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By Griff Griffin

Contributing Pop Culture Writer

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Iconic ’90s sitcom “A Different World” is returning to screens after more than two decades.

The all-new sequel series, originally a spinoff of "The Cosby Show," features a host of returning talent. It’s produced by Debbie Allen, who served as producer for 122 episodes of the initial run and director of 83 episodes.

“There couldn’t be a better time than now to reboot A Different World,” Allen tells Tudum. “Our show changed lives, tripled the enrollment of historically black colleges and gave a strong voice and platform for Young Black America. The incredible fresh young talent we have discovered paired with the lovable audience favorite OGs makes this much-anticipated return a must-see on Netflix.”

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“A Different World” ran for six seasons on NBC, from 1987 to 1993. It centered on Denise Huxtable’s (Lisa Bonet) journey at Hillman College, and her misadventures with fellow students.

Netflix’s “A Different World” revival follows Deborah Wayne (Maleah Joi Moon), the youngest daughter of Hillman College couple Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison) and Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy).

“I realized I’ve missed Whitley, and I can’t wait to see what she’s like now,” says Guy, who reprises her role. “The minute the cast got together, we picked up right where we left off. It was like we had never left.”

What is ‘A Different World’ About?

Netflix’s revival is a continuation of the classic ‘90s sitcom. As per the official summary: “The series follows Deborah as she enters her freshman year at their HBCU alma mater and finds the shadow of her parents difficult to escape. She sets out to build her own legacy — while having the time of her life — alongside a whole new generation of Hillman’s best and brightest.”

‘A Different World’ Release Date

Netflix has not yet announced a release date for the “A Different World” revival, but it’s expected to premiere in mid-2026. Viewers can stream all six seasons of the original show now on Netflix.

‘A Different World’ Episodes

Season 1 of Netflix’s sequel series will consist of ten single-camera, half-hour episodes.

‘A Different World’ Cast

Jasmine Guy (Whitley Gilbert), Kadeem Hardison (Dwayne Wayne), Darryl M. Bell (Ron Johnson), and Cree Summer (Freddie Brooks) all reprise their roles in “A Different World.” Here’s the full cast:

• Maleah Joi Moon as Deborah
• Kadeem Hardison
• Jasmine Guy
• Alijah Kai as Rashida
• Chibuikem Uche as Kojo
• Cornell Young IV as Shaquille
• Jordan Aaron Hall as Amir
• Kennedi Reece as Hazel

Crew from the original series are also back on board, with writers Reggie Rock Bythewood and Gina Prince-Bythewood returning, this time as executive producers. Felicia Pride (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Bel-Air”), meanwhile, serves as showrunner and executive producer.

“It is such an honor to be a part of bringing back this iconic show, one that I grew up on and which had a profound impact on my life,” Pride tells Tudum. “I am so proud of the work we’re doing to reimagine A Different World for beloved fans and new generations alike.”

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