Netflix has officially ordered a sequel to the beloved 1990s sitcom “A Different World,” introducing a new generation of Hillman College students while keeping ties to the show’s classic characters. The series will center on Deborah Wayne, the youngest daughter of fan favorites Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert-Wayne, as she begins her freshman year at the fictional HBCU.
Originally airing from 1987 to 1993 as a spinoff of The Cosby Show, A Different World became one of the first television series to depict life at a historically Black college or university. The show has long been credited with inspiring many Black students to enroll at HBCUs, and Netflix hopes the sequel will recapture that cultural impact.
“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 Felicia Pride, the sequel’s showrunner and executive producer.
Industry legend Debbie Allen is also returning as executive producer and will direct three episodes, including the premiere. She told Netflix’s Tudum platform that reviving the series felt both timely and necessary. “There couldn’t be a better time than now to reboot A Different World,” Allen said. “Our show changed lives, tripled enrollment at historically Black colleges, and gave a strong voice and platform for young Black America. The incredible new talent we’ve discovered, paired with the audience’s favorite OGs, makes this return a must-see on Netflix.”
Deborah Wayne will be played by Maleah Joi Moon, star of the Broadway hit Hell’s Kitchen. The core cast also 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. The storyline follows Deborah as she tries to carve out her own identity while living in the shadow of her iconic parents.
Writers Reggie Rock Bythewood and Gina Prince-Bythewood, who got their start on the original series and later married, are returning as executive producers. “This show has always been part of our love story,” the couple said. “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.”
Netflix has not announced whether original cast members will return, though the storyline leaves the door open for appearances by Kadeem Hardison and Jasmine Guy as Deborah’s parents. The sequel received a rare pilot order in March 2025, with filming for the test episode taking place at Clark Atlanta University and Spelman College. After a successful pilot, Netflix greenlit the full series.
Production is expected to run through April 2026. In the meantime, fans can stream all six seasons of the original A Different World on Netflix.