By Raliyah Stubbs, Staff Writer
College comes with its fair share of challenges. Between classes, assignments, and trying to balance a social life, there are days when you just want to relax and watch a comforting show. A TV series that offers that comfort is “A Different World.” There is something about watching a show centered around college while being in college that makes it more enjoyable.
If you have never watched the original “A Different World,” here is a little background information: the sitcom aired from 1987 to 1993 and followed a group of students attending Hillman College, a fictional historically Black college. From relationships to campus drama, the show gave viewers a look at college life while celebrating Black culture. The reboot follows Deborah Wayne, the daughter of Whitley Gilbert and Dwayne Wayne, as she starts her freshman year at Hillman.
After not getting into her dream school, Deborah must figure out what she wants her college experience to look like. Unlike her parents, who already have a history at Hillman, she is still trying to find her own path. And honestly, figuring out what she wants to do with her life is hard enough while also feeling like she must live up to her parents as well.
One of the things that makes the show interesting is the different personalities of the students. Deborah is more free-spirited while her roommate, Rashida, is focused on her education and future. The two come from different backgrounds, so they do not always see things the same way. Their differences make their friendship interesting to watch because college often brings people together who might not have crossed paths otherwise. You can meet someone who is completely different from you and still end up learning a lot from them.
Let’s not forget about the familiar faces! Seeing Whitley and Dwayne return to Hillman is a nice touch, especially for people who watched the original series. It is interesting to see them as parents now, with Dwayne also working at the college. Whitley still has her signature personality, giving longtime fans a reason to keep watching. At the same time, the new students get their own stories instead of the show only relying on the past.
But what makes the show feel so comforting? Seeing college life outside of the classroom. There is more to college than attending lectures, studying for exams, and trying to keep your grades up. There are friendships, relationships, funny moments, and situations that teach you something about yourself. Watching the students at Hillman experience all of this makes the show feel familiar, even if your own college experience looks completely different.
JaiDon Hailey, a sophomore biomedical and health science major, said, “The show really felt comforting due to the relatability of my college life.”
Sometimes, you do not want to think about another assignment or worry about what you must do tomorrow. You just want to sit down and enjoy yourself. A show like “A Different World” gives you that break while still showing experiences that college students can relate to. It is entertaining, but it also reminds you that some of the best parts of college happen outside the classroom.
Another thing that stands out is the way Hillman brings people together. At Hillman, students have a shared environment where their culture, friendships, and experiences are central to the story.
A Different World reminds us that college is about more than getting a degree. It is about the people you meet, the experiences you have, and the person you become along the way. And sometimes, when college gets overwhelming, it feels good to watch a show that reminds you to enjoy the journey.
