Remember Hillman College? That vibrant, iconic backdrop for navigating life, love, and everything in between? Get ready for a nostalgic trip back to the hallowed halls of “A Different World” because Netflix has just greenlit a pilot for a brand new sequel! Hold onto your sweaters and hold up your dorm room signs, because the beloved 90s sitcom is back with a fresh perspective on the issues facing a new generation of students. We’ll break down everything you need to know about this exciting new chapter, from the cast to the plot.
Revival of a Classic
The Original Series: A Brief Overview
A Different World is an American sitcom television series and a spin-off of The Cosby Show. It aired for six seasons on NBC from September 24, 1987, to July 9, 1993. The series originally centered on Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet) and the life of students at Hillman College, a fictional historically black college in Virginia. It was inspired by student life at historically black colleges and universities.
After Bonet’s departure in the first season, the remainder of the series primarily focused more on Southern belle Whitley Gilbert-Wayne, played by Jasmine Guy, and math whiz Dwayne Cleophus Wayne, played by Kadeem Hardison.
Concept
While it was a spin-off from The Cosby Show, A Different World typically addressed issues that were avoided by The Cosby Show writers (race and class relations, sexual assault, or the Equal Rights Amendment). One episode that aired in 1990 was one of the first American network television episodes to address the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS.
The Legacy Lives On
How the show’s themes and characters continue to resonate with audiences today
A Different World’s impact goes beyond its initial run, with its themes and characters continuing to resonate with audiences today. The show’s portrayal of historically black college life and the experiences of its characters remain relevant, providing a bridge between past and present.
The Sequel: A New Chapter
Centering Around Dwayne and Whitley’s Daughter
The new series’ focus on the couple’s youngest daughter, who is now attending Hillman College
According to sources, the sequel series will center on the couple’s youngest daughter, who is now also attending Hillman College. While casting is yet to begin officially, we hear conversations with original cast members have taken place regarding interest and availability, and the response has been positive.
Creative Team and Production
An A Different World sequel series chronicling Dwayne and Whitley’s daughter’s time at Hillman College is in early development at Netflix, sources tell Morningpicker. The single-cam, half-hour comedy comes from writer/executive producer Felicia Pride (Bel-Air, Grey’s Anatomy) and executive producers Debbie Allen, Mandy Summers, Tom Werner, Gina Prince-Bythewood and Reggie Bythewood.
Netflix declined to comment for this story. Allen, Werner, Prince-Bythewood and Bythewood all worked on the original hit NBC series, a spinoff of The Cosby Show, which ran for six seasons. Allen was director-producer, Prince-Bythewood and Bythewood were writers, and Werner executive produced for The Carsey-Werner Company.
A Different World followed Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet) and her new classmates at Hillman College, a fictional historically Black college. Though Bonet exited after one season, the show continued with the leading cast of Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Dawnn Lewis, Darryl M. Bell, Sinbad, Charnele Brown, Cree Summer and Glynn Turman.
Watch on Morningpicker: (Clockwise from back left) Dawnn Lewis, Glynn Turman, Cory Tyler, Kadeem Hardison, Lou Myers, Darryl M. Bell, Cree Summer, Jasmine Guy, Charnele Brown and Jada Pinkett Smith Gary Null / NBC / Courtesy Everett Collection
The retooled second season continued to follow the students’ lives, with the love story between Guy’s Whitley Gilbert and Hardison’s Dwayne Wayne at the center. Dwayne, famous for his glasses that flipped up, finally put a ring on it in the Season 5 episode “Save the Best For Last.” Though Whitley was adamant she didn’t want children, she discovers she’s pregnant in “When One Door Closes,” the penultimate episode of the series, and everyone is elated. However, things get somber when Dwayne reveals he’s accepted a job in Japan where he and his wife will raise their family — a different world.
Other notable A Different World alums include Marisa Tomei, who made her TV debut in Season 1, and Jada Pinkett Smith, who starred in the last two seasons early in her career.
The Different World sequel follows the template Werner used for another classic sitcom from the Carsey-Werner library, That ’70s Show, at Netflix. Its sequel series, That ’90s Show, which also focuses on the daughter of the main characters from the original, is in the middle of its Season 2 release on the streamer.
Before selling the pilot to Netflix, Pride served as supervising producer on the third season of Peacock’s hit series Bel-Air, a dramatic take on Will Smith’s Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Additionally, she was a writer and producer on Grey’s Anatomy, ABC’s hit medical drama from Shonda Rhimes.
Currently, she’s developing the series Livelihood, based on her spec, for Netflix, and Seven Days in June for Amazon. Her production company Honey Chile Entertainment is executive producing and writing the Lifetime original movie Black Magick. Previously, she was a writer on Ava DuVernay’s Queen Sugar for multiple seasons.
