently I rewatched every single episode through a 50 year olds eyes and it was brilliant. I encourage everyone to watch and have your children watch! It's all relevant today as well.

[@rogerbennett6117]

This and the Cosby show, two of the greatest shows of all time ❤

[@Unclejay137]

I remember that episode shout out to Tisha Campbell ❤

[@lasonyajohnson3270]

My Fav As Well

[@user-be7tc2bd6e]

Tisha is one-GORGEOUS-woman. My eye candy. LOL.

[@erinzirpolo5200]

I have 7 ADW episodes saved due to special topics &/or scenes. Tisha Campbell’s assignment scene & Lou Meyer’s Pit scene are why I kept S4E23.

[@tracyleesmith781]

Mannn I cried like a baby when I watched that episode! That was one of my favorite episodes of all time! It was a real wake up call for me when I was about 12 years old & I was inactive during that time. That was when i was in Jr high during that time.

[@zebrayellow4629]

Black Excellence !!

[@florencedelvalle8145]

It was the eye glasses flip for me!😂😂😂🥰🥰

[@tonyamontgomery2733]

He has an eyeglass collection at Vontelle Eye Wear.

[@attackontian8079]

Literally teared up 🥲 the nostalgia ❤

[@corduerorose9747]

Made me sad Sinbad couldn't be there in the reunion but at least he's recovering ❤

[@momo37able]

Proud HBCU Alumni undergraduate and graduate 👩‍🎓 because of this show ❤❤

[@tw4943]

PROUD HBCU grad here✅ the MOST iconic show easily within the last thirty years

[@rodwillis4080]

This show showed me a different way to not only see the world, but how to also live in the world and give back to it. I went to college, got a couple degrees, and have happily been a college professor for over 25 years! I have not only educated my students, but have also tried to inspire them as well. Who says TV can't change lives? 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾❤️❤️❤️

[@jancraig9298]

Can we all applaud this beautiful cast ! I mean,everyone looks so good! I was a faithful watcher of A Different World, even when Lisa Bonnet first started playing on it. I really feel they need to give her & Marissa Tomei credit as well. Thank you, The View for bringing this cast together once again ❤️

[@tonybuc67]

Omg yess I forgot that Marisa Tomei got her big break on ADW in the first season. Right before that she was on one of my mom’s favorite soaps back then As The World Turns. I think she was on it when Whitney Houston and Jermaine Jackson made a cameo on that soap playing themselves where they put on a concert and sang. The 1980’s was a great time!!

[@sandrawood8089]

The wedding!!! I still watch with tears! That indelible scene ❤

[@Survivor-dw7we]

I watched this on The View earlier today and props to the interviewers ( Whoopi, Sunny, and Sara ) for just focusing on A Different World and it's cast and it's legacy and not bringing up Bill Cosby. Very good show.

[@TheBLESS-edOne.]

Yet...here _you are_ doing _just that._ 🤨🤔?

[@carolynepegues9376]

​@@TheBLESS-edOne.Without him, the show would not have existed.

[@TheBLESS-edOne.]

@@carolynepegues9376 No doubt, and I appreciate Cos for his _positive_ contributions to our community, society and humanity. It’s just illogical [or perhaps oxymoronic?] to make such a comment, _only_ to mention him. I agree w/ OP in appreciating this interview. Just a bit bizarre to sort of _undo_ with the comment. Nevertheless… Happy _GORGEOUS_ Friday to All❣️ It is *STUNNING* outside…Enjoy! 🌞

[@neetrab]

​@@carolynepegues9376 exactly

[@neetrab]

​@@TheBLESS-edOne. Thank you

[@loricannon2988]

Always and forever a fan of Debbie Allan ❤🖤

[@NikkiaSings]

This show along with The Cosby Show ARE amongst the MOST influential of the last 30 years! I remember Thursday Nights as a teen in Canada 🇨🇦 watching these shows and thinking higher education is relevant and POSSIBLE for someone like me! Thank you/Merci 🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽 for the BEAUTIFUL memories!

[@marcus813]

I didn't graduate from high school until a few years after ADW ended its run, but I later graduated from college, so I would be watching this show with a different perspective from that point on from what I had when the show was on NBC. What an influential series that was! I love that its effects are still being felt as of 2024.

[@camy3018]

Gosh, as a kid I absolutely loved this show! One of the most influential shows of my time in my opinion. They were never afraid to tackle any subject from Racism, AIDS, The Rodney King beating, you name it, they covered it!

