Cast of 'A Different World' reunites after 35 years on TODAY

[@rodwillis4080]

Not only did I go to college because of this show, I also became a college professor. I've been teaching now for almost 30 years! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾❤️❤️❤️

[@freein2339]

Cool

[@kitty-vk8ic]

My God, this makes me really really happy. Congrats.

[@mrkareem75x68]

awesome.....it did leave a positive imprint

[@barcelonachair6487]

Beautiful work!

[@Dream-Catcher_69]

😂😂😂

[@GMoneyXL1969]

I wish Debbie Allen was there. She was the brain that changed the format from being a show that was a Cosby spinoff about Denise's college life to a great ensemble cast full of personalities.

[@sabor1970]

Totally Agree

[@jeprice08]

Her and Sinbad.

[@deeproctor6542]

I am so glad someone mentioned this. This needed to be said. I actually didn't watch the show until she took over. Basically when Denise left

[@GMoneyXL1969]

@@jeprice08 True.

[@lorenzoburton3974]

Completely agree 👍🏿

[@quentinwooten30]

Aretha Franklin doesn't get enough credit for singing the theme song. So iconic

[@soulangel835a]

Dawn Lewis wrote it and sung it season 1, season 5 boys2men sang it

[@cyyrious]

@@soulangel835ano Aretha Franklin sang that song are you serious?????

[@soulangel835a]

@cyyrious I'm giving the history of it, people know Aretha for singing it Seasons 2 to 4, not Dawn nor Boy2Men, why not recognize all of them especially Dawn since she wrote the song

[@NubianP6]

A lot of people may not even be aware that Aretha Franklin was Glenn Thurman‘s (Colonel Taylor’s) ex-wife.

[@2004mojo]

@@soulangel835a Thanks for the info. I didn't know about Boyz II Men singing the theme. I actually only noticed in the last month that the voices were male! In later seasons I was skipping over the intro for years. (lol)

[@vh9network]

I'm so glad A Different World is finally getting the media recognition for the impact that show had on American society.

[@Dee_Nice89]

I grew up on this show so much that I would binge watch it on HBO Max sometimes

[@deeproctor6542]

I am so glad you made this comment. This needed to be said

[@rogersmith7475]

me too!!!

[@ronaldcollins9618]

Perfect example of why Black representation on TV is so important. I was already in my second year of college (an HBCU) when the show first aired but it was still very inspirational for me.

[@michaelehirim1446]

Wholeheartedly agree 💯💪🏿👨🏿‍🎓

[@ToneyLo]

GOOD representation that is.

[@CmeDEW61]

Exactly…yes👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@loki2240]

​@@ToneyLo- Yep, don't let anyone tell you that it's just entertainment and good representation doesn't matter. It also matters in government, business, professions, education, etc.

[@lisawalker1780]

I was already at a PWI, but the show was a refreshing look at so much of college life. Especially for a 1st gen student. Hillman was an inspiration.

[@zxmoore1]

As a white suburban kid in the late 80s and early 90s, I loved A Different World. Not only were the characters great, but the show was funny and more importantly....A Different World was my first look into the world of being a college student. So much to where I remember wanting nothing more than to go to college and join a fraternity and learn to step. I loved that a television series created by black people and acted by black people, help me better relate and show me the many differences and similarities culturally between myself and those on A Different World. A Different World made me feel comfortable as a viewer that many shows just didnt do as a young kid. Thank you for such amazing memories and on a side note....I still want those glasses.

[@deeproctor6542]

Wow that is so cool. 🎉🎉🎉

[@MsSweetStuff1]

Awesome!

[@bawintermage8351]

This is what good television is supposed to do, bring people together by exposing us to different worlds

[@dadiva2475]

As a black woman, I really appreciate you sharing your experience. Thank you 🙏🏼. I was 16 when A Different World aired, and I watched it religiously every week. I too, was inspired to go to college, as it has allowed me to meet so many different ppl from all walks of life. I'm 51 yrs old and hard to believe I'm headed to retirement in 10 years. Where does the time go?? ❤

[@MsHJones]

I was raised on A Different World & I am so excited they're still positively impacting the culture. That segment was WAY TOO short❗️❗️

[@michaelehirim1446]

Way to short 😩🤦🏿‍♂️

[@ch1701a]

You can't take about A Different World without giving a shout out to Sinbad

[@deeproctor6542]

Absolutely!!!!!!!!! The Walter oats character was funny and positive. And let's not forget Mr Gains with that old school wisdom

[@ginapierce1856]

Agreed! 100%

[@Shaylamae]

I loved his character on the show but, he is enduring an illness right now.

