A Different World (1987)
The groundbreaking NBC sitcom that brought the historically Black college experience to primetime television for six unforgettable seasons.
A Different World - Series Information
- Original Title: A Different World
- First Air Year: 1987
- Last Air Year: 1993
- Created by: Bill Cosby
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Family
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 22 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 6
- Number of Episodes: 144
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 24, 1987 (United States - TV-PG), September 24, 1987 (Germany - 12)
- Networks: NBC
- Production Companies: Carsey-Werner Company, Bill Cosby
- Production Countries: United States of America
A Different World - Plot
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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A Different World - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Bill Cosby
Main Cast
- Jasmine Guy
- Kadeem Hardison
- Darryl M. Bell
- Cree Summer
- Charnele Brown
- Glynn Turman
- Dawnn Lewis
- Lou Myers
- Sinbad
- Jada Pinkett Smith
Writers
- Yvette Lee Bowser
- Thad Mumford
- Reggie Rock Bythewood
- Judi Ann Mason
- Gina Prince-Bythewood
A Different World - FAQs
Where can you stream A Different World?
A Different World is available to stream on Netflix (including Netflix Standard with Ads) and Philo. These platforms offer all six seasons of the beloved NBC sitcom, making it easy to revisit or discover the show for the first time.
Is A Different World a spin-off of another show?
Yes, A Different World is a direct spin-off of The Cosby Show. It originally followed Denise Huxtable, played by Lisa Bonet, as she enrolled at Hillman College. After Bonet's departure following Season 1, the series shifted focus to Whitley Gilbert and Dwayne Wayne.
Who are the main cast members of A Different World?
The principal cast includes Jasmine Guy as Whitley Gilbert, Kadeem Hardison as Dwayne Wayne, Darryl M. Bell as Ron Johnson, Cree Summer as Freddie Brooks, Charnele Brown as Kim Reese, Sinbad as Coach Walter Oakes, and Jada Pinkett Smith as Lena James, among others.
What social issues did A Different World address?
A Different World was notably progressive for its era, tackling racism, apartheid, the AIDS crisis, date rape, the Gulf War, and economic inequality. These storylines, woven into its comedy format, gave the show a cultural weight that distinguished it from most sitcoms of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
How many seasons and episodes does A Different World have?
A Different World ran for 6 seasons and 144 episodes in total. Season 1 and Season 2 each contained 22 episodes, while Seasons 3 through 6 each featured 25 episodes. The series aired on NBC from September 1987 to July 1993.
When did A Different World first air on NBC?
A Different World premiered on NBC on September 24, 1987. It quickly became one of the network's highest-rated programs, frequently ranking among the top shows on American television throughout its run, which concluded in 1993.
Did Jada Pinkett Smith appear in A Different World?
Yes, Jada Pinkett Smith appeared in A Different World as Lena James, a recurring character introduced in the later seasons. Her role on the series is widely credited as one of her earliest prominent television appearances, helping launch her career before her rise to film stardom.
What is the content rating for A Different World?
A Different World carries a TV-PG content rating in the United States. While the show is a family-friendly comedy, it regularly engaged with mature social themes in an age-appropriate way, making it suitable for a broad audience including older children, teens, and adults.
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