Netflix’s A Different World revival was filmed in Atlanta, using exterior locations at three historically Black colleges: Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College and Morehouse College.
The sequel follows Deborah Wayne, played by Maleah Joi Moon, as she begins her freshman year at the fictional Hillman College, the same university attended by her parents in the original series.
Kadeem Hardison and Jasmine Guy return as Dwayne Wayne and Whitney Gilbert, while the new series offers a modern-day perspective on the institution made famous by the original sitcom.
Where was Netflix’s A Different World filmed?
Production took place in Atlanta and was completed in May 2026. The three local colleges provided exterior imagery for Hillman, although the university itself does not exist.
Clark Atlanta University also confirmed that filming took place on its campus. The school’s announcement about Debbie Allen serving as its 2026 commencement speaker highlighted her connection to the series.
Allen was a showrunner, producer and director on the original A Different World, as well as playing academic adviser Dr Langhorne. She returns for the revival as an executive producer and directs its premiere.
Spelman College has a longstanding link to the programme. Its Bessie Strong Hall was used as a backdrop for the original series, which otherwise used a Studio City soundstage.
The revival also has a connection to Spelman behind the scenes, with graduate Ashley Laverne Jackson joining the writing team as a staff writer.
Felicia Pride serves as showrunner, and the first season consists of 10 episodes, now available to stream on Netflix.
