Netflix Revives “A Different World” with Fresh Cast and Modern Storylines

Netflix’s new “A Different World” continues the legacy of the NBC sitcom that aired from 1987 to 1993 and spun off from “The Cosby Show.” The original series followed Hillman College, a fictional historically Black university, and centered on Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy) and Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison) after Lisa Bonet’s departure. The revival, created by showrunner, writer, and executive producer Felicia Pride, re-introduces the campus for a new generation of students while retaining several original cast members.

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The freshman class includes Maleah Joi Moon as Deborah Wayne, the youngest daughter of Whitley and Dwayne, described as a sheltered yet free-spirited newcomer. Supporting students are Rashida Duvall (Alijah Kai), a first-gen criminal-justice major; Shaquille Johnson (Cornell Young IV), a legacy five-star athlete; Amir Rodale (Jordan Aaron Hall), a sharp psychology major; Hazel Henry (Kennedi Reece), a church-raised small-town girl; and Kojo Achebe (Chibuikem Uche), a Ghanaian-Nigerian fashion entrepreneur. Returning alumni include Guy, Hardison, Darryl M. Bell as Ron Johnson, Cree Summer as Freddie Brooks, Jenifer Lewis as Professor Davenport, Jada Pinkett Smith as Lena James, Dawnn Lewis as Jaleesa Vinson-Taylor, and Glynn Turman as Col. Bradford Taylor. Debbie Allen appears as Dr. Langhorne, also serving as executive producer and director of the premiere episode.

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The single-camera comedy consists of ten half-hour episodes slated to debut on September 24. Executive producers alongside Pride include Tom Werner, Reggie Rock Bythewood, Gina Prince-Bythewood, and Mandy Summers. The trailer highlights Deborah’s relationship with Dr. Langhorne, who teases her college motivations.

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Debbie Allen’s involvement, both on-screen and behind the camera, underscores continuity with the original run, where she directed 83 episodes.

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• “You didn’t get in anywhere else, did you?” — Dr. Lanhorne — Dr. Lanhorne

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