Netflix Orders Sequel to Groundbreaking Sitcom ‘A Different World‘
Netflix has given a series order to a sequel of the acclaimed 1980s and early 90s sitcom A Different World, marking a significant revival of the culturally impactful series. The new iteration, which has been in growth for over a year and received a rare pilot order from the streamer, will center on a new generation of students at a historically Black college or university (HBCU).
The series will star Tony Award winner Maleah Joi Moon as Deborah, the youngest daughter of original series stars Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy) and Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison). Deborah enrolls at the same HBCU her parents attended, navigating the challenges of forging her own identity while living in their legacy.
Felicia Pride (Bel-Air,Grey’s Anatomy) will serve as showrunner. Several original A Different World alumni are attached as executive producers, including Debbie Allen, Reggie Rock Bythewood, Gina Prince-Bythewood, and Tom Werner, alongside Mandy Summers.Allen, who directed the majority of the original show’s episodes, will direct the series premiere and two additional episodes of the first season.
“It is indeed 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,” Pride said in a statement. ”I am so proud of the work we’re doing to reimagine A different World for beloved fans and new generations alike.”
A Different World originally aired as a spinoff of The Cosby Show, initially following Denise Huxtable (Lisa bonet) to college. Bonet departed after the first season, leading to a refocus on an ensemble cast that included Guy, Hardison, Dawnn Lewis, Darryl M. Bell, Cree Summer, Charnele Brown, Glynn Turman, Sinbad, and Lou Myers. Bill Cosby is credited as the creator of the original series but is not involved in the sequel.
The logline for the sequel reads: “The series follows Deborah as she enters her freshman year at her parents’ HBCU alma mater and finds their shadow challenging to escape. 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.”
Joining Moon in the cast are Alijah Kai, Chibuikem Uche, Cornell Young IV, Jordan Aaron Hall, and Kennedi Reece.
“A Different World changed everything for us,” the Bythewoods shared in a statement. ”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.”