[@Sunshine-vg9uq]

💯💯💯💯

[@rneumeye]

We've been waiting SOOOO long for this. 🥰😭🥰😭 Now do Living Single. 🥺❤️

[@aaronmitchell2873]

YES!!! The View should do a Living Single reunion.

[@filmgirlLisa]

It would be incredible if each month they would highlight many popular shows from the 90s: LS, In Living Color, Martin, New York Undercover, etc..

[@cedricnorman6563]

I attended an hbcu. I was Dwayne Wayne compsci student searching for my Whitley. Lol

[@lamonicamatthews5627]

I know Sinbad has been ill and is still recovering. I hope one day, he will be able to join the rest of the cast. He was an important character as well on the show. Continued healing Sinbad❤️🙏🏽. Now 52, I grew up with you all and you all played a huge part in me continuing my education. SsssssssUuuuuuu……Southern University A& M College, Baton Rouge, LA is where I finished. You all are doing a great job and deed in keeping the minority population inspired and motivated. Kudos to the cast! 💐💐💐. Rest in heaven Mary Alice Smith and Lou Myers 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🕊️🕊️🕊️

[@TheTaurean]

Great auntie Whoopi and her comfy attire is darn cute 😂 I love her and her modest spirit. It’s crazy how many guest come on and have been connected and touched by her in some way or another. Different World was such a staple in my childhood growing up. Glad they’re getting their flowers. 💐

[@Sunshine-vg9uq]

💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@resilientred1699]

THANKS for your continued influence and spotlight on our beloved HBCUs! 🎓

[@1814DREADYHEAD]

I was inspired after watching the show to enter college at a well.Renowned HBCU and get my associates, bachelor's and my master's degree in business management.Thank you a different world for making my dreams come true

[@dame6206]

Debbie Allen is creative and talented with an excellent group of actors. Thank you all for the memories!

[@slimtrain]

i remember when the show aired and i made sure to watch each and every episode. This show is still relevant today.

[@cecemarshall1178]

I still watch all episodes! I’m in my 40s. Love this show forever!

[@pawsfurGod]

Why am I crying 🥹🥹🥹🥹😭😭😭😭😍😍😍😍😍🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@slimtrain]

exactly what I did too

[@nanaobben5166]

I know right?😁

[@NikkiaSings]

🙋🏾‍♀️❤️

[@dlawson1913]

This show means so much!

[@lisasmith8007]

My children ages 12-20 love this show! Watched all seasons 3x through!

[@coreyo.conner7897]

It's one of my FAVORITE sitcoms of all time! It's truly a brilliant time capsule of a period in time we'll never get back.

[@beefranco4789]

I always cry when I see them. They changed my life. ❤

[@KevinLong-jr1zv]

I lived for that show ❤

[@tiara9393]

I totally love them. I met Cree when I was a teenager on the set of their show and she greeted me with her same smile and proceeded to give me the biggest hug ever. I would never forget her. Much love to the whole cast. Loved the entire cast.💙💙💙

[@funkejegs5357]

This quote from Kadeem puts things into context and helps to reduce the stress in corporate- “I’m your worst nightmare, an educated black person”! 🥰 I watched the show in England and loved it!❤

[@a-cubechannel7646]

I'm a proud HBCU grad from Morehouse. This show was well written, and these actors created awesome characters were the best representation of people and inspired so many people of color, including myself.

[@joi7931]

I grew up wanting to go to Hillman. I was so upset when I found out it didn’t exist. LOL!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@tthorpe7958]

I went to an HBCU because I found out Hillman wasn’t real, and I wanted to be in a college that looked like Hillman. The show completely inspired me and changed my life. Plus, I went to the same school as Lou Myers aka Vernon Gaines.

[@dstewart4520]

Educate me...what school did Mr. Myers attend?

[@barbaraknox2881]

I did not miss many episodes!!! I’m a great grandma now! I absolutely loved, loved, loved that show!! What a cast!!!! 👏🏾❤️ Thank you for the laughs and the class act this show was! They’ll never be another like it!

[@blackspider1405]

One of those “you gotta be a certain age” moments. I’m that age. I grew up on this show.

