‘A Different World’ Review: Hillman Is Back With a New Generation

I’m not gonna lie, seeing A Different World return after all these years is something I was really looking forward to. Hillman College is such an important part of television history, so bringing it back with a new generation was always going to be a big task. But after watching the new Netflix series, I’m enjoying what they’re doing with it so far.

We are immediately introduced to Deborah Wayne, played by Maleah Joi Moon, the youngest daughter of Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert. And yes, she is even rocking her father’s signature glasses!

That was one of those little details that made me smile because it immediately connects her to the original without making her feel like a copy of her dad. Deborah is heading to Hillman with something to prove. Her plans for college didn't exactly go the way she expected, and she now has to maintain a 3.0 GPA to stay at Hillman. There is also some mystery surrounding what happened before she arrived, but I’m leaving that alone because I’m keeping this review spoiler-free.

I will say, though, I like Deborah. She is outspoken, she doesn't hold her tongue for anybody, and she isn't afraid to speak her mind. Not even to Jennifer Lewis! 😂 She already has that personality where you know she's going to get herself into some situations, but that's part of what makes her fun to watch.

We also meet Shaquille Johnson, played by Cornell Young IV, who is Hillman's star athlete and already getting plenty of attention from the ladies. However, it looks like his attention is on Deborah. These two already know each other, so there is clearly some history there that I'm interested in seeing play out. And yes, Shaquille is the son of Ron Johnson, so once again we're getting that connection between the original series and this new generation.

Deborah is also paired up with Rashida Duvall, played by Alijah Kai, as her roommate. Let's just say neither one of them exactly came to Hillman hoping to share their space with somebody else. Their dynamic is already entertaining, and I'm curious to see how their relationship develops.

Then, of course, we have Whitley! Jasmine Guy is back as Whitley Gilbert, and seeing her back in that role is just awesome. She is still very much Whitley, especially when it comes to trying to have a say in Deborah's life. And then we get Kadeem Hardison back as Dwayne Wayne. Come on, man!

Seeing Dwayne and Whitley again is probably going to be one of the biggest reasons longtime fans tune in. Kadeem even lost weight to reprise the role, and I have to give him credit for putting in the work to come back as Dwayne.

There are also some really fun connections outside of the original cast. Tichina Arnold makes an appearance as Rashida's mother, and I absolutely loved that casting choice. It's such a cool little connection to the history of Black sitcoms, and it feels like one of those things fans will appreciate. The new cast also includes Jordan Aaron Hall, Kennedi Reece and Chibuikem Uche, who help make up this new generation of Hillman students.

And that's what I like about this revival so far. They're giving us plenty of familiar faces without making the entire show about the past. This is supposed to be a new generation, and these characters need the opportunity to create their own stories.

At the same time, there are enough callbacks and familiar faces to remind you that this is still A Different World.

That's a tough balance to find, but so far, I'm enjoying it. I'm especially interested in Deborah because she has a completely different energy from what you might expect from Dwayne and Whitley's daughter. She's confident, she's outspoken and she clearly isn't afraid to challenge people.

We have a new generation of students, some familiar faces, a whole lot of Hillman nostalgia and plenty of room for these characters to make the school their own. Hillman is back, baby. And honestly... it's good to be back.