A Different World is officially back—and this time, it’s rooted even deeper in the culture. Netflix has started filming the pilot for a highly anticipated sequel to the iconic sitcom, and the cameras are rolling on none other than the campus of Clark Atlanta University. This modern-day revival isn’t just a nod to HBCU history—it’s a celebration of its present and future.
According to HBCU Gameday, production is already underway, with Netflix choosing to shoot the pilot at CAU, putting a real HBCU front and center. The story picks up with Deborah Wayne, the daughter of beloved original characters Whitley and Dwayne Wayne, as she starts her own journey through college life. Deborah will be played by Tony Award–winning actress Maleah Joi Moon, known for her breakout role in Hell’s Kitchen on Broadway.
Set on a real campus and driven by a new generation of talent, this project aims to do more than revive a fan favorite—it’s setting the tone for what representation looks like today. While the original A Different World aired from 1987 to 1993, capturing the heart of Hillman College and leaving a lasting legacy on HBCU enrollment and pop culture, this sequel is aiming for a similar impact in a new era.
The creative team behind the project is just as powerful as its message. Felicia Pride, a seasoned writer and producer known for Grey’s Anatomy and Queen Sugar, is leading the series as creator and showrunner. Even more exciting, Debbie Allen—the original show’s executive producer and director—is returning to direct the pilot. That continuity is crucial to maintaining the authenticity and soul that made A Different World resonate with generations of Black students.
What makes this moment particularly special for the HBCU community is the decision to shoot on an actual HBCU campus. It’s not just television—it’s an investment in legacy. Clark Atlanta University, one of the flagship institutions in the Atlanta University Center, now joins the cultural conversation as the modern-day Hillman. And while the series is fictional, the setting is very real, filled with students, faculty, and alumni who are shaping the future every day.
Netflix’s approach also deviates from its usual straight-to-series model by choosing to film a traditional pilot first. This indicates a careful, thoughtful rollout rather than rushing content to air. The decision to take the time to develop tone, character chemistry, and audience reception could signal that Netflix sees this project as something more than a one-season experiment.
The timing of this series is no accident. HBCUs are experiencing a renewed surge in interest, funding, and cultural relevance. From national brand partnerships to celebrity endorsements, the conversation around HBCUs has shifted in a major way. This sequel to A Different World arrives at a pivotal moment, one where young Black students are actively redefining what success, excellence, and identity look like.
And just like the original series helped drive HBCU enrollment during its initial run, this reboot has the potential to do the same for a new generation. The show reminds us that HBCUs aren’t just historic—they’re still shaping the culture, producing leaders, and telling stories that matter.