[@jonathanwashington6083]

They did! It's in a separate video, I think.

[@rogerbennett6117]

Absolutely 💯

[@Bestversion615]

This captured my WHOLE ENTIRE attention every week! No cussin, no overly-done ladies, no fillers. Just straight life.

[@missamercer]

❤❤❤🙌🏽🙌🏽👏🏾👏🏾

[@vxy357]

Yeah! But it was a different time back then. People actually had standards and a moral compass. Nowadays we celebrate the negative of the black community. Now we celebrate the very negative of society in general.

[@glorymosbyfloyd3878]

Yeeeeessssss

[@allenmack5589]

Always focused on what women do. How about no baby daddies either.

[@veshaw.]

Because of that show I thought 🤔 for 2 seconds that college was a realistic goal, but then I ended up dropping out of school and becoming homeless but it did give me hope

[@trishrenee06]

"We went to Hillman"... a simple, but powerful statement... when the script/your work IS life-giving seed, even to yourself.

[@iluvmyboba]

Oh, my goodness. "Good Times" just celebrated 50 years and "A Different World" is celebrating 35 years. Marvelous, you hear me. Just marvelous.

[@Cw311z]

My How Time's Changed, But The Best Memories Of Things Stay The Same.

[@iluvmyboba]

@@Cw311z Say that again. Those two shows that were mentioned, the cast will ALWAYS be Family, United, Ground Breakers and Messengers. Love them ALL.

[@patrickdickson7220]

And the brilliant Debbie Allen was part of both shows…how amazing 👏🏽

[@VelekaDatDiva]

Very iconic shows , we need these kinds shows back ❤❤❤

[@brianbeans2190]

My stepdaughter is enrolled at an HBCU. She shocked I and her mom when she told us that’s where she wanted to go. We raised her in a diverse, but mostly white Indiana suburb. She was dating the rainbow. When she graduated from high school though, much to our surprise, and certainly with no prodding from us, she announced that she had applied to a few, and that she’d been accepted to, one and would being going there in the fall. It ain’t cheap at 20k a year, but she’s a thriving junior now, and seems way more confident in herself. The environment has been really nurturing for her. She was a shy kid, but it’s been amazing to watch her grow from strength to strength these past few years. When I asked her last year as, we moved her stuff from the dorms back to home for summer break, what motivated her to attend a historically black university, know what she replied back? That while she enjoyed going to school in a mixed environment, she was tired of dealing with white kids racism. Huh? Okay. And let me sit down while I hold my hat.😂😂. She hardly ever complained about it before, so we assumed that it never was an issue, but there were things she kept from us all of those years. Of course she would notice their racism. She’s a smart cookie. Never a complainer that kid, but when the time came for her to make the choice of where she wanted to get a college education, it was she who decided that she wanted to do it in an environment largely free from it. Our baby got her smile back, and as parents her happiness and mental health is what matters to us. So thank God for HBCU’s!!❤❤

[@xtarheelinutah]

Thank You for sharing your daughter's story! Her decision (and your parenting) are definitely to be commended! I grew up watching A Different World and I instead was on Delayed Enlistment in 1987 for the Air Force. If I hadn't been, I would've done the same thing in trying to attend an HBCU. BUT, watching the show made me appreciate it and was inspirational as well!

[@reneamcgee984]

That’s an awesome story. Godspeed to her on all of her endeavors.

[@lorenzoburton3974]

Thank you for sharing. Peace and more blessings.

[@nlp6082]

School Daze, Cosby Show, and A Different World did it for me ❤! So inspiring!

[@christielove9000]

Yes Indeed Agree🥇🏆!!!

[@VelekaDatDiva]

Very True ❤❤❤

[@vectwon9797]

I'm Korean and I grew up watching this show all the time. It had some memorable characters and some really great episodes. Wasn't this a spin off of the cosby show where denise was heading to hillman? Dwayne, Ron and Whitley were and still are some of my favorite tv show characters ever.

[@natasharochelle3218]

I watched. My daughter watched. And now my seven year old grandson watches. It can’t go without saying, “Thank You Bill Cosby”. He accomplished what he created this show and the Cosby show to do.

[@dj.1094]

Yes we can say “without Bill Cosby” the idea was formulated by him and lets just leave it there.

