A Different World_
A Different World is a spin-off series from The Cosby Show and originally centered on Denise Huxtable and the life of students at Hillman College, a fictional mixed but historically black college in the state of Virginia. After Bonet's departure in the first season, the remainder of the series primarily focused more on Southern belle Whitley Gilbert and mathematics whiz Dwayne Wayne. The series frequently depicted members of the major historically black fraternities and sororities.
Created By
Bill Cosby
Network
NBC
Episodes
144
Updated Feb 16, 2026
WHERE TO WATCH
Netflix
20 countries
Rakuten TV
11 countries
Prime Video
9 countries
SkyShowtime
7 countries
Filmin
1 country
Philo
1 country
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Overview
A Different World has 6 seasons with 144 episodes spanning 1987-1993.
Jasmine Guy →
Year context
A Different World first aired 39 years ago in 1987.
CAST (10)
SEASONS (6 seasons, 144 episodes)
SEASON 1
01
Reconcilable Differences
During her first few days at Hillman College, Denise Huxtable finds herself at odds with her new roommate, Jaleesa, a 26-year-old freshman with a mysterious…
02
Pilot
Denise's financial irresponsibility might get her and Jaleesa thrown out of the dorm.
03
Porky de Bergerac
Questionable tactics abound when Denise plays dating games and Jaleesa is elected dorm monitor.
04
Those Who Can't... Tutor
Denise's calculus tutor Dwayne is caught sneaking out of Whitley's window after curfew.
05
War of the Words
Whitley's claim that women can't succeed at both career and family infuriates Lisa and Maggie.
06
Rudy and the Snow Queen
Rudy visits Hillman and becomes enchanted by Whitley, who tries to make her into the perfect little lady.
07
Sometimes You Get the Bear, Sometimes the Bear Gets You
The girls plan Operation Yogi, a plot to steal the rival school's bear-head mascot, but a visit from Denise's grandfather makes a boo-boo inevitable.
08
If Chosen, I May Not Run
In the family tradition of "Combustible" Huxtable, Denise is chosen for Hillman's track team, but after a few practices she starts running out of steam.
09
Romancing Mr. Stone
A geology professor has every woman in the class fighting for his attention.
10
The Gift of the Magi
Whitley's secret Santa surprises her with a visit from her newly separated daddy, who walks in with his youthful girlfriend.
11
Does He or Doesn't He?
Tired of being hit on by men, a grad student decides to turn the tables and seduce Dwayne.
12
Advise and Descent
During finals week, Denise's work suffers because she decides to be a peer counselor, and the girls' looks suffer under test stress.
13
The Prime of Miss Lettie Bostic
Hillman alumna Lettie Bostic fills in as dorm monitor, but her strongly voiced opinions have the girls considering mutiny.
14
Wild Child
Lettie pulls some strings to help a student who has been attending classes without enrolling.
15
Dr. Cupid
Dwayne uses his radio persona "Dr. Cupid" to find a Valentine's Day date, and Denise uses Dr. Cupid to reconcile Lettie and an old love.
16
The Show Must Go On
Denise and Whitley both think they're the apple of the leading man's eye in a play about the Garden of Eden.
17
Mr. Hillman
In the name of sexual equality, Denise convinces Dwayne to run in the Miss Hillman Beauty Pageant against Whitley.
18
Speech Therapy
Whitley hides an illegal humidifier; Jaleesa sweats over her fear of oral reports; Maggie steams over the debt Denise owes her.
19
Clair's Last Stand
Clair Huxtable visits Denise bearing motherly advice as well as news that conflicts with Denise's summer plans.
20
If Only for One Night
Whitley panics about spending the summer alone; Dwayne tries a new tack with Denise; and Maggie holds a yard sale.
21
Come Back, Little Eggby
A psychology experiment in parenting calls for egg-doption, but when Jaleesa loses Maggie's "eggby," she and Denise scramble to find it.
22
My Dinner With Theo
Denise strains her brain trying to improve her grades, so she invites Theo up for a weekend of family inspiration.
