First Look at Netflix’s ‘A Different World’ Sequel Series

Hillman College is officially opening its doors to a new generation. Netflix drops a first look into its highly anticipated A Different World sequel series, bringing a mix of 90s nostalgia and modern campus energy back to the iconic fictional HBCU.

Behind the camera, showrunner Felicia Pride and executive producer Debbie Allen, who directed and produced much of the original series, are helming the 10-episode single-camera comedy, ensuring the revival stays true to its roots while speaking to today’s college culture.

At the center of the story is Deborah Wayne, played by Tony Award-winning actress Maleah Joi Moon. Deborah is the youngest daughter of Hillman’s most legendary power couple, Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert-Wayne.

As Deborah steps onto campus for her freshman year at her parents’ alma mater, she quickly realizes that stepping out from under the giant shadow of the Wayne family name won’t be easy. The series follows her journey to carve out her own legacy, make her own mistakes, and navigate the messy, exciting reality of Black college life alongside a new crew of best friends.

Fans of the original run are in for a big reunion, as Netflix has assembled an incredible lineup of OG stars to reprise their iconic roles throughout the season.

Leading the charge are Kadeem Hardison and Jasmine Guy, who return as the legendary Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert-Wayne. Darryl M. Bell joins them as Dwayne’s ride-or-die best friend, Ron Johnson, and Cree Summer, who steps back into her role as the free-spirited Freddie Brooks.

The legacy roster continues with Dawnn Lewis and Glynn Turman returning as Jaleesa Vinson-Taylor and Colonel Bradford Taylor, alongside Charnele Brown as Dr. Kimberly Reese Boyer and Jenifer Lewis as the formidable Professor Dorothy Dandridge Davenport.

Rounding out the nostalgic ensemble, Jada Pinkett Smith is set to guest star and bring back Lena James, while Karen Malina White and Ajai Sanders reprise their fan-favorite roles as Charmaine Brown and Gina Deveaux.

Alongside Maleah Joi Moon, the freshman class and campus ensemble bring together a talented group of rising stars and guest performers. The new student lineup features Alijah Kai as Rashida, Chibuikem Uche as Kojo, Cornell Young IV as Shaquille, and Jordan Aaron Hall as Amir. Rounding out the main campus crew are Kennedi Reece as Hazel, Vincent Jamal Hooper as Ellington, and Elijah J. Roberts as Jalen.

Adding even more star power to the Hillman ecosystem, the series also features memorable guest appearances from Tichina Arnold as Darlene Duvall and Method Man (Cliff Smith) stepping into the role of Coach Coles.

A Different World sequel hits Netflix September 24.