The wait is almost over. Netflix has released the official trailer for its A Different World sequel series, confirming a September 24 premiere date for the 10-episode single-camera half-hour dramedy.
The sequel returns to Hillman College with a new class stepping onto campus and beloved faces coming home. At the center is Deborah Wayne, played by Tony Award winner Maleah Joi Moon, the free-spirited youngest daughter of Whitley Gilbert and Dwayne Wayne, arriving at Hillman for her freshman year determined to forge her own identity from underneath the enormous shadow of her famous parents.
Her classmates include Rashida Duvall, played by Alijah Kai, a first-generation criminal justice major; Shaquille Johnson, played by Cornell Young IV, a five-star athlete choosing legacy; Amir Rodale, played by Jordan Aaron Hall, a sharp psychology major better at fixing everyone else’s problems than his own; Hazel Henry, played by Kennedi Reece, a church-raised small-town girl defining her own values; and Kojo Achebe, played by Chibuikem Uche, a Ghanaian-Nigerian fashion entrepreneur finding the courage to follow his vision.
The Hillman alumni are also returning in force. Kadeem Hardison reprises Dwayne Wayne, Jasmine Guy returns as Whitley Gilbert, Darryl M. Bell is back as Ron Johnson, Cree Summer returns as Freddie Brooks, Charnele Brown reprises Dr. Kimberly Reese Boyer, Jenifer Lewis returns as Professor Davenport, Dawnn Lewis returns as Jaleesa Vinson-Taylor and Glynn Turman reprises Colonel Bradford Taylor. Also returning are Ajai Sanders and Karen Malina White. New faces joining the ensemble include Tichina Arnold as Darlene Duvall, Raven Goodwin as Dr. Brooklyn Boyer and Method Man as Coach Coles.
Felicia Pride serves as creator, showrunner, writer and executive producer. Debbie Allen returns as executive producer and director, helming the premiere episode. Reggie Rock Bythewood, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Mandy Summers and Tom Werner also executive produce.
The original A Different World ran for six seasons on NBC from 1987 to 1993, becoming one of the most influential Black television series of its era and a defining portrait of HBCU culture for an entire generation.
A Different World premieres September 24 on Netflix.