SEASON 2
01
Dr. War is Hell
As the school year begins, Dwayne faces the prospect of taking a calculus class from Col. Taylor, a tough professor nicknamed ""Dr. War."" He fears…
02
Two Gentlemen of Hillman
Dwayne pairs with irresponsible Ron to write a philosophy paper. Ron refuses to do his share of the work, instead purchasing a ten-year-old paper. Dwayne…
03
Some Enchanted Late Afternoon
Walter asks Jaleesa on a date. She refuses because she is involved in a long-distance relationship. She finally agrees to join him for dinner, with…
04
Dream Lover
During a party celebrating the end of midterms, Dwayne finds himself attracted to Whitley. She agrees to dance with him, but runs out after he…
05
Three Girls Three
Whitley and Jaleesa team up for an audition to sing backup at an upcoming Gladys Knight concert on campus. They ask Angela, an aspiring opera…
06
If You Like Pilgrim Coladas
Whitley and Kim stay at the dorm for Thanksgiving. Depressed by the thought of Thanksgiving dinner at the Pit, they decide to go out. Kim…
07
A Stepping Stone
Whitley choreographs Gilbert Hall's step routine for a competition during homecoming festivities. She annoys everyone with her pushy attitude, and team captain Jaleesa throws her…
08
Life With Father
Dwayne believes that he may have found love with his new girlfriend, Suzanne. He reconsiders the relationship when he learns that her father is Col.…
09
All's Fair
Kim begins spending a lot of time in her dorm room with her boyfriend, Robert. Whitley tries to be understanding, and sets up a system…
10
Radio Free Hillman
Ron slips Dwayne a bootlegged copy of a new rap album, which he immediately puts on the air. The dean pulls the plug on Dwayne's…
11
It Happened One Night
Kim refuses to take calls from Robert, and simply tells her friends that they had a fight. She confesses to Whitley that she may be…
12
I've Got the Muse in Me
Freddie grapples with writer's block as she works on a creative writing assignment. Kim encourages her to take a break and come to a party,…
13
Risky Business
Clair Huxtable attends the Hillman job fair to conduct a seminar on business etiquette. She brings teenage daughter Vanessa and a friend in the hopes…
14
Breaking Up Is Hard to Do
Dwayne gives Suzanne an expensive ring for Valentine's Day. She returns it to him and asks for some space, which drives him crazy. She later…
15
For She's Only a Bird in a Gilded Cage
Whitley experiences anxiety about a visit from her mother, Marion, who is obsessed with finding her daughter a husband. She criticizes Whitley for paying more…
16
It's Greek to Me
Ron and Dwayne pledge a fraternity. Ron thoroughly enjoys the experience, while Dwayne grows tired of having the ""brothers"" push him around. They convince Whitley…
17
The Thing About Women
Jaleesa accepts a dinner invitation from her ex-husband, Lamar. Walter pretends that he is okay with this, but is secretly jealous. All of the girls…
18
High Anxiety
Kim becomes overwhelmed by her hectic schedule, as she tries to balance pre-med courses with work and extracurricular activities. She also obsesses over her grades,…
19
Take This Job and Love It
Whitley hits Mr. Gaines' car, causing nearly $1000 in damage. She is afraid to ask her father for the money because she fears that he…
20
No Means No
Freddie falls for Garth Parks, a handsome and intelligent baseball star. Teammate Dwayne backs out of a date to the dance with Freddie so that…
21
Citizen Wayne
Dwayne runs for student council president. Although he has good ideas about scholarships and ways to fund student activities, no one will listen to him.…
22
There's No Place Like Home
Dwayne and Ron plan to rent a beautiful apartment for the next school year. They can no longer afford the place after Ron's father cuts…
SEASON 3
01
Strangers on a Plane
Dwayne and Whitley run into each other on a flight back to school. Whitley finds that Dwayne has changed over the summer, as he is…
02
The Heat Is On
Whitley has yet to take a basic math course that is required for graduation. She reluctantly enrolls in Col. Taylor's class, and he tries to…
03
The Hat Makes the Man
Walter and Jaleesa celebrate the anniversary of their first date, but are distracted by conflicts over dorm discipline. Walter allows a shy male student to…
04
To Have and Have Not
Walter convinces many of the students to volunteer at a community center. Whitley teaches ballet to the children and becomes friends with a young boy…
05
Forever Hold Your Peace
Dwayne drives Whitley to New York for her father's wedding. He drops in on the Huxtables, hoping to rekindle his relationship with Denise and convince…
