A Different World Returns as Netflix Begins Filming Long-Awaited Sequel Series

Netflix is officially heading back to Hillman College.

The streaming giant has started production on its new A Different World sequel series, bringing one of television’s most beloved campus stories into a new era. According to Netflix’s Tudum, the upcoming revival is now filming in Atlanta and will reintroduce fans to the world of Hillman through a brand-new generation of students.

At the center of the sequel is Deborah Wayne, the youngest daughter of original fan-favorite couple Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert. Deborah is described as free-spirited, rebellious, and determined to carve out her own identity as she begins her freshman year at Hillman College — even while living under the shadow of her parents’ legacy. Tony Award winner Maleah Joi Moon has been cast in the lead role.

The new series is set to run for 10 episodes and will continue the franchise’s signature mix of friendship, self-discovery, and campus life. Netflix says the show will follow the lives and relationships of a fresh class of Hillman students while honoring the cultural legacy that made the original sitcom such a lasting favorite.

Several familiar faces from the original series are also returning. Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Cree Summer, and Darryl M. Bell were previously confirmed to reprise their roles, giving longtime fans a direct connection to the original Hillman era. More recently, Dawnn Lewis and Glynn Turman were also announced as returning cast members, adding even more nostalgia to the project.

Behind the scenes, the sequel is in experienced hands. Felicia Pride is serving as showrunner and executive producer, while Debbie Allen — one of the creative forces most closely associated with the original series — is back as an executive producer and will direct multiple episodes, including the premiere.

For many viewers, A Different World was more than just a sitcom. The original NBC series, which aired from 1987 to 1993, became a defining cultural touchstone for its portrayal of student life at a fictional historically Black college and helped cement Hillman College as one of TV’s most iconic campuses. Now, with production underway, Netflix is betting that the next generation is ready to enroll.

While Netflix has not announced an official premiere date yet, the start of filming marks a major milestone for a project that has been building excitement ever since it was first revealed. For fans who grew up with the original and newcomers discovering Hillman for the first time, class is almost back in session.