Netflix has announced that the beloved series A Different World will be available for streaming starting February 7. Fans can enjoy all six seasons of the iconic show, which originally aired from 1987 to 1993, bringing its timeless stories to a new generation of viewers.

Previously available on MAX and other platforms, A Different World was removed in anticipation of Netflix spearheading a reboot of the series. Development for the reboot began in November and will focus on Whitley and Dwayne’s youngest daughter as she navigates her college journey at Hillman, just like her parents. Excitingly, most of the original cast is expected to reprise their roles in the new series.

Yes!!!!! Thank you @netflix
✊🏿❤️🖤💚👨🏿‍🎓👩🏾‍🎓
Na na na na na,
Na na na na na na na!!!!📢 pic.twitter.com/vdFGZtajU9

— Timbs&Nikes (@StuntmanMiZ) January 17, 2025

THE REBOOT COMING SOON?

Legendary producer Debbie Allen, who served as producer and showrunner on the original show, is returning to lead the reboot. She will be joined by an impressive team, including Mandy Summers, Tom Werner, Gina Prince-Bythewood, and Reggie Bythewood. Felicia Pride, known for her work on Bel-Air and Grey’s Anatomy, has also signed on as an executive producer and writer for the project.

A Different World began as a spin-off of The Cosby Show, initially following Denise Huxtable, portrayed by Lisa Bonet, as she adjusted to life at Hillman College. After Bonet’s departure after the first season, the series expanded its focus to explore the broader HBCU experience, introducing a vibrant and diverse cast of characters.

For nearly four decades, the series has held a special place in the hearts of fans, inspiring countless students to attend historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and leaving a lasting cultural legacy.

IS A DIFFERENT WORLD A TOP TEN BLACK SITCOM OF ALL TIME?

TEN CITY HBCU TOUR TOOK PLACE

To celebrate the show’s 35th anniversary, the cast embarked on a 10-city HBCU tour last year, starting at the Atlanta University Center (AUC) and Howard University. Due to its overwhelming success, the tour extended into this year, with a stop at Bowie State University in October.

Darryl M. Bell, who played Ronald Johnson, reflected on the show’s enduring relevance in an interview with PEOPLE:

“There’s an evergreen portrayal of issues that matter to students — the stress of classes, how to pay for school, student protests. These are all issues that still resonate today.”

The series tackled themes of self-discovery, friendship, and sociopolitical issues with care and awareness. Cree Summer, who played Freddie Brooks, noted, “We represented all these different facets of young Black life that we had never seen before.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by WorldWide Entertainment TV Media (@wwetv_world_wide)

Nearly 38 years after its premiere, A Different World continues to inspire and impact viewers across generations. Its arrival on Netflix ensures that a whole new audience will experience the groundbreaking stories of Hillman College and the timeless lessons they offer.