A&T and ‘A Different World”
There is great excitement in 2026 with news that a Netflix reboot sequel of A Different World is going into production with A&T alum Joshua Suitor among the new cast. This is tremendous news in the 70+ years Aggies have appeared on TV. With this news let’s revisit the original A Different World a landmark in representation of HBCUs, budding African American professionals with a strong memory of one Aggieland’s greatest alumni.
For those who don’t know, A Different World (1987 – 1993) was the sitcom spin-off of the hit television series The Cosby Show (1984-1992) that initially followed daughter Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet) as a freshman at Hillman College, a fictional HBCU. The new program was a hit in the ratings in its first season but received mixed reviews. It was felt that A Different World needed a more connected portrayal of HBCU life.
The show received a lot of retooling in its second season under producer & director Debbie Allen, a Howard University graduate. Add a revamped version of the theme song performed by Aretha Franklin, and the show emerged as a much more popular program that felt more relevant and accurate in its depiction of HBCUs. The series also portrayed mature themes untouched by The Cosby Show, like sexual violence, voting rights, racial profiling, and the Rodney King Riots.
Bonet left the series after its first season, and the principal characters became Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy) a southern belle, and Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison) a math and engineering whiz who instantly recognizable in TV Land from his flip-up shade glasses. The characters married in the 5th season and the upcoming Netflix reboot will center on their daughter Deborah Wayne. Other cast members included Cree Summer, Daryl M. Bell, Dawnn Lewis, Sinbad, and Glynn Turman.
Airing after The Cosby Show, and right before Cheers on NBC’s “Must See TV” Thursday nights placed the series as the #2 program on the air for its first season, and numbers #3 & #4 until its sixth and final season. Nielsen rating studies placed A Different World as #1 among African American households for the 1988-89 season, followed by The Cosby Show, Amen, The Golden Girls, and 227.
One of the most memorable episodes of the series featured A&T’s own Rev. Jesse Jackson as the special guest. On April 27, 1989, millions watched as Rev. Jesse Jackson proudly wore an A&T sweater on the Hillman College scene and addressed the student body. When he was asked to appear on “A Different World” Jackson requested a sweater from A&T and one was sent to him along with a hat. Jackson only wore the sweater. Chancellor Edward B. Fort stated that Jackson’s appearance on the show was “worth $5 million in publicity”.
The episode “Citizen Wayne” had Dwayne (Hardison), run for a student government office and learn that Ron (Bell), his campaign manager, falsely claimed that Jackson, who was scheduled to visit the campus, has endorsed Wayne for office. During the episode, Dwayne goes to Rev. Jackson to apologize. At first, he wants to quit the race but eventually continues after Jackson’s encouragement. Jackson also shares that he was student body president while attending North Carolina A&T.
Speaking about A Different World Jesse Jackson said, “I am particularly impressed with the series’ college setting because it arouses a consciousness among students that is hopeful, positive and creative”.
Rev. Jacksons’ speech to the student body of Hillman College on “A Different World” was reshared an untold number of times on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok after he passed away on February 17, 2026. While filmed for a half hour sitcom, it matches exactly what he would tell students at A&T.
After The Cosby Show ended its run in 1992, ratings for A Different World began to fall. Also, younger African American audiences were choosing the FOX sitcom Martin on Thursday nights over Dwayne and Whitley. When the series ended after six seasons, its loss was lamented by HBCUs, public school teachers and community directors. A Different World was credited with a 24% spike in HBCU enrollment during its run. Many educators and leaders also saw major changes in the perceptions of seeking higher education among young people from watching A Different World. Will the new reboot do the same in the 21st century?
Did A Different World influence your decision to attend A&T, another HBCU, or to go to college in general? What other TV or radio programs played a role in your decision, or were entertaining and supportive during your college years? To share your experiences and to learn more about A&T history please contact the University Archives and Special Collections at libraryarchives@ncat.edu.
By: James R. Stewart, University Archives and Special Collections