Details on the Writers, Executive Producers, and Production Companies
Morningpicker has obtained exclusive details about the creative team behind the upcoming ‘A Different World’ sequel series, a project that is currently in pilot development at Netflix. The pilot script is penned by Felicia Pride, a seasoned writer and executive producer best known for her work on series like Bel-Air and Grey’s Anatomy. Pride will also serve as an executive producer alongside a formidable group of industry veterans.
The executive producing team includes Debbie Allen, a renowned choreographer and actress who directed and produced on the original series, bringing her extensive experience in portraying complex social issues to the pilot. Other returning figures from the original show are Tom Werner, Gina Prince-Bythewood, and Reggie Bythewood, all of whom have a history with the original series and are poised to create an authentic continuation of the story.
It’s noteworthy that these creators are not only bringing their creative vision to the project but also their commitment to addressing social issues and fostering diverse representation, elements that were hallmarks of the original series.
Behind the Revival
Overcoming Development Hurdles
The development of a sequel for ‘A Different World’ has been marked by numerous challenges, with one of the most significant being the legal issues related to Bill Cosby, the creator of the original series. These issues led to the project’s indefinite hold for years, as the legal and ethical implications had to be thoroughly addressed. The revival of the show required navigating these complexities while ensuring the new direction remained true to the original’s spirit and messages.
Conversations with Original Cast Members
Morningpicker has learned that informal conversations with original cast members have taken place, with a generally positive response to the idea of the sequel. While their official involvement remains under wraps, the cast members have shown interest in supporting the new iteration, whether as special guests or in advisory roles. The show’s legacy has a deep connection to the actors, making their potential participation a significant factor in the pilot’s development.
Comparisons and Context
How the Sequel’s Concept Parallels Other Successful Reboots
Similar to the approach taken by the sequel to That ’70s Show, titled That ’90s Show, the sequel to ‘A Different World’ will focus on the next generation, specifically the daughter of Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert-Wayne, as she navigates her college experience at Hillman College. This strategy aligns with the growing trend of reimagining classic shows with a younger generation to appeal to new audiences while honoring the legacy of the original.
The Current Landscape of TV Revivals
The revival of classic shows like Stranger Things and Full House has created a new wave of nostalgia-driven entertainment, and the landscape is increasingly welcoming resurrections of beloved series. The sequel to ‘A Different World’ aims to cater to both the original audience and younger viewers, a strategy that aligns with the broader trend of revisiting and reimagining classic series. This new generation of revivals often use the original’s foundation to explore contemporary themes and issues, making them relevant to today’s audiences.
Context and Original Series Impact
Original Series Details
The original series, ‘A Different World’, was a spin-off of The Cosby Show and aired from 1987 to 1993. It was notable for its portrayal of a historically black college and the diverse set of characters it featured, addressing social issues like racial tensions, gender dynamics, and academic challenges. The series was a critical and commercial success, garnering six NAACP Image Awards and three Emmy nominations. The show explored a range of social and cultural topics, making it a landmark in television history for its portrayal of African American life and culture.
The Original Show’s Influence on Television
The original ‘A Different World’ not only left a mark on television but also influenced a generation’s understanding of higher education and the issues faced by college students of color. With themes that remain relevant today, the show’s revival seeks to build on its legacy, offering a fresh perspective while maintaining the core values and lessons of the original.
Conclusion
The news buzzing through the entertainment industry is the revival of a beloved classic. Netflix has greenlit a pilot episode for a “A Different World” sequel, bringing back the familiar Hillman College halls and reintroducing fans to a new generation of students navigating the complexities of life, love, and ambition. This decision signifies a powerful trend in reimagining beloved narratives for contemporary audiences, tapping into nostalgia while exploring fresh perspectives. The original series, a spin-off of “The Cosby Show,” broke ground with its focus on Black college life, tackling social issues and showcasing the triumphs and struggles of a diverse student body. This sequel promises to continue that legacy, offering a contemporary lens on the themes that resonated with viewers decades ago. It’s a testament to the enduring power of “A Different World” and its ability to spark conversations about race, identity, and social justice, issues that remain relevant and pertinent today. As we eagerly await the pilot episode, one question lingers: how will this new iteration navigate the complexities of the present while honoring the spirit of its predecessor? Will it capture the same magic that captivated audiences before, or will it fall prey to the pitfalls of rehashing familiar storylines? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the return of “A Different World” is a significant moment in television history, reminding us of the power of storytelling to connect us across generations and inspire meaningful dialogue.