Bill Cosby Could Profit From Netflix’s A Different World Reboot

Many people considered the original series, A Different World, to be one of the best shows of the 1980s, so it’s understandable why Netflix decided to create a new version.

Several of the original actors from the show A Different World are reuniting, including Tom Werner, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Debbie Allen, Kardeem Hardison, Jasmine Guy, and Reggie Bythewood. Notably absent, though unsurprisingly, is Bill Cosby.

The actor is absent from the revival’s production, which isn’t surprising considering his past criminal charges, including a prison sentence for sexual assault that was later overturned. However, according to Kim Masters at Puck, he may be playing a larger role than people realize.

Sources claim Bill Cosby continues to receive payments related to his original contract and for not being involved in the show. This seems plausible, as he created A Different World and likely still has a financial interest. One network executive estimated that Cosby could have earned between $75,000 and $100,000 per episode from Netflix for receiving an Executive Producer credit and agreeing not to be publicly associated with the project.

The upcoming Netflix reboot of A Different World centers on Deborah Wayne (Maleah Joi Moon), the daughter of Dwayne and Whitley from the original series. The show is set at Hillman College and follows Deborah as she starts her freshman year, navigating the ups and downs of college life and becoming an adult.

As of today, Netflix hasn’t announced when the reboot of A Different World will be released.

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2025-11-21 02:51