[@ibetudidit23]

NO!!! Bill Cosby WILL BE APPRECIATED. He is the one that brought the idea into fruition. He's the one that donated the most money to HBCU during his time of 25 million. He's the one that dedicated himself to educating young black kids since the 70s. If you don't want to give Bill Cosby credit for being a credit to black people that's a shame. Foundational black Americans who understand Bill Cosby wasn't a great husband to his wife for some time but was a major asset to the Black community.

[@nodramaalwayskind6302]

YES! Thank you BILL COSBY!!!❤ Great shows!

[@renarea]

A Different World was one of the reasons I went to college. I didn’t go to a HBCU but it opened up my eyes and solidified being intelligent and young and black as cool . I absolutely love and appreciate the show.

[@moniquewilkinson3944]

Why am I crying? 😭❤ This show was so far ahead of its time.

[@moniquehildwein3106]

Dawn Lewis looks phenomenal!!!!!!! Black don’t crack ! Honey salute to her 😊❤️

[@user-fl3fi9wh1c]

This was the comment I was looking for 💯

[@moniquehildwein3106]

⁠@@user-fl3fi9wh1c Only haters wouldn’t state the obvious an Dawn was gorgeous on the show with her natural an short cut! The other ladies look dried an thru DAWN ATE!

[@Treemonieee]

@@moniquehildwein3106that’s mean to say they look dried and thru. They are alive and thriving. That’s what matters most

[@StarlessTerrace]

I was saying the exact same thing!

[@talawoods25]

ABSOLUTELY SHE DOES!! It's like she's been preparing to pop out after 35 years. And the funny thing is her character was the oldest on the show😊

[@thelisajourney]

If you were not rooting for Dwayne Wayne during the wedding scene - you are not real fan. Whitely and Dwayne 4ever!!!! One of the best moments in television history.

[@themomathondiaries6689]

You got that right!

[@BackyardSmokeMasterBBQ]

Hands down one of the best moments in television history, arguably #1 in black tv history.

[@greeneyesdante]

That episode and the one when Whitney found out she was pregnant were my favorites!! Wish we still had shows like this today instead of all the reality crap we're offered. One of my all-time favorites.❤

[@dr.braxygilkeycruises1460]

@@greeneyesdante Dwayne: *"Now give me that last adjective."* Whitley: *"I. Am. Pregnant. TOUCHDOWN!"* 🤗🤣😂

[@dr.braxygilkeycruises1460]

I've been saying since the second season of *SCANDAL* that Dwayne Wayne stealing Whitley at the wedding is why Byron became *Command.* 🤣😂😆😅😄😂😅 One of my favorite lines of all time was Mr. Gaines in the first episode of the following season after the wedding. Dwayne and Whitley mention that they were on their honeymoon in Los Angeles during the riots after the Rodney King verdict. Mr. Gaines says, *"Good Lord! You stole a bride at your wedding and a VCR on your honeymoon!"* 😁😄

[@veronicas2445]

I didnt go to an HBCU but I went to college because of this show. 1st in my family back then.

[@alanstevenson001]

I am a 45 year old white man in England. This show taught me so much as a kid.

[@pauldeveaux1517]

Hate to burst your bubble, black college students aren’t nearly that stupid or immature

[@dejamesola]

I Guess you just needed to say anything, no matter how silly, huh??? 😅

[@selsam7064]

That is very nice to hear.

[@lorenzoburton3974]

Awesome. Me too.

[@willishalliii2350]

I rushed my college applications in the spring of 92 because of watching a Different World. Started at Tuskegee finished at Morgan.

[@therealaboutentrepreneurship]

I don’t normally watch reruns however this is one show I would watch over an over. That wedding episode😳❣️

[@msjamesesq]

Omg. I literally watched the part where Dwayne interrupts the ceremony like two days ago. That wedding episode was EVERYTHING!

[@beema2404]

“baby, please, please!!!!!” Still one of my favorite scenes from any show.

[@HughesTamiLee]

The wedding!!!!

[@W81Researcher]

​@@msjamesesqI thought it was off the air in syndication because of Bill Cosby?

[@nunook5522]

@@W81Researcher Bill Cosby wasn't on a Different World. The Cosby Show is what you're thinking of.

[@91WriterzStatus]

You can tell the intentions were pure when making this show. From the characters to the storylines that really wanted to make an impact. They definitely succeeded. As an HBCU alum who watched the the show decades later, it was a great depiction of life at an HBCU.

