Fans of Hillman College, get ready. Netflix is developing a sequel to the beloved series, A Different World. Writer Felicia Pride, known for Bel-Air and Grey’s Anatomy, is leading the project. Original creative team members, including Debbie Allen, Reggie Rock Bythewood, Gina Prince-Bythewood, and Tom Werner, are also involved as executive producers.
The sequel will center on Dwayne and Whitley’s youngest daughter, a freshman at Hillman College. Kadeem Hardison and Jasmine Guy will reprise their roles as Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert-Wayne. The show is still in early development, but the excitement is palpable.
Debbie Allen, who played a crucial role in revamping the original series, returns. She’ll serve as an executive producer alongside Pride and Mandy Summers. Allen’s direction helped transform A Different World from its initial focus on Denise Huxtable to a show featuring an ensemble cast, including Sinbad, Glynn Turman, and Cree Summer.
Legacy and Impact of “A Different World
The original series ran for six seasons, capturing the lives of students at a fictional historically Black college. Despite Denise Huxtable’s exit after one season, the show continued to thrive. The love story between Whitley and Dwayne became a central theme. The sequel aims to capture that same spirit while introducing new characters.
Fans have long awaited this sequel. Conversations with original cast members have been positive, indicating their interest in returning. Netflix’s decision to develop this sequel follows the success of That ’90s Show, the follow-up to That ’70s Show.
A Different World’s enduring impact was celebrated earlier this year with a cast reunion on Today and The View. The cast also embarked on a 10-city tour, visiting various HBCUs to encourage student enrollment.
Felicia Pride brings her expertise and fresh perspective to the sequel. She recently worked on the third season of Bel-Air and is developing other projects like Livelihood and Seven Days in June. Her production company, Honey Chile Entertainment, is also producing the Lifetime original movie Black Magick.
The sequel to A Different World promises to honor its legacy while exploring new narratives. As Pride said, “This is more than a show; it’s a cultural touchstone.”