Netflix Brings ‘A Different World’ Back With Original Cast and a New Hillman Story
Fans who grew up on “A Different World” have a real reason to celebrate.
The beloved series is officially stepping back onto campus, with Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Cree Summer, and Darryl M. Bell set to reunite for Netflix’s upcoming spinoff continuation.
The original cast members will reprise their iconic roles and appear throughout the season, according to Deadline.
The single-camera comedy will span 10 half-hour episodes and is led by showrunner and executive producer Felicia Pride. Debbie Allen, who played a pivotal role in shaping the original series as a producer, director, and cast member, returns as an executive producer and will also direct three episodes, including the highly anticipated premiere.
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Pride and Allen expressed enthusiasm for bringing the Hillman legacy back to life, emphasizing that this continuation honors the past while speaking directly to the present.
In a joint statement, they expressed excitement about reuniting the original cast in a way that feels authentic and timely, promising storylines that reflect today’s cultural and social realities.
They also teased additional surprise appearances for longtime fans, noting that the new series is designed to feel like a proper continuation, not a reboot, while opening the door for a new generation of viewers to discover Hillman College.
At the center of the story is Deborah Wayne, played by Maleah Joi Moon, the youngest daughter of Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert.
As she begins her freshman year at her parents’ HBCU alma mater, Deborah quickly learns that carving out her own identity isn’t easy when your legacy looms large.
Determined to define herself on her own terms, she navigates campus life, friendships, and self-discovery alongside a fresh class of Hillman students.
Summer returns as the free-spirited Freddie Brooks, while Bell reprises his role as the ever-confident Ron “Ronaldus” Johnson.
The new generation of Hillman talent includes Alijah Kai as Rashida, Chibuikem Uche as Kojo, Cornell Young IV as Shaquille, Jordan Aaron Hall as Amir, and Kennedi Reece as Hazel, setting the stage for a vibrant blend of nostalgia and new energy.