Hillman College is calling, and class is officially back in session. The release of the sequel series of A Different World debuts this month, and it inspired our list of the best HBCU movies and TV shows to watch. Check it out inside.
Just in time for homecoming season, A Different World is getting a whole new generation of students. The highly anticipated sequel series premieres on Netflix Sep. 24. The series brings viewers back to the fictional HBCU Hillman College through the eyes of Deborah Wayne — the daughter of beloved alumni Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert. Several original cast members are returning, with Debbie Allen back behind the scenes as executive producer and director.
Before you head back to the yard, it is time to brush up on your HBCU screen education.
Essence shared a roundup of HBCU movie and TV show favorites ahead of Beyoncé’s iconic Homecoming drop on Netflix. From legendary marching bands and Greek life to Black love, campus politics, friendship, activism and finding yourself, these movies and television shows capture different pieces of the HBCU experience. As Essence points out in its homecoming watch list, titles like Drumline, Stomp the Yard, School Daze and A Different World have helped bring the energy of Black college culture to audiences everywhere.
And as Bustle previously highlighted, the HBCU stories on screen offer more than entertainment. They give viewers a window into traditions like stepping, marching band culture, Greek life and the everyday experiences of Black college students.
So grab your snacks, call your homecoming crew and press play.
8 HBCU Movies and TV Shows
1.A Different World
The blueprint. Hillman gave us Whitley, Dwayne, Freddie, Ron and some of the most memorable Black college characters ever put on television. The original series tackled love, friendship, race, class, activism and growing into adulthood while showing the beauty of HBCU community.
And now, we are heading back to Hillman.
2.School Daze
Spike Lee took us inside fictional Mission College for a messy, musical and sometimes uncomfortable look at Black college life. Colorism, classism, activism, Greek life and campus politics all collide during homecoming weekend.
3.Drumline
If you have ever wondered why HBCU marching bands are basically celebrities on campus, start here. Nick Cannon’s Devon Miles arrives at fictional Atlanta A&T with serious drumming skills and an even bigger attitude.
4.Stomp the Yard
Brotherhood, stepping, romance, rivalry and a whole lot of campus drama. Stomp the Yard turns Black Greek culture into a high energy coming of age story.
5.The Great Debaters
Denzel Washington directs and stars in this inspiring story based on Wiley College’s legendary debate team. It is a reminder that HBCU excellence has always extended far beyond the football field.
6.Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s Coachella performance was basically an HBCU homecoming on the world’s biggest stage. Marching bands, majorettes, step-inspired choreography and Black collegiate traditions make this one essential viewing.
7.The Quad
For a more modern television take, The Quad follows the president of fictional Georgia A&M University as she navigates students, relationships, politics and the complicated business of running an HBCU.
8.Tell Them We Are Rising
This documentary goes beyond the fictional campus experience and explores the actual history and impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. It is the perfect watch when you want the history behind the culture.
Whether you went to an HBCU, dreamed about attending one or simply love the culture, these stories remind us that the yard is more than a campus. It is history, community, creativity, conflict, love, tradition and Black joy all in one place.
And with A Different World officially reopening the doors to Hillman, it looks like HBCU culture is having another moment.
