RERUN: "Susan Fales-Hill: Showrunning A Different World, Resisting Industry Bias, and Making TV History"
The Conversation
- FROM WRITER'S APPRENTICE TO SHOWRUNNER: How Susan navigated pitching directly to Bill Cosby, "re-potting" her voice in the writers' room, and rising to executive producer at a record age.
- THE DEBBIE ALLEN RESET: How bringing in Debbie Allen transformed the tone of the show, allowing the cast to explore authentic college experiences, topical issues, and integrated dance sequences.
- LEGENDS ON SET: Writing iconic comedic moments for Diahann Carroll and Patti LaBelle, and the deeply moving moment Diahann Carroll shared with the young cast about Black representation in Hollywood.
- PUSHING BACK AGAINST THE NETWORK: Battles over covering real-world issues like The Amistad, the LA Uprisings, HIV/AIDS, and date rape, and how the show shifted public perception and inspired generations to attend college.
- THE POWER OF COMEDIC RESILIENCE: How growing up surrounded by theatrical legends shaped her approach to comedy, and how humor acts as a vital tool for survival and storytelling.
Our Audio-ography
- Watch A Different World: Stream the series on Max, or catch Seasons 1 and 2 via Hoopla through your local library (also available for purchase on Amazon Prime).
- Must-Watch Episode: Check out the Season 4 Thanksgiving episode "Faith, Hope, and Charity," featuring the legendary pairing of Diahann Carroll and Patti LaBelle.
- Discover Susan’s Books: Explore Susan Fales-Hill’s memoir Always Wear Joy and her four other published books at your favorite local bookstore or Bookshop.org.
- Met Museum Feature: Watch Susan's Met Museum video discussing her life, biracial identity, and creative journey "in the in-between."
AUDIOGRAPHY
Watch A Different World -- streaming on Netflix and Philo.
Find out more about Susan at SusanFales-Hill.com
Follow her at Instagram.com/madamefaleshill
Must-Watch Episode: Check out the Season 4 Thanksgiving episode "Faith, Hope, and Charity," featuring the legendary pairing of Diahann Carroll and Patti LaBelle.
Explore Susan Fales-Hill’s memoir Always Wear Joy and her four other published books at Barnes and Noble.
Get Susan’s President Carter play, Confidence (and the Speech) at Broadway Licensing.
Help Abortion Access at Abortionfinder.org.
🛍️ PROMO DEALS - SPECIAL COZY EARTH PROMOTION!
Get 21% OFF at CozyEarth.com - or the BEST DEAL they have going.
Get awesome cozy sheets and pajamas at COZY EARTH.
Be sure to use the promo code: 80STVLADIES for the best deal they’re offering.
Happy Shopping!
🔗 Get them at: https://MyDeals.Page/19wy
🎁 Code: 80STVLADIES
CONNECT
Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.
Follow 8TL on Facebook or Instagram/80sTVLadies.
Get ad-free episodes and exclusive videos on PATREON.
Find more cool podcasts at our host sight, Weirding Way Media.
Help us make more episodes and get ad-free episodes and exclusive content on PATREON.