06
Delusions of Daddyhood
Ron takes a liking to his study partner, Elizabeth; and is surprised to learn that she has a 13-month-old son. He is unsure about getting…
07
Wedding Bells From Hell
Walter wins a free Hawaiian honeymoon from a car wash, so he asks Jaleesa to marry him. Although she is uncertain, she eventually says yes.…
08
Great Expectations
Kim and Freddie plan to spend homecoming weekend at Freaknic, a music festival in Washington, D.C. Kim's policeman father calls and forbids her to go…
09
Answered Prayers
Kim learns that her father has been shot in the line of duty. Whitley drives her to Ohio to see him, with Dwayne and Freddie…
10
For Whom the Jingle Bell Tolls
Whitley is in a foul mood during the holiday season, especially when her mother insists that they fly to the south of France instead of…
11
Under One Roof
Dean Hughes asks Whitley to spend the weekend at her house and co-host the annual freshman tea. Whitley considers this a great honor until Freddie…
12
Here's to Old Friends
Dwayne's old friend Milt comes for a visit. He believes that Hillman is holding Dwayne back, and encourages him to transfer to the University of…
13
The Power of the Pen
Dwayne struggles with an assignment for poetry class, as the students must compose their own verses. William Shakespeare appears to him in a dream and…
14
Pride and Prejudice
Whitley goes to a jewelry store to buy a birthday present for her father. Freddie tags along because she enjoys watching Whitley ""power shop."" The…
15
Success, Lies and Videotape
Clair Huxtable visits the Hillman campus to videotape the students discussing their goals for the future. Although the taping is supposed to resemble a professional…
16
A World Alike
Whitley meets Julian, an attractive exchange student from Georgetown who is part of Hillman's anti-apartheid group. Kim receives a scholarship that will solve her financial…
17
That's the Trouble With You All
Whitley plays matchmaker for Dwayne and a beautiful coed in the hopes of convincing him to move on. However, she becomes extremely jealous and tries…
18
A Campfire Story
A lovesick Dwayne convinces Walter to let him tag along on a recruiting trip to North Carolina, where he is trying to sign a high…
19
Hillman Isn't Through With You Yet
Whitley has trouble finding a job for after graduation, while Jaleesa mulls several offers. Ron's sister Rachel, who is staying with Whitley and Kim during…
20
21 Candles
Whitley is distraught when everyone, including Julian, seems to have forgotten her 21st birthday. Kim has actually remembered, and is planning a girls-only surprise party.…
21
Sweet Charity
Walter learns that Kim is working all night at a funeral parlor to cover her expenses. He enlists the help of Whitley and Freddie to…
22
Soldier Boy
Col. Taylor is the guest of honor at a campus roast. Frank Benning, a man from his first platoon in Vietnam, comes in to serve…
23
Getaway (1)
Dwayne, Ron, Kim, Freddie and Ernest head to Devil's Island, South Carolina for spring break. Whitley joins them at the last minute after Julian has…
24
Getaway (2)
Julian shows up to surprise Whitley, who wants nothing to do with him. Dwayne and Ron dress like women to get past the drug dealers…
25
Perhaps Love
Dwayne is selected for Phi Beta Kappa, and his mother comes to town to watch his induction ceremony. Julian tells Whitley that he wants to…
SEASON 4
01
Everything Must Change
Whitley thrills her friends by announcing that she has finally decided that Dwayne is the right man for her. Although she answered his love letters…
02
How Bittersweet It Is
Whitley accepts a date with the persistent Ron in the hopes of making Dwayne jealous. She leaves a series of answering machine messages in which…
03
Blues for Nobody's Child
Freddie befriends Alex, an eight-year-old foster child who attends the community center. She is horrified after visiting an adoption fair and watching all of the…
04
Whitley's Last Supper
Whitley's father comes to town and takes her to dinner. He announces that he is fed up with her exorbitant spending habits and takes away…
05
The Goodwill Games
Whitley decides to try out for the academic decathlon, as the winning team will receive $1500. Although Dwayne and Ron make fun of her, Whitley…
06
Tales From the Exam Zone
Walter narrates a Twilight Zone-style look at the students' struggles during midterms. Whitley must complete a report for her somewhat sadistic accounting professor by the…
07
Good Help Is Hard to Fire
Dwayne falls apart in the aftermath of his kiss with Whitley. He cannot sleep due to recurring nightmares, and lets the apartment turn into a…
