A Different World

A Different World starts as a sister show to The Cosby Show, following a group of students at Hillman College, a fictional historically black university in Virginia. When Denise Huxtable departs early on, the spotlight shifts to Whitley Gilbert, a stylish Southern debutante, and Dwayne Wayne, a math whiz with a sharp mind. The campus becomes a lively mosaic of friendships, dorm life, and cultural snapshots, with occasional guest appearances from members of the major historically black fraternities and sororities. The tone blends light humor with moments of growth as students navigate independence, identity, and the challenges of college life. The cast includes Jasmine Guy and Kadeem Hardison in central roles.

Created by Bill Cosby, A Different World premiered in 1987 as a spin off from The Cosby Show. It centers on Hillman College students and features a memorable ensemble led by Jasmine Guy and Kadeem Hardison.

Beyond laughs the series offered a rare look at Black college life on TV and sparked conversations about race, class, and identity. Its candid mix of humor and social issues helped shape later campus comedies and cultural dialogues.

Critics welcomed its mix of friendship, romance, and academic ambition, and the show used Hillman as a backdrop for themes of belonging, personal growth, and community. It balanced light hearted moments with thoughtful reflections on young adulthood.