*The beloved characters from the groundbreaking 1990s sitcom “A Different World” are heading back to Hillman College for Netflix’s upcoming sequel series. Deadline reports that Kadeem Hardison, Jasmine Guy, Cree Summer, and Darryl M. Bell will return as recurring characters throughout the 10-episode single-camera comedy, bringing their iconic roles to a new audience.
Tony Award winner Maleah Joi Moon leads the fresh cast as Deborah Wayne, the youngest child of Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert, the characters originally played by Hardison and Guy. According to Netflix’s Tudum, the new series tracks Deborah’s freshman year at the historically Black university her parents attended. Struggling to emerge from their legendary reputation, she embarks on creating her own path while navigating campus life with fellow students.
Felicia Pride, whose previous work includes “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Bel-Air,” takes on showrunner and executive producer duties for the half-hour episodes. “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,” she stated.
Class is back in session! Kadeem Hardison, Jasmine Guy, Cree Summer, and Darryl M. Bell are returning for an A Different World sequel series, coming to Netflix! ?✨ pic.twitter.com/ie09hih6xZ
— Strong Black Lead (@strongblacklead) December 17, 2025
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Debbie Allen, who directed 83 episodes and produced 122 during the original series, returns as executive producer and will direct three episodes, including the premiere. “There couldn’t be a better time than now to reboot A Different World,” Allen shared with Tudum. “Our show changed lives, tripled the enrollment of historically black colleges and gave a strong voice and platform for Young Black America.”
Pride and Allen issued a joint statement celebrating the reunion: “A Different World is back!!! YAY!! We are over the moon to bring this much-anticipated sequel with our returning legacy stars Kadeem Hardison, Jasmine Guy, Cree Summer, and Darryl M. Bell! These beloved characters are returning in a major way that respects their history while engaging exciting storylines that are relevant to issues of today.”
They added, “Throughout the season, fans will have a chance to reunite with these O.G. characters and see how their lives have evolved into ‘A Different World.’ And as the story unfolds, there will be more cast surprises in store for longtime fans. We can’t wait for lovers of the show to experience this new chapter as a real continuation of the legacy show, and we’re excited to welcome new audiences to Hillman.”
Summer returns as Freddie Brooks while Bell reprises Ron “Ronaldus” Johnson. The cast also includes Alijah Kai from “Everybody Hates Chris” as Rashida, Chibuikem Uche from “One Of Us Is Lying” as Kojo, Cornell Young IV from “Doing Life” as Shaquille, Jordan Aaron Hall from “The Idea of You” as Amir, and newcomer Kennedi Reece as Hazel. Original series writing duo Reggie Rock Bythewood and Gina Prince-Bythewood return as executive producers alongside Mandy Summers and Tom Werner.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: ‘A Different World’ Sequel Series Coming to Netflix
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