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September 20, 2026 |
We’ve all complained about Hollywood’s reliance on past intellectual property, and we’ve all been burned by a reboot of a favorite that misses the mark. But hopes are high for the revival of A Different World, which lands on Netflix on September 24, almost 40 years after its 1987 premiere. Kristal Brent Zook takes us behind the scenes for an exclusive look at the refreshed Hillman College, including photos of its new—as well as returning—cast. The latest iteration of the groundbreaking sitcom isn’t just closure for show stalwarts such as Susan Fales-Hill and Debbie Allen, who are back for the streaming follow-up. It’s also closure for viewers, who were shocked when the wildly popular series was abruptly canceled in 1993. Writing for Vanity Fair in May of 2021, Leah Faye Cooper assembled an oral history of the original version of A Different World that offered unprecedented insights on the vision behind the series—and how that might have ultimately prompted its cancellation. Reading this from 2026, its messages about race and representation remain more relevant than one might like. Also of note, as you wind up your weekend: What is controversial artist Jordan Wolfson up to now? What’s the real deal with Lizzie Borden’s interest in famed stage star Nance O’Neil? And what should we watch tonight? |
EVE BATEYEDITOR |
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Back to A Different World: An Exclusive Look at the Beloved Sitcom’s Netflix Return By Kristal Brent Zook Nearly 40 years after NBC pulled the plug on A Different World, a new generation of Black creators—plus series stalwarts Susan Fales-Hill and Debbie Allen—explain how they’re bringing Hillman College back to life. Read more |
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A Different World: Cast Members and Crew Tell the Oral History By Leah Faye Cooper In 1987, one of television’s most influential shows was born. The stars, writers, and producers look back on their years at Hillman College. Read more |
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TRUE COLORS Controversial Artist Jordan Wolfson Is Back in the New York Groove By Nate Freeman The artist famous for his human-seeking robots goes relatively analogue in his new show. But there are still AI-generated images of Jeff Koons in flagrante, in the style of Pixar. Read more |
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TRUE CRIME By Rosemary Counter As Monster: Lizzie Borden premieres on Netflix, a look back at Borden’s curiously close relationship with famed stage star Nance O’Neil. Read more |
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NOW STREAMING The 25 Best Movies on Netflix to Watch in September 2026 By Chris Feil From comedy classics to recent Oscar winners, these are the titles you don’t want to miss. Read more |
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