Netflix is taking fans back to Hillman College, as the streamer officially orders a sequel to the iconic ’90s sitcom ‘A Different World’, with Felicia Pride (Grey’s Anatomy, Bel-Air) as showrunner and Debbie Allen returning to direct and executive produce.
The new series picks up decades after the original, following Deborah Wayne, the youngest daughter of Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert, as she begins her freshman year at Hillman. Maleah Joi Moon (Hell’s Kitchen) leads the cast as Deborah, described as free-spirited, well-intentioned and rebellious, determined to make her own mark while living in the long shadow of her famous parents.
Joining her are 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.
“It is such an honour 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.”
Debbie Allen, who produced 122 episodes and directed 83 of the original run, returns to direct three episodes, including the premiere. “There couldn’t be a better time than now to reboot A Different World,” said Allen. “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 favourite OGs, makes this much-anticipated return a must-see on Netflix.”
The creative team also includes returning writers Reggie Rock Bythewood (Get on the Bus, Swagger) and Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Woman King, Love & Basketball), who serve as executive producers alongside Mandy Summers (That ’90s Show, The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh) and Tom Werner (The Connors, Roseanne, A Different World).
“A Different World changed everything for us,” the Bythewoods, who have been married since 1998, told Tudum. “It was where we got our start as writers and where we found each other. This show has always been a part of our love story. 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 airing for six seasons on NBC from 1987 to 1993, A Different World was a cultural touchstone that explored college life at a historically Black university with humour, heart and social relevance. The sequel will consist of ten single-camera, half-hour episodes, joining Netflix’s comedy slate alongside Nobody Wants This, The Vince Staples Show, A Man on the Inside, Emily in Paris and Survival of the Thickest.
‘A Different World’ Season 1 does not yet have a premiere date but will air on Netflix in the UK. If you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date. Visit Never Miss.
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