Brandy Sings New 'A Different World' Sequel Theme Song — SkimNews
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- Brandy will sing a new rendition of the 'A Different World' theme song for the Netflix sequel series premiering September 24, calling it 'one of those shows that I had to watch every time it came on'
- Previous theme singers include Phoebe Snow (Season 1), Aretha Franklin (Seasons 2-5), and Boyz II Men (Season 6); the original song was written by cast member Dawnn Lewis, Stu Gardner, and series creator Bill Cosby
- The 10-episode sequel from writer-showrunner Felicia Pride follows Deborah (Maleah Joi Moon), daughter of original characters Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert, as she enters Hillman College to build her own legacy
- Returning original cast members include Kadeem Hardison, Jasmine Guy, Darryl M. Bell, Cree Summer, Charnele Brown, Jenifer Lewis, Jada Pinkett Smith, Dawnn Lewis, Glynn Turman, Karen Malina White, and Ajai Sanders
- Debbie Allen, who directed 83 episodes of the original series, directed the series premiere; original series writers Reggie Rock Bythewood and Gina Prince-Bythewood return as executive producers
- New cast members include Rashida Duvall as a first-gen criminal justice major, Shaquille Johnson as a five-star athlete, Amir Rodale as a psych major, Hazel Henry, and Kojo Achebe, with guest spots from Tichina Arnold, Method Man, and Raven Goodwin
Why it matters: The sequel puts Brandy — a '90s R&B icon — in the same lineage as Aretha Franklin for a show that helped define Black college life on TV, while reuniting 10 original cast members under Felicia Pride's showrunner vision, signaling Netflix's bet that legacy IP and nostalgia can anchor a new generation's Hillman story.
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