Hillman Is Back in Session: Netflix Wraps Production on A Different World Sequel Series

Yes, I’m grabbing my flip-up glasses and my Hillman sweatshirts, because Netflix has officially wrapped production in Atlanta on the sequel series to the beloved 1987–1993 NBC classic, A Different World.

The original series, a spinoff of The Cosby Show, arrived during a groundbreaking era for television. It was one of the first Black sitcoms to bring Black family life into homes around the world, showing audiences that Black families shared the same joys, challenges, and everyday moments as everyone else. Just as importantly, it celebrated Black love, ambition, and excellence in a way that felt both authentic and aspirational.

From that legacy came A Different World—a show that took viewers to the fictional Hillman College, where friendship, romance, activism, and growth unfolded against the backdrop of HBCU life. The show’s influence has stretched far beyond television. Emmy-winning writer, actor, and producer Lena Waithe was so inspired by Hillman’s legacy that she named her production company Hillman Grad after the fictional HBCU. Now, Hillman is opening its doors once again, as the new sequel series introduces a fresh generation of students to the campus that helped shape Black TV culture.

The new reboot (no official title has been announced yet) follows the lives, loves, and growing pains of today’s students while honoring the spirit of the original. At the center is Deborah Wayne, played by Maleah Joi Moon, the rebellious youngest daughter of Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert. Deborah arrives on campus determined to step out of her famous parents’ shadow and build a legacy all her own. 

And yes—the cast is stacked. Newly announced additions include Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Jr. as Coach Coles and Norman Nixon Jr. as Professor Baptiste, alongside returning favorites Karen Malina White as Charmaine Brown and Ajai Sanders as Gina Deveaux—both reprising their original roles. 

Legacy stars already announced include Kadeem Hardison as Dwayne Wayne, Jasmine Guy as Whitley Gilbert, Darryl M. Bell as Ron Johnson, and Cree Summer as Freddie Brooks—all reprising their original roles. Additional returning favorites include Charnele Brown, Dawnn Lewis, and Glynn Turman, giving longtime fans even more reasons to enroll again. 

The freshman class is just as exciting, featuring Alijah Kai Haggins (Everybody Hates Chris), Chibuikem Uche (One of Us Is Lying, The Tomorrow War), Jordan Aaron Hall (The Idea of You), Cornell Young IV, and newcomer Kennedi Reece. 

And the guest-star list? Also major. Jada Pinkett Smith, Jenifer Lewis, Tichina Arnold, and Raven Goodwin are all set to appear. Some, like Jada Pinkett Smith, previously appeared in the original series, but Netflix has not confirmed whether every guest star is reprising a past character or playing someone new—so we’ll have to wait and see. 

Behind the scenes, the dream team is just as impressive. Showrunner Felicia Pride—known for her work as a writer on Grey’s Anatomy and Bel-Air—leads the 10-episode single-camera comedy. Returning to direct and executive produce is TV icon Debbie Allen, whose credits as a director and producer include Fame, Grey’s Anatomy (where she also acted playing Dr. Catherine Fox – maiden name Catherine Avery), and the original A Different World—where she also acted (playing Professor Catherine Avery), launching one of her earliest major directing chapters. Original series writers and producers Reggie Rock Bythewood (Swagger, Get on the Bus) and Gina Prince-Bythewood (Love & Basketball, The Woman King) are also back as executive producers.