Netflix has officially reopened the doors of Hillman College. The ten-episode sequel to A Different World is streaming now, following Deborah Wayne, the daughter of Whitley Gilbert and Dwayne Wayne, as she navigates college life. Jasmine Guy and Kadeem Hardison both return as the iconic couple, and Guy is pulling double duty as an executive producer.
The casting is what has everyone talking. Tichina Arnold’s real daughter, Alijah Kai, plays Rashida Duvall, whose mother Darlene is played by Arnold on the show. Debbie Allen’s son, Norman Nixon Jr., appears as Professor Isaiah Baptiste. Jasmine Guy’s daughter and Kadeem Hardison’s daughter also show up on screen. Showrunner Felicia Pride says these family ties were intentional, since the series is built around legacy and what gets passed down.
Debbie Allen remains a driving force, serving as executive producer, director of the premiere, and returning as Dr. Langhorne. For longtime fans, the sequel is less a reboot and more a reunion that grew up alongside them. So which original cast member are you hoping walks back onto that campus next?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.