In a light-hearted exchange on the morning talk show *Today with Jenna & Sheinelle*, co-hosts Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones reminisced about their college aspirations—particularly the fictional Hillman College from the beloved series *A Different World*. This engaging dialogue took place against the backdrop of the show’s upcoming sequel, set to debut later this autumn and focusing on the next generation of characters.
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Sheinelle Jones, 48, expressed her longing for a college experience at Hillman, stating, “I wanted to go to Hillman, but I didn’t. Go Cats! Go Northwestern!” This humorous reference to the show sparked a playful response from Jenna Bush Hager, 44, who reminded viewers that Hillman is not an actual institution. She quipped, “It’s like I wanted to go to Bayside,” alluding to another fictional school from the series *Saved by the Bell*. “It ain’t real so I couldn’t go there, you know?”
The discussion, shared on social media, showcased the nostalgia surrounding *A Different World*, a series that originally aired for six seasons from 1987 to 1993. The program is fondly remembered for its portrayal of college life and issues facing African American students, making it an enduring part of television history.
The sequel, which fans are eagerly anticipating, is set to be released on the 39th anniversary of the original show’s premiere. This continuation of the story will focus on the child of beloved characters Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert and promises to introduce a fresh cast alongside familiar faces from the original series.
The new ensemble includes actors Alijah Kai as Rashida, Chibuikem Uche as Kojo, Cornell Young IV as Shaquille, Jordan Aaron Hall as Amir, and Kennedi Reece as Hazel. Returning stars from the original series, such as Jasmine Guy (Whitley Gilbert) and Kadeem Hardison (Dwayne Wayne), are also expected to feature, ensuring that the essence of *A Different World* continues in its successor.
In addition to the original cast, the new series is being helmed by showrunner and executive producer Felicia Pride, who brings a contemporary vision to the beloved classic. Original director and producer, Debbie Allen, will also return to direct three episodes, including the all-important premiere.
Production for the sequel has already commenced, with Netflix recently sharing behind-the-scenes images on social media, generating even more excitement among fans. The caption, “Freshman class loading!!! Production is officially underway on the A Different World sequel series!” highlights the eagerness surrounding this project.
As audiences prepare to revisit the lively campus of Hillman, questions abound regarding the themes and issues the new series will address. Given the original show’s legacy of tackling important social topics, including race and identity, many are curious to see how these themes will evolve in a modern context.
Overall, with both Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones capturing the nostalgic spirit during their playful banter, it is evident that *A Different World* has left an indelible mark on popular culture. As fans await the new series, the sentiment shared on *Today* reflects a collective yearning for connection to formative shows that shaped their perspectives and experiences.