“A Different World” is a groundbreaking comedy that highlights HBCU culture and the life of Black college students at the fictional Hillman University. In addition to dealing with academic pressures, relationship drama, financial issues and other normal college obstacles, “A Different World” seamlessly blended in episodes dealing with race, gender, gun violence, censorship and class.
It was truly ahead of its time. Period. And with the cast reuniting for an HBCU tour, we thought it would be the perfect time to look back on some of the series’ most impactful and influential episodes. And if you’re looking to re-watch the trailblazing series, it’s available to stream on Max.
Suggested Reading
“Dream Lover” Season 2, Episode 4
It’s not like season 1 is bad. It’s just doesn’t feel connected to the rest of the series. As they begin to see each other in a new light, this outing features the first hints of Dwayne and Whitley’s show-spanning romance, which would become its anchor and guiding force.
“A Stepping Stone” Season 2, Episode 7
Now you know we can’t talk about “A Different World” without highlighting the classic step competition episode. Plus, there’s no way you can celebrate HBCU culture without showcasing step teams.
“Radio Free Hillman” Season 2, Episode 10
At a time when there was a lot of discourse around whether or not some rap music was considered obscene, the show met the issue head on with this episode about censorship. Ultimately, Dwayne realizes he can’t play whatever he wants on the campus station, due to both the lyrics and possible legal action from the artist. The students’ sit in is juxtaposed with the station airing a tribute to Dr. King.
“It Happened One Night” Season 2, Episode 11
Kim’s pregnancy scare leads to an ahead of its time discussion about women’s reproductive rights and unplanned pregnancies. It’s truly special how many of these episodes are still so timely.
“No Means No” Season 2, Episode 20
As date rape became a more recognizable issue, these episodes where young women found themselves on dangerous dates with seemingly nice guys became somewhat commonplace in the ‘90s. Though we’re still having the same conversations about consent, it doesn’t make the episodes any less powerful or important.
“Pride and Prejudice” Season 3, Episode 14
Race is something “A Different World” examined from multiple perspectives. One of the more fascinating outings features Whitley as the subject of discrimination when she discovers that her rich background doesn’t always provide the privilege she expects it will.
“A World Alike” Season 3, Episode 16
Once again, the series tackles an issue no other network show is dealing with when it shines a light on the protest against apartheid in South Africa. While Whitley’s boyfriend Julian advocates for a full boycott, which would elimate Kim’s new scholarship, a South African student sees our success as the best way to overcome the problem. “A Different World” was always excellent at presenting various sides of complex issues.
“War and Peace” Season 4, Episode 12
The show addressed the complex emotions around the Persian Gulf War with one of its best episodes. Blair Underwood guest stars as a grad student whose Army reserver unit is called up. It brilliantly examines the toll the situation takes on him as a Black man and the rest of his community, including veterans, Col. Taylor and Mr. Gaines.
“Ms. Understanding” Season 4, Episode 17
The first appearance of Gary Dourdan as Shazza leads to a war between the sexes. It brings up conversations about gender identity and relationships that we’ll probably be having until the end of time.
“Mammy Dearest” Season 5, Episode 11
In an episode that could probably only happen on “A Different World,” Kim is forced to tackle the personal pain she feels about her dark skin when Whitley’s historical display includes “Mammy” iconography that brings up suppressed emotions. Colorism is not a topic all shows can cover. And those that tackle it don’t always do it justice.
“Cats in the Cradle” Season 5, Episode 14
In one of the series’ most memorable outings, Ron and Dwayne land in hot water with campus security when they’re attacked by racist white students. The episode ends with the cop giving a rousing speech about togetherness, which works for TV, but doesn’t fit out here in the real world.
“Bedroom at the Top” Season 5, Episode 16
Sadly, Whitley’s experience with sexual harassment is all too familiar. Especially the outcome where nothing changes.
“Love Taps” Season 5, Episode 22
Domestic violence has always been a difficult issue for the Black community to address. It wasn’t just the way the show handled the topic that made this episode so important, it was that the writers chose a strong character like Gina to center the story around. This stands as one of the series most impactful and unforgettable episodes.
Save the Best for Last” Season 5, Episodes 24, 25
After years of back and forth, we finally got the long-awaited Dwayne and Whitley relationship resolution. I still don’t see how none of Byron’s friends and family stopped Dwayne from ruining dude’s wedding day. How you let your guy get humiliated like that?
“Honeymoon in L.A.” Season 6, Episodes 1, 2
With the characters maturing into adults, the problems they dealt with became much more serious. Instead of a romantic LA honeymoon, Whitley and Dwayne found themselves stuck in the middle of the 1992 LA riots, allowing the series to once again use its comedy roots to take on real world issues.
“Homie, Don’t Ya Know Me?” Season 6, Episode 23
Tupac Shakur guest stars as Lena’s ex-boyfriend, who accuses her of changing since she started attending Hillman. Knowing what we know now about Jada Pinkett and Tupac, this must’ve been a really special episode for her.
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