(Todd A. Smith)
Art imitates life.
Well, if art is done correctly, it should hold a mirror to life so that real life can make some real changes for the better.
During the original run of the sitcom “A Different World” from 1987-1993, “The Cosby Show” spinoff became a microcosm of Black life, the good, the bad and the ugly.
Now that the show is returning on Netflix, “A Different World” has an opportunity to become a turning point in the trajectory of young Black Americans who may have falsely believed that racism was a thing of the past and the only important things in life are being a baddie, going viral or getting another stimulus check from President Donald Trump that they were never going to receive in the first place.
On Netflix’s website, Ariana Romero and Jean Bentley wrote, “Get ready to step into A Different World: The iconic 90s sitcom is returning with a new sequel series centering on Deborah Wayne (Maleah Joi Moon), the youngest daughter of Hillman College’s finest, Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison) and Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy). The comedy has wrapped filming in Atlanta and is officially on its way to a screen near you.”
The sequel will premiere on Sept 24 on Netflix.
Debbie Allen returns as executive producer for the reboot.
The Howard University alum and native Houstonian produced 122 episodes and directed 83 episodes of the show during its original run.
Allen famously joined during the second season of “A Different World” and brought authenticity to the fictional HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), from the fraternities and sororities to bottles of hot sauce on the tables at The Pit.
While there is no doubt that Allen will maintain the culture at Hillman College, hopefully, the storylines tackle the current issues facing Black America.
And in an era in which short videos go viral in real life, hopefully, some thought-provoking conversations from the show’s young cast members will light a fire in the next generation of Back leaders.
The multi-talented entertainer said, “There couldn’t be a better time than now to reboot ‘A Different World.’ Our show changed lives, tripled the enrollment of historically Black colleges and gave a strong voice and platform for Young Black America. The incredible fresh young talent we have discovered paired with the lovable audience favorite OGs makes this much-anticipated return a must-see on Netflix.”
The O.G. “A Different World” tackled issues like hate speech and hate crimes in the infamous football game episode starring Dean Cain.
The original series from the late 1980s and ealry 1990s tackled HIV/AIDs in the memorable episode starring Tisha Campbell and Whoopi Goldberg.
During its original run, the show tackled domestic abuse in the episode starring Billy Dee Williams and Leslie Uggams.
The show gave a platform to leaders seeking political office, like the late Rev. Jesse Jackson.
The show had memorable debates like the Malcolm X versus Martin Luther King, Jr. discussion in Jenifer Lewis’ classroom.
The show tackled the Persian Gulf War in the episode starring Blair Underwood.
The show discussed tokenism in the episode in which Col. Taylor turned down membership at an all-White country club.
“A Different World” introduced young hip-hop stars like Kriss Kross and Heavy D and The Boyz to some of its older fans, who had probably not embraced hip-hop yet.
And the show dealt with stereotypes in the infamous Mammy/Aunt Jemima episode.
So, it should go as no surprise if Allen introduces the issues of the day into the reboot.
In fact, it would be a disappointment.
And it would mean that the new “A Different World” would not be living up to its predecessor’s legacy.
Imagine an episode dealing with congressional redistricting in states that are limiting Black representation and the Black voice.
Imagine an episode challenging President Trump’s attempt to rewrite Black history.
Imagine an episode championing diversity, equity and inclusion.
Imagine an episode on Trump’s efforts to influence the midterm elections by trying to seize voting machines in battleground states like Georgia.
Imagine an episode dealing with White men calling Black women like Former First Lady Michelle Obama a man.
Imagine an episode dealing with racist Internet trolls like Chud the Builder and Jake Lang.
Imagine an episode dealing with the negative effects of some hip-hop or drill music.
Imagine a show championing young Black people doing something positive with their lives.
The possibilities are endless.
But somehow, sitcoms seemingly stopped teaching lessons as the 1990s turned into the 21st century.
Back in the day, sitcoms made people laugh, while also making them think about the important issues in life.
Being an OG in the game, hopefully, Allen changes the game and brings some of the real-life game to the world of situation comedies.
To make sitcoms like “A Different World” great again is to just imitate life, the good, the bad and the ugly.
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