Netflix has announced that a sequel to A Different World, the Bill Cosby-created spinoff of The Cosby Show, is officially in the works. The original series, which ran for six seasons from 1987 to 1993, focused on the college life of Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet) at the fictional historically Black university, Hillman College. The revamped series will revolve around the daughter of Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison) and Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy), a prominent couple from the original show. Tony winner Maleah Joi Moon, 23, will portray their daughter, Deborah Wayne, as she builds her own Hillman legacy. “It is such an honor to be a part of bringing back this iconic show,” said A Different World showrunner and executive producer Felicia Pride. She will be joined behind the scenes by six-time Emmy winner Debbie Allen, who was a prominent producer and director on the original series, having helmed 83 episodes. Allen will executive produce the sequel series and is currently scheduled to direct three episodes. “Our show changed lives, tripled the enrollment of historically Black colleges and gave a strong voice and platform for Young Black America,” Allen said, adding that the show’s return couldn’t have come at a “better time.” Cosby, who was released from prison in 2021 after serving three years when his sexual assault conviction was overturned, created the original series but will reportedly play no role in the new show.
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