[@FireMadeFleshII]

It amazes me none of them actually attended an HBCU, but got the vibe check right. Thank you, Debbie Allen! I wish she was joining them on the tour & man, how I wish this tour happened a lot sooner after the show ended, like when I was in undergrad! So jealous, but happy this generation gets to experience that cast of LEGENDS 🫡 A Different World forever, man 🖤

[@bunnydimples1283]

Oh wow, I never knew that. That’s interesting🤔

[@BloodyPeachFilmFestival]

Jasmine Guy attended Spelman.

[@FireMadeFleshII]

@BloodyPeachFilmFestival She didn't attend Spelman. She lived near Spelman & Morehouse and would visit the campuses frequently as her father was a Philosophy instructor

[@brotherjames2204]

So are we really going to jump to thanking Debbie Allen but not Bill Cosby???

[@cyyrious]

@@brotherjames2204lol in all fairness it was both Bill Cosby then Debbie but yea Bill for sure 😂😂😂

[@iamme50]

I attended Morris Brown College which is also a part of the AUC (Atlanta University Center). Because of A Different World, I attended an HBCU. I eventually transferred to Clark Atlanta University where I achieved my Bachelor of Arts degree. I'm so happy to see the impact this legendary show has on the youth and the adults of that generation. It's nostalgic.

[@1whoislikeYAH]

Interestingly enough, Morris Brown is/was the only AUC school named after a Black person, yet it was often treated like an outcast. I graduated from one of them in the 90s. A good term to know the definition of is Boulé.

[@shenitathompson7493]

I attended Morris Brown for two years and transferred because they lost the nursing program. I have very fond memories of Mo Brown

[@TeaPeaLane]

I'm so glad to have been raised in the 80s and 90s. Those decades encompass American black TV culture at its finest. My favorite episode was definitely the wedding and the years of drama and shade that led up to it. 😂😂

[@breebarry4422]

Yes. Now all the dramatic stories are just trash drama, and no comparable comedies.

[@Nille0212]

I am as well!!! The 80s and 90s were a golden era for middle class Black Americans. The economy was better, and there wasn't so much negativity at the palm of your hands. Technology has ruined childhood in a way because it keeps people from interacting face to face, as well as allowing too much adult content to be seen by eyes that can't understand what's being presented to them. I am so thankful to have grown up in a time where I was allowed to be a child and I still had positive role models in entertainment who influenced me to do great things in my life. I went to an HBCU because of this show.

[@TheLastJayL]

Thank you, Dr. Cosby. It was you who did this.

[@Joyful_Smiles]

A Different World reflected Black American life and culture perfectly. Its the type of entertainment that needs to be promoted because, unpopular fact, media does impact young people's lives. They imitate what they see. A Different World was our ancestors hopes and aspirations on tv without being preachy or overbearing. This was a beautiful report. Thank you and Happy Black History Month!

[@GoldenLady1007]

Exactly. That's why this genre was pulled and replaced by negative shows. This is not what the powers that be want duplicated. 😢💛

[@efunkyman6853]

​@@GoldenLady1007 We can't ignore the fact that many of US have the resources to promote our culture in a more positive, uplifting light, but instead produce media reusing the same, defeating and destructive stereotypes. Now look at many of our youngsters. Can't read or do math at grade level. The furthest thing from their minds is their future, let alone college. The uncomfortable fact previously mentioned is destroying us and again, those with resources an influence promote the destruction or sitting idly by. I guess they are scared of being, "canceled." Then what does that really say about them?

[@iamkesha.]

You know how you said tv impacts culture? Looking back, my oldest sister, my cousin and I, first apartments all had white furniture like what was in the Banks living room (Fresh Prince of Bel-Air). But that was before we had kids. Even though when we started to have kids, they knew how to act so the furniture stayed white and we didn’t need to put plastic on it either.😂😂

[@rufinandongo5518]

I am from Cameroon 🇨🇲 , West Africa 🌍 and we used to watch A Different World and the Cosby show over here too. ❤❤❤. Very fond memories😊😊😊😊

[@zackamania6534]

Cool! My homie from college back in 1998 was from Cameroon. He opened my eyes and my mind as a 20 year old white kid from rural East Tennessee. Shout out to Ibrahim and GO VOLS!

[@BlaccTony69]

This show almost mirrored my life. The show came out after I graduated high school. I grew up with this cast of characters. This was my favorite show.