[@MsMama-xc4vw]

I still watch the reruns of this show daily...Love It❤

[@Broughton1128]

*The Cosby Show & A Different World greatly influenced my life - from my cultural explorations to the college I attended.*

[@undertakerfanz628]

Too bad you dropped out

[@phantomzxro1]

I loved both shows but a different world greatly impacted me and loved how diverse the views and persona on that show was. You don't see shows that cover such a wide range of blackness.

[@Broughton1128]

@@undertakerfanz628 *Too bad you are an ignorant, insufferable troll who can’t refrain from making imbecilic comments. Grow up.*

[@lcukei]

@@undertakerfanz628 That was so unnecessary for you to make that comment, do not have anything kind to say?

[@undertakerfanz628]

@@lcukei mind your business and brush your teeth

[@ci.b.d1691]

HBCU grad (Benedict College) this show was def the reason for me goin! I love yall💯💯

[@ANGELSLVME]

DAWN LOOKS HELLA GOOD! I grew up on this show as a 56 year old!❤❤❤❤❤

[@charlesnyckd]

Proud HBCU grad (Howard University, C/O ‘06). Grew up watching the show, which inspired me to go to a HBCU. S/O to Bro. Darryl M. Bell, my fellow frat brother!! 06!!!

[@blacksoldier.]

Debbie was an Howard alum to.

[@charlesnyckd]

@@blacksoldier. yes I’m aware of that. Her sister is as well.

[@chrisgrace81]

I loved dawn Lewis hair on different world --it was such a classic refined style

[@eve_on_the_beach]

This show has single handedly inspired GENERATIONS of Doctors,lawyers and CEO's..I AM SO HAPPY THAT THEY CAN SEE THE IMPACT IT HAS MADE,FOR OVER 30 YEARS! MRS.DEBBIE ALLEN,WE THANK U,WE LOVE U,WE ADMIRE U, FOR HAVING A VISION AND CASTING ALL OF US,COLLECTIVELY, IN A DIFFERENT WORLD! I was in Highschool, when the show was on and there was NOBODY ,that could tell me ,I wasn't going to HILLMAN(I know it is not a real HBCU). BUT WE,MY CLASSMATES AND I DISCUSSED EACH EPISODE ON THE BUS THE NEXT MORNING AND WE WERE ALL READY TO GRADUATE AND DO GREAT THINGS! ABSOLUTELY, THE MOST INFLUENTIAL SHOW OF MY YOUNG LIFE! WELL DONE,MS.DEBBIE... WELL DONE CAST! U MADE US DREAM,U MADE US FEEL SEEN,U MADE US WANT TO ACHIEVE ,U MADE US BELIEVE IT WAS POSSIBLE! I am turning 50 next month and I still watch the show.It catapults me back to my youth and even tho,I was not fortunate enough to attend college,I know,in my heart,I COULD HAVE... THANK U ALL🥹✊🏽🖤💜🫂

[@quinalayoung9191]

I went off to college for a year because of A Different World, the Cast , Writers, Directors, Thank You Mrs. Debbie. I also love and grew up watching Fame. Thank Yall for bringing Hope into my heart from the projects. My Oldest Daughter Graduated from College and now my Son and Youngest Daughter are in College. I Give All GLORY To GOD!!! kiwanus young

[@annpringle8219]

I didn't know Dawn wrote the song😊😊

[@lexkanyima2195]

She starred in the first season in Mr. Cooper

[@ahopeandafuture]

She initially also sang the song however because she was going to be an actor they changed it up

[@honeybbrown5410]

Phoebe Snow sang it before Aretha…

[@GratitudeGriot]

Clicked so fast!! A Different World is STILL one of my fav shows and I LOVE Whoopi and Tisha's AIDs episode. My dad passed away due to AIDs complications a month before that episode aired. ADW will forever be an iconic show. I cant wait until my 16month old daughter is old enough to understand it ❤🖤💚

[@TG-hf1gx]

Thank u Whoopi & The View!📺 Thank u Debbie & ADW Cast!💎👑💎👑 I'm from NC, now in SF, CA🙋🏾🌉 Debbie (& Phylicia) NC's loss was the WORLD'S gain.🩰 If you know, then you know...smh😔 THE INFLUENCE: I was in AFROTC at NC A&T in 1990. My brother attended St. Augustine on an Army ROTC scholarship. Currently, he is working on his PhD & teaching at UNC. My oldest son went into the Army. He is a HS Soccer Coach and will get his Bachleor's in Biz this Dec. My youngest son gets his Master's in Mechanical Eng this May while working for a Japanese company. And last year, my sons went to visit their Father's home in Africa...🗺️ Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for showing the VERY BEST of US to the WORLD and to generations to come.👨🏾‍🎓👩🏾‍🎓🤴🏾👸🏾🤴🏾👸🏾🤴🏾👸🏾🤴🏾👸🏾 APRIL 2024

