Hardison and Bell Launch A Different World Rewatch Podcast

Nearly four decades after the original sitcom introduced audiences to life at the fictional Hillman College, actors Kadeem Hardison and Darryl M. Bell are launching a weekly rewatch podcast. Announced by iHeartMedia and Charlamagne Tha God's Black Effect Podcast Network on October 8, 2026, the series will premiere October 15 alongside renewed interest in the franchise through Netflix's revival.

Titled A Different World View with Darryl & Kadeem, the podcast will revisit the original television series episode by episode, featuring behind-the-scenes accounts, discussions of its cultural influence and appearances by former cast members. According to iHeartMedia, the hosts will also discuss entertainment, pop culture, sports and other subjects shaped by their nearly 40-year friendship.

The weekly program will examine the Netflix sequel series, with conversations involving members of both the original cast and the new generation. Episodes will be released every Thursday through the iHeartRadio app and other podcast platforms, while video editions will also be available on YouTube.

The podcast's stated format centers on revisiting the sitcom's history and examining its continuing relevance to audiences.

"They'll rewatch 'A Different World' episode by episode, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, unpacking why the groundbreaking series continues to resonate nearly four decades later and welcoming familiar faces from the show along the way." The program will connect those retrospective discussions with developments in the Netflix continuation.

Darryl M. Bell, who played Ron Johnson Jr. in the original sitcom, said the project had been a long-standing ambition for the longtime friends. Their new collaboration brings them together as hosts after decades of working in television and film.

"I am beyond excited to finally launch the 'A Different World View with Darryl and Kadeem' podcast. Kadeem and I have only wanted to do this for over 25 years, and the time is now!" Bell said.

Bell also expressed enthusiasm for working with Charlamagne Tha God, the Black Effect team and iHeartMedia. The partnership places the show within a podcast network focused on voices and perspectives across Black culture, entertainment, education, politics and sports.

Black Effect Podcast Network President Dollie S. Bishop said the series would celebrate the original show's influence while introducing its history to younger listeners. The podcast will feature stories from the production and conversations intended to reach both established fans and new audiences.

"'A Different World' had an undeniable impact on Black culture, and Kadeem and Darryl are such an important part of that legacy. We're excited to give them a platform to bring their friendship and comedy to listeners everywhere, sharing stories fans have never heard and celebrating the series with the generations who grew up with it and those who might just be discovering it today," Bishop said.

Hardison, who portrayed Dwayne Wayne, also welcomed the launch by highlighting his long friendship with Bell.

"I've been talking to this guy for 40 years," Hardison said. "I'm so glad you all get to see what I've been dealing with. 'A Different World View' coming shortly!

Debbie Allen will be the podcast's first guest when the hosts begin their rewatch with Season 2, Episode 2, her first episode with the original series. The discussion will revisit her arrival, her early connection with the actors and the changes the show underwent under her leadership.

Allen served as a producer and director on the original sitcom and is an executive producer of the Netflix sequel. She also directed the revival's premiere episode and appears as Dr. Langhorne.

The original A Different World aired from 1987 to 1993 after its debut on NBC. Initially centered on Denise Huxtable, played by Lisa Bonet, the series shifted its focus after Bonet departed following the first season, developing the stories of Whitley Gilbert, played by Jasmine Guy, and Dwayne Wayne, played by Hardison.

Netflix's 2026 revival premiered September 24, exactly 39 years after the original series debuted, according to the source reports. Its first season contains 10 episodes and follows Deborah Wayne, the youngest daughter of Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert, as she begins her journey at Hillman College.

Maleah Joi Moon leads the new generation as Deborah Wayne, alongside Alijah Kai, Cornell Young IV, Jordan Aaron Hall, Kennedi Reece and Chibuikem Uche. Hardison and Guy return as special guests, with Bell and Cree Summer also appearing in the continuation.

Hardison and Bell previously appeared together in Spike Lee's School Daze and have reunited with former cast members for a historically Black colleges and universities tour celebrating the sitcom's legacy. Their new podcast begins its weekly release schedule on Thursday, October 15, 2026, with Allen's appearance opening the series.