Netflix is officially taking viewers back to Hillman College. The streamer has greenlit its A Different World sequel series, with production set to begin February 2026 in Atlanta.
The single-camera comedy will consist of 10 half-hour episodes and follow Deborah Wayne (Maleah Joi Moon, Hell’s Kitchen), the daughter of beloved characters Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison) and Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy). According to the official logline, the show “follows Deborah as she enters her freshman year at her parents’ HBCU alma mater and finds the shadow of her parents difficult to escape. She sets out to build her own legacy — while having the time of her life — alongside a whole new generation of Hillman’s best and brightest.”
The new ensemble includes Alijah Kai (Everybody Hates Chris) as Rashida, Chibuikem Uche (One of Us Is Lying) as Kojo, Cornell Young IV (Doing Life) as Shaquille, Jordan Aaron Hall (The Idea of You) as Amir, and newcomer Kennedi Reece as Hazel.
Behind the Revival
Felicia Pride (Bel-Air, Grey’s Anatomy) serves as showrunner, writer, and executive producer. Debbie Allen — who produced, directed, and starred in the original series — returns to direct three episodes, including the premiere. Tom Werner, Mandy Summers, and original writers-turned-power couple Gina Prince-Bythewood and Reggie Rock Bythewood also serve as executive producers.
“It is such an honor to be a part of bringing back this iconic show, one that I grew up on and which had a profound impact on my life,” said Pride. “I am so proud of the work we’re doing to reimagine A Different World for beloved fans and new generations alike.”
The Bythewoods added: “A Different World changed everything for us. It was where we got our start as writers and where we found each other. To return to Hillman now and help reimagine this world for a new generation feels like a continuation of that legacy — one rooted in love, purpose, and possibility.”
Originally spinning off from The Cosby Show, A Different World (1987–1993) evolved from Denise Huxtable’s story into a broader portrait of Black college life with a beloved ensemble that included Hardison, Guy, Dawnn Lewis, Cree Summer, Charnele Brown, Sinbad, and Glynn Turman. Allen directed 83 episodes and produced 122 through the show’s six-season NBC run, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone that celebrated HBCU excellence and community.
While no returning cast members have been confirmed yet, conversations are reportedly ongoing with key alumni to potentially appear in guest or recurring roles.