A Different World is a 2026 American comedy series and revival of the beloved NBC sitcom that originally ran from 1987–1993. The revival brings back Kadeem Hardison, Jasmine Guy, Darryl M. Bell, Cree Summer, Charnele Brown, and other familiar faces from the original series. The show premiered on Netflix on September 24, 2026, exactly 39 years to the day after the original series premiered. Now that’s a full circle moment!

The new series follows the children of some of our favorite original characters as they attend their parents’ beloved alma mater, Hillman College. With 10 episodes running about 30–35 minutes each, we get to see the next generation experience their own version of the Hillman experience while also catching up with where their parents are in life.

As a huge fan of the original, I was really looking forward to this reboot, and I’m happy to say it did not disappoint!

This was exactly the type of reboot I was hoping for. I loved seeing where the original characters ended up after Hillman while also getting introduced to the younger generation. What made it even more enjoyable for me was being able to relate to both generations. Some of the younger characters brought back memories of my own college experiences, while seeing the original cast again gave me that nostalgia I was looking for.

One thing I always loved about A Different World was that it wasn’t afraid to break barriers and tackle real issues affecting our communities. The reboot keeps that same spirit but brings those conversations into today’s world and perspectives.

I really appreciated the thought and care that went into maintaining the soul of the original series. Debbie Allen’s involvement was especially important, and you can see that care throughout the casting, storytelling, and overall production.

And chemistry? It felt real. The cast worked so naturally together, and there was a genuine emotional connection that made the show feel authentic rather than like a reboot simply trying to recreate something from the past.

My only real complaint is that I wish the episodes were longer. At 30–35 minutes, some scenes felt rushed, and there wasn’t always enough time for certain characters and storylines to fully develop. But I also understand the challenge. The original series had six seasons and 144 episodes, so there’s a LOT of history and expectations to work with.

Nevertheless, this was a fantastic reboot. And now I’m just hoping Netflix doesn’t do what Netflix does and leave us hanging after one season. There are some cliffhangers toward the end that have me ready for Season 2.

Couple of Critics Verdict: A Different World successfully brings the spirit of Hillman back while introducing a new generation. It’s funny, nostalgic, relevant, emotional, and most importantly, it still feels like A Different World.

Kudos to everyone involved, this is how you do a reboot. Now Netflix, don’t play with us… WE NEED SEASON 2!