[@ShecagoRedd]

I am a Hillman Alum. I have a t-shirt and everything (I promise you I do). A Different World was the backdrop to my late high school and early college years. It came at a time when Hip Hop was drenched in Pan African Culture. Everything was so afrocentric so A Different World made sense. It was pride in education. Pride in the richness of our culture. Pride in our history. It was our reason to feel like we mattered in a country where we were made to feel like we didnt... and probably still don't. Bringing life to topics that affected us deeply in the late 80s into the early 90s. I love this so much and I'm so glad that younger people are getting to experience A Different World, live and in color. Ever since this show stopped recording, it has never NOT been on the air so we've always had this reminder of our time and place in history and beyond. KUDOS!!! 🎉

[@StedeBonnetsCravat]

My all-time favorite sitcom! I still watch reruns to this day.

[@tankmcgarrett6594]

Proud HBCU Graduate of Elizabeth City State University!!!! THIS SHOW CHANGED MY LIFE!!!!

[@SadieSimmons-zt1ot]

Viking Pride👍🏾🎓ECSU c/o 1978💙

[@tankmcgarrett6594]

@@SadieSimmons-zt1ot VIKING PRIDE!!! Spring 2010

[@jaesimpson425]

Omg! my people, my people! Class of 2006. ECSU has aviator program now.

[@saucy6470]

When I was a student at Hampton University, every Thursday night was spent in front of the TV with my housemates. I remember us saying Hillman was really Hampton. 😂❤

[@pamelabivens-pippin6152]

Yes!! Hillman was REALLY Hampton!! I'm class of '84, Original ONYX!!🎉

[@saucy6470]

@@pamelabivens-pippin6152 Heyyyyy 👋🏾👋🏾 I'm class of '92. We were Quintessence!

[@IMHTP]

Dawnn Lewis is looking GOOD. Imagine writing a song that *Aretha Franklin* turned into a legendary show tune.

[@nathanielplacide4119]

I love cree summer's voice, my childhood

[@KristineMaitland]

And still children's voice. Cree is still voice working.

[@JanetM05]

I still watch the re-runs of this show as it reminds me of the work that still needs to be done ♥️Did you know that Colonel Taylor character was Aretha Franklin’s husband in real life?✌🏽

[@neetrab]

Yes. Some of us knew.

[@pacotoyful]

As a young child growing up I always loved this show and made me want to go to Spellman! I didn’t go to an HBCU but I went to Art School and folks still call me Freddie! Cree Summer and Lisa Bonet were my favs! But Whitley reminded me of family and I always wanted the brain of Kimberly Reese!❤

[@vellyvel2250]

When I was a kid I used to have to go to my neighbors house before school in the morning. They would turn on the TV for me and a different world was always on. Been my all time favorite TV show ever since!

[@maddoxxpressions4126]

Omg same! ❤😊

[@ashinidesai3595]

This show started my freshman year of college - they were talking about and experiencing the same stuff I was. Feels like seeing my college friends!

[@gabrielleheslop7617]

I was born in 88 and this show is literally my favorite show to date! I can’t get enough. I wish it was still on streaming services ! 😢

[@mediameighan959]

It’s actually on Amazon prime

[@andreamccray6474]

Both of my sons are HBCU grads, NCCU and NC A&T! We watched A Different World as a family.

[@ddnik25]

So much greatness on one couch💕

[@nanaobben5166]

SO much 🥰🥰

[@theninjacat7200]

Thank you to the entire cast of A Different World...can't tell you how much this show meant to me as the first person in my branch of the family to even THINK about going to college.

[@kelli7916]

This will forever be my show. I watch the reruns all the time

[@kuhtreesreads]

RIP Lou Myers! 10:57 (Vernon Gaines)

[@Shskzkskska1423]

This was what I grew up on!!!

[@Unclejay137]

Me too❤

[@postivevibes3030]

Yes a black positive show

[@courtneyscott5630]

​@@Unclejay137Me three!!!

[@perpetualannan5738]

The best era EVER!!!!

[@Sunshine-vg9uq]

@@perpetualannan5738 period......💯💯💯💯💯💯