08
Love Thy Neighbor
Dwayne helps Whitley with her marketing project, but turns her down when she offers to take him to dinner. Ron tells Dwayne that he is…
09
Time Keeps on Slippin'
Whitley thrives academically after she begins dating Dwayne, while he gets the first C of his life because he spends all his time fawning over…
10
The Apple Doesn't Fall
Ron's father sends him a car to officially welcome him into the family car dealership. Ron cannot stand the business and wishes to become a…
11
I'm Dreaming of a Wayne Christmas
Dwayne takes Whitley and Ron to his parents' house for Christmas. Whitley is desperate to impress Dwayne's mother. She sneaks out before dinner to buy…
12
War and Peace
Dwayne's good friend Zelmer comes to visit and stuns him by announcing that his Army Reserve unit has been called to the Persian Gulf. Ron…
13
Ex-Communication
Whitley receives a phone call from Julian and agrees to have dinner with him. She is shocked to discover that he is engaged to a…
14
Risk Around the Dollar
Whitley has to cut into the tuition check from her father to cover her share of the rent. She looks for a job, but turns…
15
Love, Hillman-Style
As her marketing project, Whitley organizes a ""Men of Hillman"" calendar. Dwayne is offended when she doesn't ask him to participate; she doesn't consider him…
16
A Word in Edgewise
Matthew arranges for some friends from the National Theatre of the Deaf to perform for the children from the community center outreach program. Kim feels…
17
Ms. Understanding
Shazza Zulu, a student in his sixth year of undergraduate work, publishes a book discussing the sexist behavior of men at Hillman. The women take…
18
The Cash Isn't Always Greener
Dwayne receives an incredible job offer from Kinishewa. Although Whitley and Ron insist that he should jump at the offer, Dwayne is torn between the…
19
How Great Thou Art
Whitley gets a job as an assistant art buyer for E.H. Wright Industries. She attends an auction in Washington, D.C. as an observer. When her…
20
It's Showtime at Hillman
The community outreach program loses funding after a corporate buyout, so Walter organizes a three-hour telethon to raise the $15,000 it needs to remain in…
21
Sister to Sister, Sister
Whitley is placed in charge of pledges for her sorority. She lets the power go to her head, and is especially hard on Kim. Kim…
22
Monet Is the Root of All Evil
Whitley organizes an exhibit to display the artwork of Hillman students. Mr. Gaines shows her some sketches drawn by Novian Winters, a young man who…
23
If I Should Die Before I Wake
Whitley plans to sleep with Dwayne for the first time on his birthday. The public speaking professor assigns the students to write their own eulogies.…
24
Never Can Say Goodbye
Walter announces that he is leaving Hillman to take a job at a community center in Philadelphia. A roast is organized to give everyone a…
25
To Be Continued
Ron tries to keep his father from discovering that he did not graduate. He dons a cap and gown and takes part in the ceremony.…
SEASON 5
01
We've Only Just Begun
Dwayne and Whitley prepare for the coming school year at Hillman. He will teach classes, and she will serve as director of a new dormitory.…
02
The Dwayne Mutiny
Dwayne gives his calculus class a graded quiz on the first day of the year, even though he hasn't taught them anything yet. He plans…
03
Home Is Where the Fire Is
A student's decision to drop out of school allows Lena to move into her own room, much to Whitley's relief. Whitley tries to dump all…
04
Almost Working Girl
E.H. Wright needs a new secretary, so Whitley recommends Jaleesa's temp agency. Unfortunately, the company needs to fill the position immediately, and the only person…
05
In the Eye of the Storm
A hurricane approaches Hillman, forcing Dwayne and Whitley to cancel plans to spend their anniversary in Washington, D.C. Several dozen people seek refuge in the…
06
Rule Number One
Dwayne agrees to provide Lena with free tutoring to help her bring up her calculus grade. They bond over their mutual love of basketball and…
07
Baby, I'm a Star
The club owner fires Ron's band, X-Pression, because the group is not bringing in any customers. Dwayne suggests that Ron hire a vocalist. Kim agrees…
08
Liza Who-Little
Whitley's aunt offers her a lucrative job as an art buyer for her hotel chain. However, she expects Whitley to look after her golddigging cousin…
09
To Tell the Truth
Whitley panics about wedding preparations--particularly the upcoming engagement party, in which her parents are to see each other for the first time since their divorce.…
10
Do You Take This Woman?
