Netflix’s ‘A Different World’ Rotten Tomatoes Score Is In
Paul Tassi, Senior Contributor
Updated Mon, September 28, 2026 at 2:46 PM UTC
Read time: 3 min
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Season 1 of 'A Different World' has hit Netflix, and its Rotten Tomatoes score from critics indicates it might be worth a look. Daniel Delgado Jr/Netflix
A New No. 1 Show on Netflix
The 10-episode 'A Different World' boasts an impressive 83% score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on reviews from over a dozen critics. This series has a rich history dating back to the Cosby era.
The Original Series and Its Revival:
The original series starred Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet) who left The Cosby Show for Hillman College. It ran for six seasons, dealing with issues like sexual assault and race relations.
Now, the new A Different World on Netflix directly connects back to that series, with Jasmine Guy, Maleah Joi Moon, and Kadeem Hardison returning as their original characters after 33 years. Other actors from the original show also appear periodically.
New Characters and Storyline:
The focus is now on new characters like Deborah Wayne, daughter of Dwayne and Whitley, who enters her freshman year at Hillman College, striving to build her own legacy beyond her parents' shadows.
Behind the Scenes:
Created by Felicia Pride (known for Queen Sugar, Grey's Anatomy, and Bel-Air), this revival series is a significant achievement for Netflix, reaching No. 1 upon its release.
Key Takeaways:
- No direct involvement from Bill Cosby, who created the original show.
- A mix of veteran viewers revisiting the series and new audiences discovering it for the first time.
- No plans for an actual Cosby Show reboot in the foreseeable future.