[@djsausagebiscuits]

same! make sure you make it in to work on Monday Tony.

[@TheMossProject]

A staple that is needed in today’s entertainment. These kids need this type of programming!!

[@caligirl2779]

💯

[@elizabethhirst9419]

This is one of my favorite shows. I still think the show is still relevant to today's times.

[@breebarry4422]

Absolutely!

[@Midnight_manna]

I can say, EVERYONE at my high school in 1986 and 1987, got very serious about their grades because, after this show came on the air, the goal really was to graduate and go to college! The excite about going to college was at an all time high. Thank you cast for continuing to carry that mantle!

[@WBrown-cg6kd]

That's beautiful!❤

[@patriciareyes7561]

I watched this show from a country in the Caribbean and it made me pursue higher education. Will always be a part of my life.

[@crishnaholmes7730]

Are you still in the Caribbean

[@patriciareyes7561]

@@crishnaholmes7730 Yes I am, just prefer the life.

[@MemphisShun901]

They definitely changed my life. My mom went to an HBCU and I did too. She made sure I saw positive black images on TV.

[@nanaobben5166]

Brings tears to my eyes watching this. Please don't forget to mention the incomparable Debbie Allen🖤🖤

[@dj.1094]

Also Sinbad 😢

[@cathleanjohnson675]

Misty eyes watching this, went to Norfolk State University-Norfolk. Virginia-late 70s well before the show came on but what it did HBCUs can't be denied and so great to see the cast together again, deserves all props, well over due...

[@jenelle4707]

I'm 36yrs old living in Jamaica and I absolutely love watching the re runs of A Different World ❤🎉

[@robyn3976]

I was a freshman in college in 1989 and I can honestly say that show was a huge influence. Every Thursday some of my dorm mates and I would head to the lounge to get our next dose of A Different World. It was amazing because we were living it.

[@WBrown-cg6kd]

That is soooo cool❤

[@2KGrind09]

the Heavy D episode was my favorite

[@richiebee1984]

MY TOP 3 EPISODES ARE HEAVY D,THE HURRICANE EPISODE AND A TIE BETWEEN TUPAC AND KRIS KROSS!! PLUS CAN'T FORGET THE 2 PART HONEYMOON EPISODE DURING THE L.A. RIOTS!!

[@2KGrind09]

@@richiebee1984 Kris Kross was top episode

[@Karl671]

Of course

[@YT.Is.Not.A.Career]

Nahh Tupac was the Best Foh

[@Macdemon]

That's my favorite episode. Heavy D

[@LoveAngel333]

They way THE COSBY SHOW AND DIFFERENT HELPED OUR COMMUNITY Words cannot explain. I am literally in tears thinking about the positive impact it had on my generation at the time. I saw the difference it made. I lived it and I am forever Greatful Thank you to all involved in such an inspiring show

[@hillbaby02]

Thank God for syndication and streaming for keeping A Different World alive. I watch on HBO MAX almost every week.

[@1TheBatman]

Preach

[@intellektualPoet]

When I tell you that this show shaped me in a way like no other..... it's nothing short of amazing. I'm an Electrical Engineer because of Dwayne Wayne.

[@rspen2142]

I found myself rewatching "A Different World" after many years of not watching it. Oh, the memories!!! I can remember growing up watching this and "The Cosby Show". No one in my immediate family went to college, so those conversations never took place during my growing up. But, seeing the college culture through my television screen made me think bigger than what I saw around me. I went on to be the first college graduate (from an HBCU) in my family and a small part is due to what this show imparted in me.

[@nadirashabazz1033]

Awesome testimony and Congratulations!!!

[@jamesabernathy4025]

One of the greatest Black series out of all time, Thank You Dr. Cosby. Different World dealt with all kinds of issues concerning black youths and all youths during it's time. Excellent, writing, direction and acting. Only a few shows impacted young people as much as this one did and still does. This series made a lot of people succeed instead of failing, inspiration is a wonderful THING!!!

[@GoldenLady1007]

I wonder why there aren't any shows like this in rotation now. It's sad that this kind of representation is not what the powers that be want for the Black community. 😢

[@mypumpkin]

grown-ish on Freeform

[@sjg5994]

​@@mypumpkinNo

[@prtdiva]

@@mypumpkin meh, cute show but not the same impact. I would say maybe Insecure. Although the characters aren’t in college, they are positive, successful role models and the show has a similar iconic impact. We root for Isa and Lawrence like we did Whitley and Dwayne. Grown-ish is a fun show but I don’t see it as a cultural phenomenon. Also, it’s more of a diverse cast when ADW and Insecure are focused on Black stories.

