After much anticipation, Netflix has greenlit the sequel to A Different World. Earlier in the year, it was noted that Netflix had taken the unusual step of ordering a pilot episode before committing to a full series. The pilot was evidently successful, leading to the announcement on Monday that Hillman College will once again open its doors, this time to Deborah Wayne, the daughter of Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison) and Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy).

Tony award-winning actress Maleah Joi Moon (Hell’s Kitchen) is set to portray Deborah, described as the “free-spirited, well-intentioned yet rebellious youngest child” of the beloved couple from the original series. Set during her freshman year at Hillman, the series will explore Deborah’s struggles to step out of her parents’ large shadows, according to the synopsis. “She’s determined to forge her own path and create a new legacy, all while experiencing the best time of her life with a new circle of friends at Hillman,” it reads. Joining her are Alijah Kai as Rashida, Chibuikem Uche as Kojo, Cornell Young IV as Shaquille, Jordan Aaron Hall as Amir, and Kennedi Reece as Hazel.

Felicia Pride (Grey’s Anatomy), the showrunner and executive producer of the new series, expressed her excitement in a statement (via Tudum): “It’s an incredible honor to participate in the revival of this iconic series, which was a big part of my own upbringing and had a significant influence on me. I am extremely proud of our efforts to reimagine A Different World for both longtime fans and new audiences.”

In a joint statement, executive producers Reggie Rock Bythewood and Gina Prince-Bythewood, who were writers on the original show, shared, “A Different World was a game-changer for us. It kickstarted our writing careers and played a pivotal role in our personal journey together. Revisiting Hillman and reimagining this world for today’s generation feels like we are continuing a journey that’s rooted in love, purpose, and endless possibilities.”

A Different World initially started as a spinoff of The Cosby Show, focusing on Denise Huxtable, played by Lisa Bonet, during her time at Hillman, an alma mater of her parents. Bonet left after the first season, leading to Debbie Allen stepping in to creatively reshape the series. According to a 2013 article by Emily St. James for The A.V. Club, Allen transformed the show into a more traditional ensemble sitcom, adding elements of theatrical performance and drawing on the socially aware narratives reminiscent of Norman Lear’s sitcoms from the 1970s.

Allen is back as an executive producer for the sequel and will also direct three episodes of the first season, including the pilot. “There’s no better time than now to bring back A Different World,” she stated in an interview with Tudum. “Our series made a significant impact, dramatically increasing the enrollment at historically black colleges and providing a strong voice for Young Black America. The combination of fresh new talent and beloved original cast members makes this revival a must-watch on Netflix.”