Netflix is making a significant move to revive A Different World, employing a strategy that deviates from its usual practices. The streaming giant has issued a rare pilot order for a sequel series to the original Cosby Show spinoff, which aired on NBC from 1987 to 1993. This marks only the second time in Netflix’s history that such a pilot order has been granted. It is reported that the sitcom pilot will commence filming this summer, allowing the production team to gauge the show’s tone and the chemistry among the cast, which has yet to be finalized. This initiative to continue the beloved story of Whitley (Jasmine Guy) and Dwayne’s (Kadeem Hardison) family was first disclosed last August.

Although producing a pilot is a standard approach for many television series, particularly in the comedy genre, Netflix typically opts for straight-to-series orders. The only other instance where they deviated from this norm occurred in 2023 with another comedy titled Little Sky, featuring Samara Weaving, which ultimately did not air. Sources indicate that the pilot order for A Different World does not signify a shift in Netflix’s overall strategy; however, it does highlight the platform’s increased willingness to experiment with new shows prior to committing to a full season. This approach is part of a broader development process aimed at successfully reintroducing the essence of the original series.

A Different World was initially designed to follow Lisa Bonet in her role as Denise Huxtable, as she navigated her experiences at the fictional historically Black college, Hillman College. However, after Bonet departed following the first season, the spotlight shifted to her classmates and other key characters, including Guy and Hardison as Whitley Gilbert and Dwayne Wayne, whose romantic journey unfolded throughout the series’ six-season run. The upcoming sequel is set to return to Hillman and will focus on the couple’s daughter, Deborah Wayne, as she embarks on her own journey through higher education, likely maintaining a similar yet contemporary tone. The original cast also included notable performances from Dawnn Lewis, Darryl M. Bell, Sinbad, Charnele Brown, Cree Summer, and Glynn Turman.

The ‘A Different World’ Sequel Reunites a Talented Production Team

Leading the charge for this highly anticipated sequel as both writer and executive producer is Felicia Pride, renowned for her exceptional writing on acclaimed shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, Queen Sugar, and Bel-Air, among others. Although Pride did not contribute to the original spinoff series, she is collaborating with a production team that boasts several members who were integral to the original series, including Debbie Allen, Tom Werner, Gina Prince-Bythewood, and Reggie Bythewood. Additionally, Mandy Summers joins as an executive producer. Notably, Allen will direct the pilot episode, just as she did for the majority of the original A Different World’s impressive 144-episode run, which will surely evoke a sense of nostalgia and familiarity for fans. Currently, casting is underway to discover the right actors for Deborah and her college friends, as Netflix aims to build on its successful comedy trajectory following recent hits like A Man on the Inside and Nobody Wants This.

The pilot for the anticipated A Different World sequel is scheduled to begin filming this June. Be sure to stay tuned to Collider for the latest updates and news regarding this exciting sequel series.