[@bubblybubbles4023]

People become what they see, especially when the people look like them. The media is pushing negativity because it wants the black community to self-destruct.

[@k.simmons862]

Because these networks don’t want to showcase black positivity and empowerment

[@l.e.d.vizion4953]

I shared this show with my daughter when she turned 10 yrs old. We watched the cosby show all and all the episodes of a different world. She is now on the honor roll teying to make into Howard to become a Dr. She KNOWS what she wants to do because of this show

[@michellebuckland3436]

This has brought HAPPY tears to my eyes. God bless all involved of producing and acting in this show to have a beautiful impact on your daughter. I pray she carries the torch planted inside of her from watching this show to the next generation❤.

[@lavenberry]

If they inspired people to enroll in an HBCU, we need to have "A Different World" back on the air.

[@keepcalm1224]

The closest we got to it was Grownish.

[@WWNicole]

@@keepcalm1224yes! Also, Kadeem (Dwayne of ADW) was featured on Grownish as a teacher and mentor. 😊

[@mixon270]

​@@WWNicoleand now The Chi come May

[@Vidiva40]

It's on TV One

[@bluekitty.81]

It's on max and prime.

[@poppopw5305]

I attended an HBCU a few years before "ADW" premiered and it made me wish I was still on campus. Only one word describes this show: ICONIC. ❤️👊🏾👍🏾💯

[@darienwilliams6070]

Mine was when Gladys night appeared for the background singing competition and when Patti LaBelle and Dihann Carroll cooked for Thanksgiving 😂

[@susango123]

I know right?! I loved it when Patti called Dwayne chipmunk and her husband woodchuck.

[@spiceislife]

Or the episode when Patti came to surprise Dwayne and Whitley n Keenu ended up fighting over Dwayne in front of his mom..they ended up dropping his moms cobbler and she wasn't having NONE of that .😂😂😂 those Keenu and Whitley battles were hilarious!!!

[@rheeryder2524]

"Are those chitterlings?" 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Diahnn Carol was beyond hilarious with her snooty role.

[@susango123]

@@spiceislife I know right?! Whitley kept on calling her Kukali, Kukalu, but never by her real name. Too funny. 🤣

[@susango123]

@@rheeryder2524 I loved Diane Carrol on the show. She did the role of Whitley's mother amazingly well. May she RIP.

[@bigralph1978]

It's good seeing them again after all those years! They need to bring back these kinds of shows today. Continue to pray for Sinbad who played Walter Oakes as he continues to recover from a stroke he suffered in November 2020. I wish they would've brought back Lisa Bonet, Marisa Tomei, Loretta Devine, Ajai Sanders, Jada Pinkett-Smith, and Karen Malina White for this. And last but not least, we also have to remember the late Lou Myers who passed away on February 19, 2013 at the age of 77 and the late Mary Alice who passed away on July 27, 2022 at the age of 85!

[@RHOMANTIC1]

The reason why I chose my HBCU was this amazing show class of 1999. Sweet memories ❤

[@kendrasmith8087]

Loved me some Kareem Hardison as Dwayne Wayne. Been crushing on this man forever. He still got it. The theme song & cast was fire. Everyone has aged so well. I can't forget Glynn Turman..so classy❤❤❤❤. This show was so influential for me. ❤❤❤

[@theclassick1]

This show had to be one of the most pivotal reasons young Black boys and girls attended not only an HBCU but any college or university in mass numbers during that time. Enough can't be said about proper representation and imagery shaping young minds during the Cosby, Fresh Prince, and A Different World era.

[@valetteburrows7181]

TOTALLY AGREED!!!

[@apoclypse]

When it first started out it was a different show. Just a spinoff of the Cosby Show, but then Debbie Allen got involved and it transformed into something magical. It saddens me that we don't see this on TV anymore, the aspiration, inspiration, it was such an excellent show and much needed. Now when kids are not even bothering with college we need something like A Different World to show people that there is still value in higher education. Not just educational but social as well.

[@meskeremgebregiorgis4589]

A different world is international. I remember watching it with my family and friends in the early 90s from Ethiopia. We need shows like it right now for this generation .

