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Netflix renews A Different World reboot for a second season

Netflix has renewed its A Different World sequel for a second season eight days after its 24 September debut, citing 4.2 million views in its first days.

5 outlets · 2L · 3C · 0R First reported Account updated
Image: Variety
Image: TVLine
Image: Deadline
Image: The Hollywood Reporter
Image: Collider

1 / 5

The story, neutrally told

MixedNetflix has renewed A Different World, its sequel to the 1987-1993 NBC sitcom, for a second season. LeftThe Hollywood Reporter says the order came eight days after the series debuted on 24 September. MixedNetflix's internal figures put the debut at No. 4 on its Global Top 10 English TV list, with 4.2 million views and a Top 10 place in 15 countries. The Hollywood Reporter adds that the show had 23 million hours of watch time in its first four days.

CentreTVLine notes that Nielsen ratings for the week of 21 September had not yet been provided. CentreCollider links the renewal to Rotten Tomatoes scores. Its headline and lede give a 72% audience score, while its body text gives 82% from critics and 71% from audiences. MixedThe series follows Deborah (Maleah Joi Moon), the youngest child of Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison) and Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy), during her freshman year at Hillman, a historically Black college. Season 2 picks up after the summer, with the students back for sophomore year.

MixedThe season 2 logline says the students return with a "New Year, New Me" attitude, only to face past decisions, uncertain futures and new loves and friendships. TVLine says the release date is to be determined. MixedCreator and showrunner Felicia Pride said the renewal was "so validating" and thanked the audience, cast and crew. Executive producer and director Debbie Allen said "The people and Netflix have spoken." CentreTracey Pakosta, Netflix's vice president of comedy series, said the company "believed in this incredible team from day one."

MixedReturning original cast members include Darryl M. Bell, Cree Summer and Jada Pinkett Smith. The executive producers include Pride, Allen, Tom Werner, Reggie Rock Bythewood, Gina Prince-Bythewood and Mandy Summers. LeftVariety quotes its own review calling the season "timely and fresh." The Hollywood Reporter quotes Pride saying she wanted to "capture and imbue the spirit" of the original.

Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on. The pill in front of each says where its sources sit: Left, Centre or Right when one side supplies at least half of them, Mixed when they are evenly split.

Left2 outlets

Framing
Trade coverage that treats the renewal as a quick success. Variety adds its own favourable review, and The Hollywood Reporter stresses the speed of the order.
Emphasis
The speed of the renewal, the show's critical reception and Pride's creative aims.
Leaves out or plays down
Neither outlet mentions that Nielsen ratings were not yet available. Variety gives no viewing figures.
Charged language
“Fast Season 2 Renewal”“critically acclaimed”
For example
“Netflix‘s report card on A Different World is a good one” — The Hollywood Reporter
““A Different World” Season 1 was critically acclaimed” — Variety

Centre3 outlets

Framing
Renewal announcement built around Netflix's press release, with viewing figures and cast details. Collider leads on Rotten Tomatoes scores.
Emphasis
Netflix's Top 10 ranking and views, the cast and the season 2 logline. TVLine adds the caveat about missing Nielsen data.
Leaves out or plays down
Collider's text gives no cast, quotes or Netflix viewing data.
Charged language
“Hit Legacy Sequel”“Class will remain in session at Hillman College”
For example
“Class will remain in session at Hillman College” — TVLine
“Netflix Officially Renews Hit Legacy Sequel” — Collider

Right0 outlets

No right outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.