Studio portrait of actress Jasmine Guy and actor Kadeem Hardison, co-stars of A Different World television show. Aired: 1987-1993. (Photo by Lynn Goldsmith/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images)
Corbis/VCG via Getty Images
Netflix is heading back to Hillman College. The streaming giant has officially ordered a sequel to A Different World, The Cosby Show spinoff that ran from 1987 to 1993 and focused on the life of students at Hillman College, a fictional predominantly black college in Virginia. Airing out of the then top-rated Cosby Show, A Different World finished the first four of its six seasons ranked among the top 5 of all programs in primetime.
Unlike many sitcoms of the era, A Different World blended humor with meaningful social commentary.
The new series will focus on Deborah Wayne (Tony Award winner Maleah Joi Moon) — the daughter of Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison) and Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy) — as she begins her freshman year at Hillman. Although no returning cast from the original series have been announced, there are expectations of guest appearances.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 16: Maleah Joi Moon accepts the Best Leading Actress in a Musical award for “Hell’s Kitchen” onstage during The 77th Annual Tony Awards at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on June 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)
Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions
Unlike the original multi-camera series, this new version of A Different World is single-camera and is slated for a 10-episode first season. The cast will include Alijah Kai, Chibuikem Uche, Cornell Young IV, Jordan Aaron Hall, and Kennedi Reece.
Felicia Pride (Queen Sugar, Grey’s Anatomy) serves as showrunner, writer, and executive producer. Debbie Allen, who directed and produced much of the original series, returns as executive producer and will direct multiple episodes, including the pilot. Also attached as executive producers are Reggie Rock Bythewood and Gina Prince-Bythewood (Swagger, Love & Basketball).
A Strategic Move for Netflix
For Netflix, who previously rebooted family comedy Full House into Fuller House, the goal to attract both original fans with a proven concept and younger viewers who may be discovering Hillman College for the first time.
A premiere date for A Different World has not yet been announced, but production is expected to begin in 2026.
Earlier, Disney+ also jumped on the sitcom reboot bandwagon care of Boy Meets World into Girl Meets World, which aired from 2014 to 2017.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/marcberman1/2025/11/11/a-different-world-sequel-series-ordered-at-netflix/