[@thabeautiful1]

This is my favorite show of all time. I was a kid when it was on air and years away from college but I knew that I wanted to go to college just from watching the show. It was full of life lessons and laughs and I'll love it forever.

[@MsBerries25]

One of the best shows on television. I loved watching it. RIP Mr Gaines 🖤

[@alliedfederalelectriccorp3469]

I smiled this whole episode. Dawnn Lewis wrote the theme song and Phoebe Snow was the original singer!

[@msde625]

I introduced A Different World to my son and we watched the whole series, he loved it. This show is the reason why I graduated from an HBCU and I pray that the cast is still doing this tour in 4 years so my son can experience them in person. I love you all. Thank you for the show, the perseverance to keep the show on for as long as it was and for the endless inspiration. GOD bless you all!

[@michaelehirim1446]

💯💯💯💯💪🏿 well said and I hope it does for your son too

[@jcwebb86]

It’s a beautiful thing. To see these shows and with a positive outlook. It’s a blessing to see all them together

[@chanelhopeful5336]

They need to bring shows like this Back, it really did have a positive impact ❤

[@Im-ahthegreat]

That’s what they don’t want, positivity!

[@Soul-cry1]

Sitcoms don't work in this era anymore

[@myurbangarden7695]

This show CHANGED LIVES!!!!!

[@LadyGrace68]

Oh Golden Years of Black television! Fond memories of coming of age in that era! I attended and graduated Morgan State University from 90-93 because of “A Different World”!

[@kawannadixon4327]

I Pray that they bring shows like this back on T.V. this show has made a huge impact on the lives of so many people including myself and my children who are now the first in my family to attend College !

[@adrina911]

I love this show as a kid in the 90’s. 💕💕💕💕

[@Spoog84]

Me too

[@ants8527]

This brings back those good 80s childhood memories for me when i would watch The Cosby Show, Then A Different World would come on right after. That was the Nbc lineup! I miss those days of watching shows like that with your family.😊

[@dkirk0929]

HBCU Grad here✋🏾 because of A Different World. Well majority of my family went to HBCUs but A Different World gave me an extra push.

[@Veronna79]

My best show from day #1. I remember Sinbad, Jada Picket & Loretta Devine, being on the show. Everyone looks wonderful.⭐💯❤️🏆

[@egonetta007]

Wow! I watched this show in Canada on Thursday nights. I, on March 1st, 2024 do have chills hearing and seeing the cast members. Continued successes to everyone. Very Proud moment..

[@jenpatrick4741]

I still watch this show at 5 everyday.

[@iguillo]

This show ABSOLUTELY influenced me to attend the HBCU I graduated from in 1993.🙂

[@VuittonDon1906]

This show was excellent, as a child my Thursday night ritual was watching "The Cosby Show" and "A Different World".These two shows were staple in our household and it really helped to shape my perception of what I wanted for my life and family whe I became an adult. I went to college (HBCU & PWI) and graduated, first generation, based on the experiences I saw on " A Different World ".

[@joliegeo8277]

I love this show. This is why I wanted to attend an HBCU. I am a proud Grambling State University Alumni.

[@patsyroberts3772]

Grrrrl, you are blessed 🙌🏽 . I wanted to go to Grambling State University. I was a saxophone 🎷 player. I had a band scholarship. My dad got sick so I stayed close to home. I did go to College. Wow 👌🏽 👏🏼

[@TheAAdele05]

Mr. Truman is related to my family. I pray I get to meet him someday in person. This show was/is phenomenal! Thank you for sharing a story on it!❤

[@lichi1244eva]

They all look GOOD!! A Different World was everything to me, i wanted to be Freddie so bad😭

[@leathiarao6633]

I loved them when the show originally aired. I love seeing them now. I have two daughters who attended Xavier after having graduated from white majority high schools. They are both successful. They said that when the show would come on the HBCU students would be glued to .it. They are still in touch with the students who have graduated and represent a diverse number of professions throughout this country and the globe. That show inspired so many black youth. It also showed an apect of wholesome life at am HBCU that people outside of our communities didn't realize existed. Love you and Mr. Crosby for showcasing student life. ❤

[@heydeanie]

One of the best shows that was EVER on television...my sister and i never missed an episode... To young people who stumble on this show, watch it. It holds up, because at the heart of it its about the struggles we all go through as people coming of age. Also, please young people understand, although there was a predominantly black cast (i remember u marissa tomae) EVERYONE watched this show. It was APPOINTMENT tv. And as for Dwayne Wayne...The love is deep & it is real lol, even after all these years...❤

[@Miss.Halle-Taylor]

I'm so thankful for them all because they are the reason I wanted to go to college especially, a HBCU....THANKS ALL

[@tjjohnson1151]

I still watch this show every day on tv one🙏🏾🦋🤲🏾🥰

[@whcchw]

Made me want to go to college as a 12 yr old ❤ Fav episodes.. Tupac, Kris Kross and Heavy D appearances, Hip Hop was a major factor at that time in my life. Thanks!

