Netflix’s reboot of *A Different World* has arrived to a sceptical audience, but the reviewer argues it succeeds where many sitcom revivals fail. It combines the freshness of a new story with the warmth and communal feel of the original, while renewing the show’s celebration of Black college life and culture.

The original series, a *Cosby Show* spin-off set at the fictional Hillman College, became a prominent portrayal of historically Black colleges and universities after Debbie Allen reshaped it into an ensemble show. It also showcased Black actors and artists and addressed issues including Aids and domestic violence. The reboot, led by showrunner Felicia Pride, uses a single-camera style and a more understated tone; the supplied article excerpt ends while describing one of its comic scenes.