Netflix is bringing A Different World back with a highly anticipated sequel series featuring original cast members Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Cree Summer, and Darryl M. Bell. The four actors will reprise their iconic roles and recur throughout the show’s first season.
The single-camera comedy, set for 10 half-hour episodes, is led by showrunner and executive producer Felicia Pride. Legendary producer, director, and actress Debbie Allen—who shaped the original series—will executive produce and direct three episodes, including the premiere.
Pride and Allen shared their excitement about reuniting the original cast to continue the story for a new generation. “A Different World is back! We are thrilled to bring this much-anticipated sequel with our returning legacy stars,” they said. “Fans will have the chance to reconnect with these beloved characters and see how their lives have evolved, while new storylines explore issues that are relevant today. There are more cast surprises in store, and we can’t wait for both longtime fans and new audiences to experience this next chapter.”
The series centers on Deborah Wayne (Maleah Joi Moon), the youngest daughter of Hillman College alumni Dwayne Wayne (Hardison) and Whitney Gilbert (Guy). As she begins her freshman year at the historically Black college, Deborah faces the challenge of stepping out of her parents’ shadow while forging her own path—and enjoying the full college experience.
Returning to the Hillman campus are Freddie Brooks (Summer) and Ron “Ronaldus” Johnson (Bell), while a new generation of students includes Alijah Kai as Rashida, Chibuikem Uche as Kojo, Cornell Young IV as Shaquille, Jordan Aaron Hall as Amir, and Kennedi Reece as Hazel.
Netflix initially ordered a pilot in March, followed by a full series order last month. The news of the sequel first broke in August, generating excitement among fans of the original series.
The original A Different World, a Cosby Show spinoff, followed Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet) at Hillman College. Although Bonet left after one season, the series continued with Guy, Hardison, Dawnn Lewis, Bell, Sinbad, Summer, Charnele Brown, and Glynn Turman. Notable storylines included the romance between Whitley Gilbert and Dwayne Wayne, culminating in their marriage and the start of their family as the series concluded.
The sequel will be produced by Pride, Allen, Mandy Summers, Tom Werner, Gina Prince-Bythewood, and Reggie Bythewood, with Allen, Werner, Prince-Bythewood, and Bythewood all contributing to the original series. The classic show aired on NBC for six seasons under Carsey-Werner production, created by Bill Cosby.