A Different World (TV Series)

[BetterForgotten]

I do think it was very strange the show never had or tackled any LGBTQ issues or characters. For a show set in a college, that was a big miss. Especially the African American LGBTQ existence. I know it was the late 80's/early 90's, but still...

Edited July 10, 2019 by BetterForgotten

[John]

Okay why was Loretta Devine dropped for Mary Alice Why did Mary exit in 1989?

 

Im assuming Sinbad & Dawn Lewis quit?

[Franko]

If I recall correctly, the two plotlines that NBC wouldn't eventually approve were (a) having a character actually receive an abortion and (b) gay bashing.

 

Stevie, and then Lettie, were inessential holders of an essential role -- the older and wiser female. Once the students got older, it made more sense to have the role be filled by Jaleesa, Whitley, Kim and Freddie (more or less in that order).

 

In hindsight, I wish Jaleesa would have left with Walter. Having Jaleesa be reduced to one scene per episode was pretty said. I don't know if Lewis and Sinbad quit or if they were fired.

[DramatistDreamer]

 

Speaking of having Freddie Brookes and Maggie Lawson interacting, unbeknownst to me, this photo was taken last month. 

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[ReddFoxx]

I saw that photo on Twitter a couple of weeks ago and someone was calling it "A Different World" reunion, but that really was not accurate since those two were not on the show at the same time.

[DramatistDreamer]

 

More like ADW alumni meet up. 

[Forever8]

I always wanted to see the episode of Unsung profiling A Different World. 

 

I want to know does anyone know where possibly where I might be able watch it online? 

[Forever8]

In 1987, one of television’s most influential shows was born. The stars, writers, and producers look back on their years at Hillman College.

 

 

‘A Different World’: Cast Members and Crew Tell the Oral History | Vanity Fair

[DRW50]

Oral history. Very much worth the read!

 

https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/05/a-different-world-cast-members-and-crew-oral-history

[DramatistDreamer]

 

Thanks!

I was just thinking about ADW yesterday--wondered why episodes were allowed to be edited, depending on platform (on Netflix, episodes were intact, the way they were originally aired as opposed to when heavily edited episodes were rerun on television).

[DRW50]

Sorry @Forever8 I did not realize this show had two topics. 

 

@Toups can these be merged?

[DramatistDreamer]

 

Thanks for posting.

 

It was a good read but I admit, I would have traded all of the comments from Lena Waithe and anyone else not connected with the making of ADW for a couple of comments from Lisa Bonet (although I already figured that she would not be involved in this) or even one comment from Bonet and one from Tomei (did anyone try to contact Marisa? I don't think the article ever said.

 

Some of this information I already knew and some of confirmed or debunked things I'd heard. It was good to hear the actual account if events.

 

I remember feeling irritated and a bit sad when I saw that Martin and ADW were running opposite each other in the same time slot. Reminiscent of what I read about The Cosby Show and Charlie And Company. With as few sitcoms with majority black casts as there were back then, somehow networks always found a way to run them in direct competition.

 

 

Did you ever see this? 

 

I think someone posted that episode on YouTube. It was Unsung Hollywood. Far from comprehensive but makes for interesting viewing.

Edited May 27, 2021 by DramatistDreamer

[Forever8]

No Problem!!! 

I could've done without Lena Waithe's comments too. Curious did they try to contact Marisa too? I wonder did they also try to get Jada Pinkett Smith for any comments too?

 

It seems Dawnn Lewis missed having a smaller cast and seemed disappointed by the time she left it was 14 principal characters. 

 

I've been trying to look for it but I never can find it. If anyone can get to it please feel free to post it if you can. Thanks!!! 

Edited May 27, 2021 by Forever8

[DramatistDreamer]

 

You're right, it's not there. I could've sworn I watched it on YouTube (have you checked Daily Motion?), it might have been removed.

As an aside, man is there a lot click-baity junk that came up when I searched on YouTube!

 

[Vee]

Hot Take(?): With frickin' Punky Brewster and Head of the Class getting Peacock streaming revivals, ADW is more than worthy and necessary. Cast turnover was already baked into the show, particularly in the final season; it could've run another five or six years.

Edited May 27, 2021 by Vee