[@kincamell2]

Stellar. One of the best, ever. I just applied to Howard University yesterday.

[@WBrown-cg6kd]

Best if luck!! You got this!!🎉

[@benitabrown7236]

@kincamel12, CONGRATULATIONS & Best Wishes!

[@Aniontedone]

That’s the kind of show needed today. Entertainment that’s not just enjoyable but enlightening.

[@tashaw3636]

This show absolutely was a reason why I wanted to experience college life.

[@mrbgladney71]

Eas"T"exas Respect WATCHED EVERY EPISODE...My We've Aged So Well Ova the Past 35 Years Rest N Peace 2 All The Characters 'Gon on 2 Glory.

[@altonf62]

The 903 Marshall Tx

[@mrbgladney71]

@@altonf62 Nac Town Respect Fam.

[@djemraidola264]

Bring this show back Peacock!

[@licia432]

It’s on Max now. 👍🏾

[@floridagirl5207]

Definitely there were lost episodes we didn’t get to see.

[@heybibi4637]

And TVOne!!!

[@adrienneberry1764]

When television was worth watching, as a family. So happy to see all of you well. I hope the peace of GOD follows you throughout your Iife forever. Thank you so much for great TV.

[@4evermistyblu]

This show diffidently influenced my decision to attend an HBCU. Best decision I have ever made in life. My son is now attending one and hopefully my baby niece one day. We need a Different World HOMECOMING Movie!! 🍿

[@HeyTeeTeeHey]

Same here. ❤

[@sha8921]

“A Different World” had such a great impact on the world! Such an amazing cast! 🙌🏾😍❤️

[@ShaikuraJarfaru]

Man, I miss that Thursday night lineup. First The Cosby Show then A Different World. What a great time that was in the eighties.

[@neqneq9695]

I loved A Different World!! I wanted to go to a HBCU myself but sadly, life got the better of me and I never went. I'm in my mid-40s now and regret not being stronger as a teenager when the show was out and doing better in school so I could go to college. And please know that I was no dummy in school. Math was my hardest subject but I was mostly an A/B student. I just made the wrong choices and life happened way earlier for me. I still watch A Different World to this day. Maybe one day, I might get my chance at my dream to go to Spelman. It's where I always wanted to go 😁💜

[@michellebuckland3436]

You can do anything you put your mind to...don't let anyone or anything hold you back. We all have our challenges in life; but, as my Godmother and Mom taught me, we ALL have potential in our own rights. Black people are fearfully and wonderfully made!!! My Mom went back to school to get a College certificate in her 50s to change her profession. It is NEVER too late.

[@readslotsofbooks]

Yes, pursue that goal!! They’d benefit from your presence.

[@336chynadoll77]

So proud that I grew up on this show. I still watch it, Its very important to the culture. 🙏🏽

[@shervonnesmith7031]

I went to an HBCU around the time that the show came out. And the amount of pride that I have because of that is immeasurable. There was a time when our people were proud and felt cool by learning from this show alone. Now things are questionable. I’m thankful to have grown up in this era

[@burnie2910]

A Different World definitely defined my generation. I really started looking at HBCUs at a very young age because of the images on the show. I attended and matriculated from an HBCU.

[@TripSe7en_77]

I used to LOVE Thursday nights. Cosby show at 8 and Different World at 8:30! Now that a different world is in syndication, I watch it all the time.

[@georgeandy6923]

PLEASE LET US NOT EVER FORGET THAT THIS SHOW EXISTED BECAUSE OF THE GENIUS OF ONE MR. BILL COSBY!!

[@alexstlouis3645]

I was a freshman in college when this show initially aired and it motivated to finish 2 degrees. Much Love, cast!!

[@benitabrown7236]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

[@Aliciam139]

I loved this show as a teenager & still watch reruns to this day. ❤

[@autumnof1992]

I love this show it holds a special place in my heart. Freddie Brooks is my favourite character.