The cast of “A Different World”. Photo: Carsey-Werner Productions.
Preview:
- A sequel series to “A Different World” is in the works.
- It follows the characters’ youngest daughter in college.
- Netflix is producing the new show.
Netflix has had some success with sequels to shows that aired elsewhere—That ’90s Show (a sequel to That ’70s Show) is still running.
And another series from the Carsey-Werner Company is joining the Netflix program, at least according to Deadline – “A Different World”.
Yes, the 1980s/1990s series, created (somewhat problematically these days) by Bill Cosby as a spin-off of his own show, is continuing with a new season.
What is the story of “A Different World”?
(Left to right) Dawnn Lewis, Lisa Bonet and Marisa Tomei in “A Different World.” Photo: Carsey-Werner Productions.
The show, which ran between 1987 and 1993, was directed and produced by Debbie Allen, writers Gina Prince-Bythewood and Reggie Bythewood, and executive producer Tom Werner.
“A Different World” followed – at least initially – Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet) and her new classmates at Hillman College, a fictional, historically black college.
Bonet left after one season, but the show continued with the main cast consisting of Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Dawnn Lewis, Darryl M. Bell, Sinbad, Charnele Brown, Cree Summer and Glynn Turman.
The revamped second season continued to follow the lives of the students, focusing on the love story between Whitley Gilbert (Guy) and Dwayne Wayne (Hardison).
Dwayne, famous for his flip-up glasses, finally got married in the Season 5 episode “The Bucket List.” Although Whitley insisted she didn’t want kids, she discovers she’s pregnant in “When One Door Closes,” the show’s penultimate episode, and everyone is thrilled. Things turn dark, however, when Dwayne reveals he’s taken a job in Japan, where he and his wife will raise their family – a truly different world.
Interesting fact: Meg Ryan was originally set to be Denise’s roommate in the first season, but decided to pursue her film career and was replaced by Marisa Tomei.
Meg Ryan in “What Happens Later” from Bleecker Street. Photo credit: Bleecker Street.
What story will the new show follow?
The sequel is said to be about the couple’s youngest daughter, who now also attends the Hillman School.
While casting hasn’t officially begun yet, producers have reportedly already contacted original cast members regarding interest and availability, and it appears (though Netflix hasn’t officially commented yet) that at least some of them will return in some capacity.
Felicia Pride, who wrote the screenplay for “Grey’s Anatomy” and most recently served as a producer on “Bel-Air,” will oversee the series’ script with the involvement of the original producing team.
Related article: Callie Haverda and Mace Coronel talk about the second season of “That ’90s Show” on Netflix
When will the series “A Different World” be released on Netflix?
Don’t get too excited just yet—versions of this new series have been in the pipeline for years without anything happening. But since Netflix is behind it, we can assume the latest production will make it to the company’s servers.
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6 seasons24 September 1987
Television shows produced by the Carsey-Werner Company:
Buy “A Different World” on Amazon
