Hillman is Back: Meet the full cast of Netflix’s A Different World
After decades of fan demand, Hillman College is officially open for enrollment again. Netflix's long-awaited A Different World sequel series is now in production in Atlanta — and the full cast roster is a love letter to the original while making serious room for a new generation. Here's everyone heading back to campus.
"When Deborah, Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert's free-spirited, well-intentioned, yet rebellious youngest child enters her freshman year at Hillman College, she finds the shadow of her parents difficult to escape as 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."
🏛️ The OGs — Returning to Hillman
Kadeem Hardison
Dwayne Wayne
Back as everyone's favorite double-flip-glasses-wearing Hillman legend.
Jasmine Guy
Whitley Gilbert-Wayne
"I've missed Whitley, and I can't wait to see what she's like now."
Darryl M. Bell
Ron Johnson
Ron is back — and ready to see what happens next.
Cree Summer
Freddie Brooks
The original free spirit returns alongside her Hillman family.
Charnele Brown
Kimberly Reese
Kim Reese is officially back in the building.
Jenifer Lewis
Dorothy Dandridge Davenport
Formerly the Dean, now a professor — and still nobody to play with.
Jada Pinkett Smith
Lena James
She teased it herself on Instagram — "She back." Lena James, the sharp-witted Baltimore native who stole scenes from Seasons 5–6, is officially returning.
🎓 The New Class — Fresh to Hillman
Maleah Joi Moon
Deborah Wayne
Our lead — Dwayne & Whitley's youngest, carrying the whole legacy on her shoulders. Known for Broadway's Hell's Kitchen.
Alijah Kai
Rashida
Known from Everybody Hates Chris.
Chibuikem Uche
Kojo
Known from One of Us Is Lying.
Cornell Young IV
Shaquille
Known from Doing Life.
Jordan Aaron Hall
Amir
Known from The Idea of You.
Kennedi Reece
Hazel
Newcomer making her mark in the freshman class.
Vincent Jamal Hooper
Ellington
Known from Chicago Med.
Elijah J. Roberts
Jalen
Known from Night Swim.
Renee Harrison
Candace
Known from All American: Homecoming.
Famecia Ward
Nellie Gaines
Joining Hillman's newest class.
Dasan Frazier
Xavier
Known from Straw.
Behind the camera, Debbie Allen — who produced 122 episodes and directed 83 during the original run — returns as executive producer and will direct three episodes including the premiere. The series is created and executive produced by Felicia Pride (Bel-Air, Grey's Anatomy), with Gina Prince-Bythewood and Reggie Rock Bythewood also on as executive producers — a full-circle moment for the couple who met as writers on the original show. The 10-episode single-cam comedy hails from Onyx Collective and is produced by 20th Television. A premiere date has not yet been announced, but production is currently underway in Atlanta.
This isn't a reboot for nostalgia's sake. With Debbie Allen at the helm, a diverse class of young Black talent leading the new generation, and the OGs present enough to pass the torch without overshadowing it — A Different World 2026 has everything it needs to matter all over again.