Where was A Different World filmed?
1987
City Locations
Universal City, CA (USA); Atlanta, GA (USA)
Location Types
Film Studio, University, College
Location Styles
Building Dated/Retro, Georgian/Southern, Craftsman
About A Different World
Unveiled to the world in 1987 by esteemed director Debbie Allen, the popular television series A Different World quickly established its place in viewers' hearts. With a diverse and talented ensemble cast that includes Lisa Bonet, Kadeem Hardison, Jasmine Guy, Darryl M. Bell, Charnele Brown, Sinbad, Glynn Turman, Jada Pinkett Smith, and others, this sitcom brought a fresh take on the trials and tribulations of college life, especially within historically black colleges.
A Different World is an engaging offshoot of The Cosby Show, focusing on students' experiences at the fictitious Hillman College in Virginia. The narrative mainly traverses the life paths of Whitley Gilbert-Wayne (Jasmine Guy), a Southern belle, and Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison), a math genius. From their blossoming relationship to their transformative college experiences, viewers are immersed in a vibrant and unique world.
The impactful narrative of A Different World touches on a plethora of pertinent issues, such as race, class relations, and sexual assault, proving that the sitcom isn't afraid to delve into profound and topical subjects. True to its title, the show provides viewers a window into a world that differs vastly from the typical sitcom landscape.
Although no records are available regarding the awards won by A Different World, the impact and popularity of this series cannot be understated. Critics have noted that A Different World gained significant advantages from its broadcast schedule, sandwiched between The Cosby Show and Cheers.
A Different World Locations
A Different World transports its audience to the fictional Hillman College; this historically black college, founded in 1881, is depicted as being located in Virginia's commonwealth. While the precise location of Hillman remains a mystery, geographic references suggest it's situated either in the Hampton Roads area or the Roanoke Metropolitan Area. The college's motto, "Deus Nondum Te Confecit", translates to "God has not yet finished you", its colors are maroon and white.
The series was primarily shot at Universal Studios. However, the visual representation of Hillman College was captured through real-life footage of two historically black colleges — Clark Atlanta University and Spelman College — both of which are situated in Atlanta, Georgia. The rich cultural heritage and historical significance of these locations make them worth visiting for fans of the series.
Hillman's first reference occurs in season one of The Cosby Show as the educational home of engaged couple Cliff Huxtable and Clair Hanks. Cliff's father, Russell, is also an alumnus of Hillman. The school made its inaugural on-screen appearance in the third-season finale of The Cosby Show, aptly titled "Hillman", where the Huxtable family attends a Hillman commencement ceremony in honor of a retiring professor.
Kim's schedule problem scene in A Different World
Clark Atlanta University, 223 James P Brawley Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314, USA
Season 2, episode 18 is a testament to the show's ability to delve into real-life issues faced by students. In this episode, Kim (Charnele Brown) grapples with the pressures of maintaining her grades and balancing her commitments. She becomes increasingly overwhelmed as she attempts to stay on top of her pre-med courses, work, and extracurricular activities. In her desperation to control her schedule, Kim purchases a datebook and tries to plan out every minute of her day, ignoring the warnings from her friends about the potential health risks of her lack of sleep.
The backdrop for these intense scenes is the fictional Hillman College, portrayed in the series as a historically black college. The exterior shots of the Hillman campus seen in the series were actually filmed at two real-life colleges, one of which is the Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta.
Clark Atlanta University, founded as Atlanta University in 1865, was consolidated with Clark College in 1988 to form the institution that is known by everyone today. One of the most iconic buildings on campus, North Hall, now known as Gaines Hall, was built in 1869 by architect William H. Parkins.
If you're interested in visiting this iconic filming location, it's important to note that tours are available but limited. It's recommended that you contact the university's administration to arrange a visit. The campus is conveniently situated in the heart of Atlanta, offering a range of transportation options, including taxis, buses (#813), and the possibility of walking.
Dean Davenport discovers gun scene in A Different World
Spelman College, 350 Spelman Ln SW, Atlanta, GA 30314, USA
The series vividly portrayed student life at Hillman College; the campus was home to two significant fraternities and sororities, Alpha Delta Rho and Kappa Lambda Nu, and several dormitories, including Libby and Gilbert Halls, and Dorothy Height Hall. One particularly memorable scene from season 6, episode 25, saw Dean Davenport (Jenifer Lewis) discovering that Terrell (Patrick Malone) had brought a gun to class, leading to his expulsion.
Despite being set at a fictional college, the other visual shots of the Hillman campus were actually filmed at Spelman College in Atlanta. Spelman College is renowned as a global leader in educating women of African descent and is committed to academic excellence and the creative, intellectual, ethical, and leadership development of its students. Established in 1881 under the name Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary, it was renamed Spelman College in 1924.
You can head to Spelman College in Atlanta to visit the location where these iconic scenes were shot. The college is accessible through various modes of transportation, including public transit, car, or bike. It takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the city center by either bus or metro.
Ron dates with the niece of Walter Oakes scene in A Different World
Universal Studios Hollywood, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, USA
Season 4, Episode 22 of A Different World stands out for its humorous and unexpected twist. In this memorable scene, Ron (Darryl M. Bell), unaware of familial ties, brings a girl to his apartment who turns out to be the niece of the protective coach, Walter Oakes (Sinbad). The tension escalates when Walter arrives to pick her up, oblivious to the fact that she is also Ron’s date.
The primary location for filming this celebrated series was Universal Studios, a landmark site in television and film production. Approximately 70% of the studio is situated within the unincorporated county island known as Universal City, while the remaining portion lies within the city limits of Los Angeles, California. As one of the oldest and most famous Hollywood film studios still in use, Universal Studios carries a rich history and an aura of glamour that continues to captivate movie buffs and pop culture fans worldwide.
Reaching Universal Studios Hollywood is quite simple. It's conveniently accessible via public transportation at Universal City. The Metro B line subway provides easy transit links from Union Station in Downtown LA, Westlake, East Hollywood, Koreatown, and Hollywood. To get the best view of the studio, it's highly recommended to take a Universal Studio Tour. This tour presents an unrivaled chance to discover a fully operational movie studio, indulge in exciting theme park attractions, and immerse oneself in the rich history of Hollywood's film industry.
Conclusion
A Different World was a unique exploration of modern America set against the backdrop of a traditionally black college. During its airing, the series stood out for its daring approach to tackling meta racial politics through explicitly sociological narratives and more conventional sitcom plots. This innovative approach gave the series a distinct identity despite it never quite settling on its main characters.
Moreover, the actors' performances were commendable, bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. Nonetheless, the final season of the series hit a rough patch when NBC disoriented viewers by broadcasting what was heavily promoted as the "series finale," showcasing the departure of Dwayne and Whitley, who were by then married and expecting a child, to Japan. After the supposed finale, the network surprised viewers by releasing several additional episodes spotlighting fresh cast members, including Charmaine (Karen Malinka White).
Despite these hiccups, A Different World significantly contributed to the television industry. By placing a traditionally black college setting at the core of its narrative, the series brought forth perspectives and stories often left untold, enriching the television landscape.
A Different World is a worthwhile watch for its bold approach to tackling sociopolitical issues within a sitcom framework. Its use of diverse filming locations also offers a visually enriching viewing experience. As for visiting the filming sites, the rich cultural history and significance of the locations used make them interesting spots for fans of the series and anyone interested in historically black colleges.