Images provided by Netflix
Netflix is heading back to Hillman College. The streamer has officially ordered a sequel series a different worldThe beloved sitcom that ran from 1987 to 1993 on NBC. The new series follows Deborah Wayne, the youngest daughter of Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert, as she begins her freshman year at her parents’ HBCU alma mater and works to break out of their shadow to forge her own identity.
Original series director Debbie Allen, who produced 122 episodes and directed 83 during the show’s original run, will return as executive producer and direct three episodes, including the premiere.
News of the series pickup comes after the series was first announced to be in the works back in the summer of 2024, after it was given a pilot order, which filmed in Atlanta in June this year. Pilot orders are rare for Netflix, which usually gives straight-to-series orders to comedies. It tested this with a comedy series, Little Sky, which was quietly canceled behind the scenes. thankfully, a different world No sequel spin-off series will follow.
Original series director Debbie Allen, who produced 122 episodes and directed 83 during the show’s original run, will return as executive producer and direct three episodes, including the premiere.
Pictured: Debbie Allen, Felicia Pride and Mandy Summers
The series also sees the return of the original writers reggie rock bythewood ,swagger, get on the bus) And Gina Prince-Bythewood ,lady king, love and basketball) as executive producers, along with mandy summers ,that 90s show, Pradeep of Pittsburgh) And tom werner ,The Conners, roseanne, a different world,
Says, “It’s an honor to be a part of bringing back this iconic show that I grew up watching and which has had a profound impact on my life.” felicia pride ,gray’s anatomy, bel-air), who serves as showrunner and executive producer. “I’m so proud of the work we’re doing to reimagine a different world for beloved fans and new generations.”
,a different world Changed everything for us,” said the Bythewoods, who have been married since 1998. ”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. Now returning to Hillman and helping re-imagine this world for a new generation feels like a continuation of that legacy – one rooted in love, purpose, and possibility.
Reggie Rock Blythewood and Gina Prince-Blythewood – Photo by Michael Buckner/Deadline via Getty Images
Who is in the cast of A Different World on Netflix?
- Maleah Joi Moon ,hell’s Kitchen) As deborah wayneHas been described as free-spirited, well-intentioned, and a bit rebellious.
- alijah kai ,everybody Hates Chris) As Rasheeda
- Chibuikem Uche ,one of us is lying, tomorrow’s war) As Kojo
- Cornell Young IV ,to live life) As Shakeel
- Jordan Aaron Hall ,your opinion) As Rich
- kennedy rees As Walnut
On Thursday, December 18, 2025, Netflix confirmed that four cast members from the original A Different World series would return to reprise their roles:
- Kadeem Hardison (White Men Can’t Jump) as Dwayne Wayne.
- Jasmine Guy (Harlem Nights) as Whitley Gilbert.
- Darryl M. Bell (School Days) as Ron Johnson.
- Cree Summer (The Lost Empire) as Freddy Brooks.
Pictured: Kadeem Hardison, Jasmine Guy, Darryl M. Bell, and Cree Summer –
the artists were excited SHARE WITH TUDUM How eager they all are to reprise their roles:
Jasmine Guy:
“I realized I missed Whitley, and I can’t wait to see how she is now. As soon as the cast came together, we picked up right where we left off. It was like we had never left.”
Darryl M. Bell:
“We’ve wanted to see these characters again for a very long time. We want to know what happened next. We’ve had plenty of time to think about all the exciting things that could happen not only with our characters, but now with all the new students.”
Kadeem Hardison:
“It’s fun to be like, ‘Now we’re here. Now we look like this. Now we look like this. It feels like it’s 1991 again – we just play off each other and it’s easy.’
People in the United States can currently watch all six seasons of the original series on Netflix, which was re-released last February and is licensed for release in early 2029.
What is the production status of a different world,
Development
filming scheduled
filming going on
post production
in issue Production Weekly’s 1479Filming will reportedly begin on February 5, 2026. The shooting will last for approximately three months, ending on April 27, 2025.
Filming is scheduled to take place in Atlanta, Georgia, USA
when will it happen a different world Will it be released on Netflix?
With filming set to wrap up by the end of April 2026, it’s possible that we’ll see the series on Netflix before the end of 2026.
A release date of late 2026 or early 2027 seems the most realistic. For now, we are waiting for further updates from Netflix.
Are you excited for it? sequel to a different world On Netflix? Let us know in the comments below.