“A Different World” sequel finally in the works

It has taken more than three decades, but there is now finally concrete news regarding an updated or rebooted version of the popular Black college-centered sitcom, “A Different World.” A new version of the series will be coming to Netflix, although exactly when is still not completely clear. But according to reports on Deadline and other entertainment sites, the program will pivot off an episode from the fifth season of the original titled, “When One Door Closes.” During that episode, characters Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy) and Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison) discovered that they are pregnant. After Dwayne is offered a job in Japan, the two go to raise their family there.

Where this program will differ is that it will be the couple’s daughter who will be the focus of the new show. But audiences will also see a return to Hillman College, the fictional historically Black college in Virginia, as the couple’s daughter navigates the twists and turns of college life. Several members of the original cast of ‘A Different World’ will reportedly reprise their roles, although casting has not yet been announced for the Felicia Prince executive produced series.

But it is evidently known that the series will be set in a more modern life, but stylistically remain similar to the original spin-off. It will again be produced and shot utilizing the single-camera approach that has been successfully done by many beloved comedies. The original version of “A Different World” aired for six seasons on NBC from September 1987 to July 1993. In the beginning it spotlighted Denise Huxtable, played by Lisa Bonet, and her Hillman College friends. It was inspired by student life at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

However, once Bonet left in the first season, the remainder of the series primarily focused on Southern belle Whitley Gilbert-Wayne and math whiz Dwayne Cleophus Wayne. They were the only characters to have appeared in all 144 episodes. The show was praised for its authentic portrayal of HBCU life and atmosphere. Netflix has not yet announced if it will debut in time for the 2024-25 season or beyond.