Hillman is calling again, and we’re answering
A Different World didn’t just entertain back in the nineties. It brought HBCU culture to the masses, becoming a touchstone for conversations about race, class, friendship and romance. The breakthrough series, which drew peak audiences of over 30 million viewers during its six-season run, examined some of the most charged moments of the times, from the AIDS epidemic to the LA riots. But most importantly, it celebrated what it means to experience life at a historically Black higher education institution.
Now, A Different World — the reboot — is returning to Hillman University on a very special date. The new series will premiere on September 24, the same day the original format debuted 39 years ago, a recognition of the show’s iconic legacy as it ushers in a new generation.
Debbie Allen On New Premiere Date
“That date — genius,” Debbie Allen shared with EBONY at the American Black Film Festival, currently celebrating its 30th anniversary in Miami. She’s returned to the show as one of its executive producers and directors. “We’re coming to the same river, but we’re in new water. It’s quite a testament to the power and relevance of the show, and why we need to do it right now,” she added.
The series will once again do what it does best: shine a light on the Black college campus experience. “What was important for us was hearing from young Black people today and then thinking about what they need, what they are dealing with, and what they are facing today, while combining that with the universal themes of the original show: love, family, relationships, heart,” stated Felicia Pride, the series showrunner/producer.
Several original cast members have returned to Hillman, including Kadeem Hardison and Jasmine Guy, as Whitley and Dwayne Wayne, who are still married … with children. That brings forth a new generation of matriculated Hillman students, and at the center of it all is Deborah Wayne, Whitley and Dwayne’s youngest daughter, played by Tony winner Maleah Joi Moon.
Meeting Deborah Wayne
“Deborah is a beautiful, messy combination of our legacy cast parents,” Moon detailed to EBONY. “The world has come to love Dwayne — she has his heart — and with Whitley, she has her flare for the spotlight, her fabulousness and even her quirkiness. What I’m looking forward to audiences loving about Deborah is that she is finding herself, which I think is such a wonderful aspect for, especially younger audiences, to see… She’s stumbling through life, finding her footing and where she belongs in her community, which a lot of people my age can relate to.”
While it’s been 30-plus years since we’ve been to Hillman, many of the issues faced will be strikingly similar. “A lot of the topics we covered before are still very much our issues,” Allen pointed out. “And today we’re dealing with a whole other world. We have internet. We have social media, which is a big change on any college campus — it’s instantaneous what narrative gets out there, and whether it’s right or wrong, people can go in so many different directions very quickly.”
Hillman to Tackle the Issues
The series revival also comes at a time when our nation is facing an administration bent on rolling back DEI initiatives and funding to university programs geared toward Black and African American students. “I think it was important for us to show what HBCUs are facing in this moment, but also to show the resiliency,” Pride interjected, “to show coming together in community and debating the best way to move forward, but to always move forward together. That was really important for us.”
Will the Original Theme Song Return?
One thing we hope doesn’t change is the series’ iconic theme song, first performed by Phoebe Snow, followed by the legendary Aretha Franklin and Boyz II Men with Terrence Forsythe. “It’s a baby, still crawling, hasn’t walked yet,” exclaimed Allen on how its newest version will unveil itself. Added Pride, “That song is so iconic. It’s important to show that we continue to pay homage to the original while also evolving.”
Joining Moon as newly enrolled Hillman students are Cornell Young IV as Shaquille Johnson, a five‑star athlete with a legacy last name; Jordan Aaron Hall as Amir Rodale, a psych major who’s more intent on others’ problems than his own, and Alijah Kai, the daughter of Tichina Arnold, who’s joined the cast as Rashida Duvall, a first‑gen criminal justice major. Also featured in the new series are Kennedi Reece and Chibuikem Uche. The series also has a hearty roster of returning guest stars from the World‘s original run.
“You’re gonna be surprised,” Allen teased.
A Different World, the new season, premieres September 24 on Netflix.