*Netflix has officially ordered a sequel to the groundbreaking ’90s sitcom “A Different World,” focusing on the next generation at Hillman College. Tony Award winner Maleah Joi Moon will lead the cast as Deborah Wayne, the youngest daughter of beloved characters Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert, originally portrayed by Kadeem Hardison and Jasmine 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. The supporting cast 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.
Felicia Pride, whose credits include “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Bel-Air,” serves as showrunner and executive producer. She expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “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.”
We’re officially heading back to Hillman! Introducing the cast of A Different World, a new sequel series, coming soon to Netflix.
? Debbie Allen will return as a director and EP alongside showrunner and EP Felicia Pride (Grey’s Anatomy, Bel-Air). Original series writers Reggie… pic.twitter.com/44XI0Kr2ud
— Netflix (@netflix) November 10, 2025
Scroll to continue reading
Original series director Debbie Allen returns as executive producer and will helm three episodes, including the premiere. Allen directed 83 episodes and produced 122 during the original run. “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.”
Married writing duo Reggie Rock Bythewood and Gina Prince-Bythewood, who worked on the original series, return as executive producers alongside Mandy Summers and Tom Werner. The couple told Tudum: “A Different World changed everything for us. It was where we got our start as writers and where we found each other.”
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Pilot for ‘A Different World’ Spin-Off Series in Development at Netflix
Sign up for our Free daily newsletter HERE.
