Return to Hillman: A "Different World" Sequel Series Heads to Netflix
A fresh group of students is about to traverse the hallowed halls of Hillman College! Netflix has now given the go-ahead for a long-awaited sequel series to the iconic '90s sitcom A Different World. This will bring the trailblazing HBCU experience back to the screen for a new generation.
Wayne's Next Generation
The first series (1987–1993) was a cultural touchstone that made many people think about Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This sequel tries to recapture that spark by focusing on a new group of students, led by the daughter of the previous show's power couple.
The story is about Deborah Wayne, the youngest daughter of the famous Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert-Wayne, as she starts her first year of high school. People say Deborah is free-spirited, but she is always in the shadow of her famous parents, which makes it hard for her to figure out who she is.
A mix of old and new faces The concept promises to mix old memories with new talent in a smooth way.
Deborah Wayne is played by Maleah Joi Moon, who is most known for her role in Hell's Kitchen on Broadway. A new cast of six series regulars will bring the Hillman experience to life in the present day.
The series will center on six regulars. Maleah Joi Moon (Hell's Kitchen on Broadway) as Deborah Wayne. 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 join Moon as series regulars.The legacy lives on behind the scenes, with original producer/director Debbie Allen continuing as an executive producer and directing episodes.
“I am so proud of the work we’re doing to reimagine A Different World for beloved fans and new generations alike,” producer Debbie Allen added via Tudum.
Felicia Pride is the writer and showrunner, and she has a strong personal connection to the original series.
“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,” says Felicia Pride (Grey’s Anatomy, Bel-Air), who serves as showrunner and executive producer. She shared via an official statement. Making and releasing Netflix asked for a pilot in March 2025 to see if the idea worked. It was filmed at real HBCU institutions including Clark Atlanta University and Spelman College. After it did well, the network ordered a full season.
The original series' writers, Reggie Rock Bythewood (Get on the Bus, Swagger) and Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Woman King, Love & Basketball), are back as executive producers. They are joined by Mandy Summers (That '90s Show, The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh) and Tom Werner (The Connors, Rosanne, A Different World).
“A Different World changed everything for us,” the Blythewoods, who have been married since 1998, told Tudum. “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.”
There isn't a specific date for the premiere yet, but filming is slated to go on until April 2026. Fans who want to catch up may now watch all six seasons of the original A Different World on Netflix.