Netflix Officially Greenlights “A Different World” Pilot Following Months of Development

“A Different World” is getting a second wind, thanks to Netflix. The streamer has officially ordered a spin-off months after reports of it being developed.

Netflix will shoot a pilot for the sequel to the 1987 sitcom, which will follow Dwayne and Whitley’s daughter, Deborah, during her time at an HBCU. As Deadline previously reported in August, the project has been in the works since last year, and the pilot order is part of that process.

This marks Netflix’s second known pilot pickup, following their 2023 comedy pilot “Little Sky,” which was impacted by the WGA strike. Sources indicate that the “Little Sky” and “A Different World” pilots are one-offs and not part of a broader strategy shift. A pilot is often used as a proof of concept to test tone, cast chemistry, and comedic timing.

The sequel is led by writer/executive producer Felicia Pride, with executive producers including Debbie Allen, Mandy Summers, Tom Werner, Gina Prince-Bythewood, and Reggie Bythewood. Allen, who worked on the original series, will direct the pilot, which is scheduled to shoot in June in Atlanta.

Casting for Deborah and other college students, aged 18-20, is underway. It’s unclear whether the beloved fictional Hillman College will make a return.