Nationwide — Exciting news for fans of “A Different World,” Netflix is currently in the early stages of developing a sequel series that will follow the adventures of Dwayne and Whitley’s daughter at Hillman College. This beloved show, originally a spin-off of “The Cosby Show,” captivated audiences with its portrayal of life at a historically Black college. Now, the legacy continues with a fresh perspective from the next generation.This new single-camera, half-hour comedy is being crafted by Felicia Pride, a talented writer and executive producer known for her work on “Bel-Air” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” Pride’s expertise and vision promise to breathe new life into the series, offering both nostalgia and innovation. She will be joined by an accomplished team of executive producers, including Debbie Allen, Mandy Summers, Tom Werner, Gina Prince-Bythewood, and Reggie Bythewood, ensuring the new series maintains the high standards of the original.
Debbie Allen, Tom Werner, Gina Prince-Bythewood, and Reggie Bythewood, all key contributors to the original series, are returning to bring this new chapter to life. Their involvement ensures that the sequel will honor the spirit of the original while exploring new storylines and characters. Their combined experience and dedication to the show will undoubtedly resonate with long-time fans and attract new viewers.
“A Different World” originally aired for six successful seasons on NBC, following Denise Huxtable, played by Lisa Bonet, and her classmates at Hillman College. After Bonet’s departure, the show shifted its focus to Jasmine Guy’s Whitley Gilbert and Kadeem Hardison’s Dwayne Wayne, whose love story became a central theme. The new series will explore the life of their youngest daughter as she navigates her own journey at Hillman.
Although official casting has not yet begun, there have been positive discussions with original cast members about potential involvement in the new series. This continuation of the story has been in development for years, facing various delays, including legal issues surrounding Bill Cosby. However, the dedication to reviving the series has never wavered, and the cast recently reunited on shows like “Today” and “The View” to celebrate its enduring legacy.
Felicia Pride, who has been instrumental in pitching the pilot to Netflix, previously worked as a supervising producer on Peacock’s “Bel-Air” and contributed to “Grey’s Anatomy.” Her versatility in the industry is evident as she continues to develop other projects for Netflix and Amazon. This sequel follows a similar path to “That ’90s Show,” revisiting the world of a beloved series through the lens of the main characters’ children. With such a talented team at the helm, the “A Different World” sequel promises to deliver a blend of nostalgia and fresh stories for a new generation of viewers.