Netflix Reopens Hillman College With A Different World Sequel

Hillman College reopens on Thursday, Sept. 24, as Netflix releases its sequel to A Different World. The series arrives on the platform as a new term begins at the fictional school at the centre of the story, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The project continues the 1980s-90s sitcom for a new generation. Netflix picked up the sequel centred on the daughter of Whitley and Dwayne Wayne, the couple from the original run, as reported in The Hollywood Reporter. Felicia Pride is the creator of the Netflix series.

The focus is Deborah Wayne, played by Maleah Joi Moon. She is the youngest daughter of Whitley and Dwayne. Netflix describes the premise as a freshman and her crew juggling school, romantic drama and family legacy at a historically Black college.

The name is familiar. The campus is too. Jasmine Guy reprises her role as Whitley Gilbert, now written as a cosmetics mogul, and Kadeem Hardison reprises his role as Dwayne Wayne, now written as provost of Hillman College. Darryl M. Bell reprises his role as Ron Johnson, and Cree Summer recurs as Freddie Brooks, now a professor, with Debbie Allen returning as a director.

Deborah does not arrive alone. Cornell Young IV plays Shaquille, the son of Ron. The billed cast also includes Alijah Kai, Jordan Aaron Hall, Kennedi Reece and Chibuiken Uche alongside Moon, Young, Guy, Hardison, Bell and Summer.

Netflix calls the show a hopeful dramedy full of heart, meaning a mix of drama and comedy, as reported in The Hollywood Reporter. The story is built around the rituals, humour and contradictions of an HBCU, meaning a historically Black college or university. The series features an updated opening theme by Brandy, according to Netflix Tudum.

For fans, this means two stories in one. One follows Deborah and her classmates finding their footing at Hillman. The other follows Whitley, Dwayne, Ron and Freddie as parents, leaders and teachers on the same campus.