Nearly four decades after its debut, A Different World returns with a new generation of students. The series will be available in France starting on 24 September 2026. This revival reclaims the Hillman College setting, the historically Black university (HBCU) at the heart of the original, while following the children of its most iconic characters.
At the heart of this new story is Deborah Wayne, played by Maleah Joi Moon. The daughter of Whitley Gilbert and Dwayne Wayne, she arrives at Hillman to begin her studies. Used to being shielded by her parents, Deborah now aims to chart her own path on a campus where she forges new friendships and confronts the challenges of college life.
Around Deborah, a new crop of students circles in, mirroring the campus’s diverse journeys. Rashida Duvall is the first in her family to reach college, Shaquille Johnson hopes to carry on the family’s athletic legacy, Amir Rodale shines in psychology but struggles to crack his own issues, Hazel Henry discovers a life far different from her small-town upbringing, and Kojo Achebe dreams of turning his fashion startup into a full-fledged business.
The series, however, stays closely tied to its roots. Fans will see Jasmine Guy and Kadeem Hardison back in their iconic roles as Whitley Gilbert and Dwayne Wayne. Cree Summer returns as Freddie Brooks and Darryl M. Bell as Ron Johnson. Other longtime stars from the original run are also making their comeback, including Charnele Brown, Dawnn Lewis, Jenifer Lewis, and Glynn Turman.
This new version is being developed by the screenwriter and showrunner Felicia Pride. Debbie Allen, who was instrumental to the original series' success as an actress, director and producer, also returns to the A Different World universe as a director and executive producer.
The executive producers also include Tom Werner, Reggie Rock Bythewood, Gina Prince-Bythewood, and Mandy Summers. Part comedy, campus chronicle, and a contemporary look at the African American experience, the series aims to revive the spirit of its inspiration while speaking to a new generation of students.
A Different World will be released in France on September 24, 2026.
To go further, also check out our picks of Netflix’s September releases, our guide to streaming releases across all platforms, and today’s streaming pick What to watch today on streaming.
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
