‘A Different World’ Sequel Series Reportedly In Development
After more than 30 years since the NBC sitcom A Different World wrapped up, the series is set to start a new chapter; a sequel is rumored to be making its Netflix debut this fall. According to multiple sources, a sequel series centered on Dwayne and Whitley’s daughter is in early development at Netflix.
Variety reports that the potential sequel is being developed by writer Felicia Pride (Grey’s Anatomy, Queen Sugar) and will include several members of the original show’s creative team, such as producer and director Debbie Allen, Tom Werner (whose Carsey-Werner produced A Different World), and writers Reggie Rock Bythewood and Gina Prince-Bythewood. All of them, along with Pride and Mandy Summers, will serve as executive producers on the project.
For those who may not remember, A Different World was a spinoff of The Cosby Show, following Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet) to Hillman College. Bill Cosby, who is not involved in the sequel, is credited as the show’s creator. Debbie Allen joined the show in the second season, bringing a new focus to a broader cast that included Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Dawnn Lewis, Darryl M. Bell, Cree Summer, Charnele Brown, Glynn Turman, Sinbad, and Lou Myers.
The show originally aired on NBC from 1987 to 1993, running for six seasons and 144 episodes. It featured numerous guest stars, including Tupac Shakur.
Earlier this year, the cast reunited on The View to discuss their experiences, including Whoopi Goldberg’s involvement in the 1991 episode titled “If I Should Die Before I Wake,” which dealt with the sensitive topic of HIV through the character Josie, played by Tisha Campbell in a guest role.
In April, several of the show’s cast members reunited for a national tour of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). During a stop in Washington, D.C., they visited the White House and met with Vice President Kamala Harris and Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. A clip of their White House visit was shared on Instagram, showing Jean-Pierre leading the cast in a sing-along of the show’s iconic theme song, specifically the version performed by Aretha Franklin, which was featured throughout the majority of the sitcom’s run.
The show featured three different arrangements of the song across its six-season run with Phoebe Snow performing it in the first season and Boyz II Men stepping in for the final.
If the sequel moves forward, it will join That ’90s Show as another second-generation sitcom on Netflix. Tom Werner is also an executive producer of That ’90s Show, having been involved with That ’70s Show during its original run on Fox.
