We know it’s almost summertime, but we can’t wait to get back in the classroom when A Different World hits Netflix this fall. If the name of this series sounds familiar, it should. It’s a sequel to the famous 90s sitcom that centered on a group of students at Hillman College, a historically Black university struggling to make it through college.
The series, which ran for six seasons on NBC from 1987 to 1993, was historic. It showed Black students living a normal college life. Most importantly, it was a real portrait of the Black experience.
I know that reboots can be tough to navigate. Often, that’s because we love the original so much that we can’t imagine a modern version giving the same nostalgia. But with A Different World having some big names attached who understand the importance of this series, we’re confident that it’s in good hands. One of those big names is Felicia Pride, who has written for shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Bel-Air, and serves as showrunner and executive producer.
Pride had this to say about A Different World: “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. I am so proud of the work we’re doing to reimagine A Different World for beloved fans and new generations alike.”
Someone else who understands the importance of this reimagining is Debbie Allen (Grey’s Anatomy), who was one of the original directors of A Different World, and has returned for this, where she is an executive producer and directed three episodes, including episode one.
In Allen’s words to TUDUM, “There couldn’t be a better time than now to reboot A Different World. Our show changed lives, tripled the enrollment of historically black colleges, and gave a strong voice and platform for Young Black America. The incredible fresh young talent we have discovered, paired with the lovable audience favorite OGs, makes this much-anticipated return a must-see on Netflix.”
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Synopsis:
When Deborah, Dwayne Wayne, and Whitley Gilbert’s free-spirited, well-intentioned, yet rebellious youngest child, enters her freshman year at Hillman College, she finds the shadow of her parents difficult to escape as 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 Cast:
Tony Award winner Maleah Joi Moon stars as Deborah Wayne. She’ll be joined by 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.
In addition to these cast members, we will also have several of our favorites from the original series:
- Jasmine Guy as Whitley Gilbert
- Kadeem Hardison as Dwayne Wayne
- Darryl M. Bell as Ron Johnson
- Cree Summer as Freddie Brooks
- Ajai Sanders as Gina Deveaux
- Karen Malina White as Charmaine Brown
- Charnele Brown as Dr. Kimberly Reese Boyer
- Jenifer Lewis as Professor Davenport
- Dawnn Lewis as Jaleesa Vinson-Taylor
- Glynn Turman as Colonel Bradford Taylor
- Jada Pinkett Smith as Lena James
Writers from the original series, Reggie Rock Bythewood (Get on the Bus) and Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Woman King, Love & Basketball) are also returning as executive producers alongside Mandy Summers (That ’90s Show) and Tom Werner (The Connors, Rosanne, A Different World).
Photos:
Here’s the first look photo of the Official Poster for the series:
And here are the photos for the series:
Trailer:
Here’s the teaser trailer for the series:
And we’ve now got an official trailer, too!
And that’s not all, we also got a look at the theme song, which will be sung by none other than Brandy!
Release Date:
A Different World will be released on Netflix on September 24, 2026.
