The series celebrates HBCUs as a family affair

NEED TO KNOW

• Netflix’s A Different World sequel series picks up on the HBCU’s campus with a new batch of freshmen
• While the new students get acclimated, many have ties to Hillman through their parents — the alumni from the original series
• Get to know the new kids and their roots as the new series is now available for streaming

There’s nothing but love and family filling the halls of Hillman.

Netflix’s A Different World introduces a new group of freshmen who are figuring out college life, from living on their own to navigating academics and extracurriculars on an HBCU campus. The series is a revival of the 1987 series by the same name, which starred Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Cree Summer, Darryl M. Bell and more.

The ties to the original series feed into the familial feel of the Hillman tradition, first introduced by the Huxtable family in The Cosby Show. The spinoff series took on a life of its own and three decades later, a new class is ready to bring their own meaning to the Hillman experience. If you’re trying to figure out who is connected to who, this family tree will set you straight.

Warning: This article contains spoilers for A Different World season 1, now streaming on Netflix.

01 of 05

Deborah Wayne (Maleah Joi Moon)

Deborah is the youngest of Whitley and Dwayne’s three children and a freshman ready to take on the world at Hillman. Being a legacy isn’t always easy, however. With her father finding himself as the school’s president and her mother’s maiden name plastered across her dorm building, Deborah is looking to find her own path and enjoy everything college needs to offer, while learning about herself and what values she holds dear.

02 of 05

Shaquille Johnson (Cornell Young IV)

Shaquille Johnson also struggles with following in his dad’s footsteps and being his own man. Being Ron Johnson’s son has its challenges — from dealing with his dad-ager to keeping his love life from disaster. Shaquille faces scenarios that make him question the man he wants to be.

03 of 05

Nellie Gaines (Famecia Ward)

The Pitt is in good hands with Mr. Gaines’ granddaughter, Nellie, taking over. Nellie quickly proves that her talents extend beyond the kitchen and managing a team. She’s also continuing the Gaines legacy of being wise and principled in a way that grounds those around her.

04 of 05

Dr. Brooklyn Boyer (Raven Goodwin)

Not only did Kimberly Reese achieve her dreams of being a doctor, but she also raised a doctor! Dr. Brooklyn Boyer is a first year professor, a Hillman alum herself, and a sorority girl, grown up. She’s a blast in all the wonderful ways Kim was.

05 of 05

Ellington Kendall (Vincent Jamal Hooper)

Ellington has the brains to whiz his way through Hillman and tutor Deborah, but when it comes to matters of the heart, the answer isn’t so obvious. Ellington knows he’s drawn to Deborah, but she questions what he’s really about. He’s later revealed to be a Kendall — as in Denise Kendall, who now goes by Denise Huxtable… and has reconnected with Dwayne.

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