The Enduring Legacy of "College Hill": A Look at the Casts and Impact of the Reality TV Series
"College Hill" is an American reality television series that offered viewers a glimpse into the lives of students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Originally airing on BET from 2004 to 2009, the show followed students as they navigated college life, love, and learning while living together under one roof. Over its six seasons, "College Hill" captured audiences with its portrayal of black youth and their experiences in higher education. The show has also had several celebrity editions.
The Original "College Hill"
The first season of "College Hill" premiered on January 28, 2004, airing every Tuesday at 10 p.m. on BET. Filmed at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the season introduced viewers to eight students who agreed to live together while attending classes. This original cast became vital to the show's success, drawing viewers back week after week.
The Cast of Season 1
- Kinda Andrews: Andrews was a freshman and was deemed the "wild child" of the season, ready for anything.
- Shalondrea Davis: A sophomore studying elementary education, Davis was known for "keeping it real."
- Gabriel Langley: Langley was a pre-med/biology major, a member of the Southern University Marching Band, and considered the "ladies' man" of the group.
- Kevin Mack: Mack was a sociology major focused on football and girls and often overslept for class.
- Delano Mitchell: Mitchell was the class clown and a creative rapper and actor.
- Nina Moch (now Johnson): The "It girl" of the cast, Moch was a bubbly and energetic cheerleader. She later won Miss North Carolina America in 2016.
- Veronica Moss: Moss presented herself as wealthy and entitled.
- Jabari Roberts: Roberts was often considered a "nerd" due to his love for rocks and crystals.
Seasons 2-6
The show's popularity grew, with ratings increasing dramatically during its third and fourth seasons. "College Hill" DVDs were released through Paramount. The series was filmed at various HBCUs, showcasing different campus environments and student experiences.
- Season 2: Langston University
- Season 3: Virginia State University
- Season 4: University of the Virgin Islands
- The fourth season premiered on March 6, 2007, and followed the lives of eight students: Idesha Browne, Fallon Favors, Vanessa Hamilton, Krystal Lee, and Willie Macc. Vanessa was removed from the house halfway through filming after attacking Krystal.
- Season 5: Atlanta
- The fifth season premiered on March 11, 2008, and followed the lives of eight students in Atlanta. The housemates included Ashley R., Anthony, Shavon, Dennis, Ashley L., Drew, Sira, and Dorion.
- Ashley R.: "I don't want to be judged by my looks. I want to be seen as a loving person who has a heart and keeps it real!… I love hard, work hard, and I'm focused on my goals and future. I don't want to be another face in the crowd, and I'm NOT a video vixen."
- Anthony: "I'm very approachable and one of the sexiest dudes you'll ever see in real life… I'm very flirtatious."
- Shavon: "I have a bangin' personality… I love to look good and dress fly."
- Dennis: "I make mistakes… I'm hard working."
- Ashley L.: "I am a very kind-hearted person… I tend to express my opinions the wrong way at times."
- Drew: "I am a really, cool, down-to-earth person… I just don't take no sh_t."
- Sira: "I am a sweet and very approachable person… Don't be afraid to say hello."
- Dorion: "It's extremely important to know yourself… I take every opportunity to seize the day."
- Season 6: South Beach
- The sixth season premiered on March 24, 2009, and followed the lives of eight students in South Beach. Terri was voted off the show halfway through filming after an altercation with Milan.
"College Hill: Celebrity Edition"
"College Hill: Celebrity Edition" is a revival of the series featuring celebrities living together and attending college.
- Season 1: Filmed at Texas Southern University, the cast included NeNe Leakes, Ray J, Lamar Odom, Big Freedia, Stacey Dash, DreamDoll, India Love, and Slim Thug.
- Season 2: Featured Ray J returning alongside Tiffany Pollard, Joseline Hernandez, O'Ryan, Kwaylon "Kway" Rogers, Amber Rose, Iman Shumpert, and Parker McKenna and filmed at Alabama State University.
- Season 3: Filmed at Xavier University of Louisiana. The new cast features Tamar Braxton, Saucy Santana, Angela “Blac Chyna” White, Karlous Miller of 85 South, Claudia Jordan, and Nick “Swaggy P” Young.
Reception and Impact
"College Hill" achieved significant ratings success for BET. During Season 4 (The Virgin Island Season), episode 8 was the most-watched original series telecast in BET history, pulling in a 1.84 rating averaging 2.2 million viewers.
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However, the show also faced criticism. Some associated with Langston University complained about the way the university and black college students were represented during its second season. Concerns were raised about the show presenting negative aspects without showcasing the positive aspects of the college experience, reinforcing stereotypical images of black people.
Virginia State University saw a drop in enrollment the year following its season being filmed at the location. The fourth season, filmed in the Virgin Islands, caused an uproar. Radio shows expressed discontent over the students' behavior, and members of the university's board of trustees distanced themselves from the decision to allow filming at UVI. President LaVerne E. Ragster apologized to both the university and Virgin Islands communities.
Cast member Idesha Browne from the Virgin Island season defended the show, stating that "everyone has to take into consideration that this is TV." She explained that scenes were not always shown chronologically and were edited to make the show more engaging for the audience.
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