A Different World is heading back to Hillman College with a new generation of students — and some very familiar faces.
Netflix has released the official trailer for the new A Different World series, which premieres September 24. The new chapter centers on Deborah Wayne (Maleah Joi Moon), the youngest daughter of Whitley Gilbert and Dwayne Wayne, as she begins carving out a life of her own at Hillman.
Lovingly sheltered by her parents, Deborah arrives on campus as a free spirit with a flair for the spotlight and plenty left to figure out about who she wants to become.
She’ll be joined by a new group of Hillman students, including Rashida Duvall (Alijah Kai), a first-generation criminal justice major; Shaquille Johnson (Cornell Young IV), a five-star athlete drawn to Hillman’s legacy; Amir Rodale (Jordan Aaron Hall), a psychology major who finds it easier to solve everyone else’s problems than his own; Hazel Henry (Kennedi Reece), a small-town student beginning to define her own values; and Kojo Achebe (Chibuikem Uche), a Ghanaian-Nigerian fashion entrepreneur pursuing his vision.
Familiar Faces Return to A Different World
The new generation won’t be alone at Hillman.
Original A Different World stars Jasmine Guy and Kadeem Hardison return as Whitley Gilbert and Dwayne Wayne, giving the new series a direct connection to the beloved original. Cree Summer also returns as Freddie Brooks, while Darryl M. Bell reprises his role as Ron Johnson.
Set against the traditions, humor and contradictions of life at an HBCU, Netflix describes the series as a hopeful dramedy centered on the richness and complexity of the Black experience.
The series comes from showrunner, writer and executive producer Felicia Pride, with Debbie Allen serving as executive producer and director. Tom Werner, Reggie Rock Bythewood, Gina Prince-Bythewood and Mandy Summers also executive produce.
A Different World premieres September 24 on Netflix.
Watch the official trailer below.
Thomas Miller is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Seat42F, covering television, movies and streaming entertainment. He launched Seat42F in 2007 and has spent nearly two decades covering the entertainment industry.