Before Dwayne and Whitley can deal with the repercussions of his revelation, her mother arrives for the engagement party. Dwayne's parents come to town, and…
11
Mammy Dearest
Dwayne seeks a friendship with Whitley, but she doesn't feel like hearing him out. She throws herself into organizing her dorm's official dedication ceremony. Kim…
12
Twelve Steps of Christmas
Col. Taylor, Jaleesa and Terrence argue about preparations for their first Christmas as a family. Jaleesa asks Whitley to join them for Christmas dinner. Dwayne's…
13
Just Another Four-Letter Word
After graduating, Ron elects to work on his music full-time. Dwayne complains about his inability to pay his share of the bills. Ron insists that…
14
Cats in the Cradle
Dwayne becomes jealous of Whitley's new beau, particularly after she leads him to believe they are sleeping together. Ron promises to take Dwayne's mind off…
15
Prisoner of Love
A handsome man approaches Freddie and reveals that he is Jamal, her prison pen pal. He has just been released from prison after serving seven…
16
Bedroom at the Top
One of Whitley's superiors continually makes unwanted sexual advances. When she turns down his dinner invitation, he suggests that he may not approve a purchase…
17
May the Best Man Win
Whitley organizes a campus fundraiser and tries to wrangle donations from prominent business people. She hits it off with Byron Douglas III, a successful alumnus…
18
Kiss You Back
Whitley turns down the opportunity to spend a weekend in Washington, D.C. with Byron. She is distressed by the fact that Dwayne does not seem…
19
Conflict of Interest
Whitley convinces Dwayne to hide while she talks to Byron. Dwayne tells Ron about his night with Whitley and admits that he still loves her.…
20
Sellmates
Ron struggles with his new job at a car dealership. A female con artist gets him fired. She apologizes, and they hatch a scheme to…
21
Do the Write Thing
Lena cannot keep her grades high enough to maintain her engineering scholarship. She writes an essay about her father for an English assignment. Professor Foster…
22
Love Taps
Gina's rapper boyfriend Dion (a.k.a. I'm Down) prepares to give a concert for his peers. He hires Ron as his promoter. Freddie reveals that she…
23
Special Delivery
In the final days before the election, the incumbent accuses Byron of fooling around with a stripper. He refuses to respond to the allegations, and…
24
Save the Best for Last (1)
The day before her wedding, Whitley frets about details until Byron is able to bring her back to reality. Kim volunteers to return to campus…
25
Save the Best for Last (2)
As she awakens on her wedding day, Whitley is so flustered by her conversation with Dwayne that she can barely remember where she is or…
SEASON 6
01
Honeymoon in L.A. (1)
Whitley and Dwayne recall their fateful honeymoon in L.A.
02
Honeymoon in L.A. (2)
Conclusion. Whitley and Dwayne are separated by the '92 L.A. riots, which they recall for everyone back home.
03
Interior Desecration
Whitley and Dwayne argue about which furniture should be kept for their new house. Freddie and Ron admit that they cannot stop thinking about each…
04
Somebody Say Ho!
Charmaine annoys the other students with her pushy attitude in Dwayne's statistics class. Someone tapes a sign to her back that reads ""digit ho."" She…
05
Really Gross Anatomy
Ron becomes jealous when Freddie leaves for a weekend camping trip with Shazza. He decides to prepare a candlelight dinner for Kim. Kim has problems…
06
Don't Count Your Chickens Before They're Axed
Charmaine observes Whitley in the office as a sociology project. Whitley is dismayed to learn that her company has put a hold on all purchases…
07
The Little Mister
During their Halloween party, a drunken Dwayne responds sarcastically when Whitley and friends discuss women's rights and the ""Year of the Woman."" He falls asleep…
08
Baby, It's Cold Outside
Whitley catches Ron sneaking Freddie out of his apartment at six o'clock in the morning. Dwayne and Whitley cannot find any time together because he…
09
Faith, Hope and Charity (1)
Whitley's mother surprises Whitley and Dwayne by coming to visit for Thanksgiving. Whitley is too ashamed to admit that she is unemployed and that the…
10
Faith, Hope and Charity (2)
Marion and Adele clash over preparations for Thanksgiving dinner and throw food all over the kitchen. Marion takes Malik to task for paying too much…
11
Original Teacher
Freddie organizes a mentorship program for teenagers detained at juvenile hall. They can receive parole by completing a week-long project. Dwayne is assigned two young…
12
Occupational Hazards
While Dwayne is out of town, Whitley buys a $700 business suit for a job interview. She fails to get the job, and accidentally stains…
13
White Christmas
Freddie's free-spirited mother visits, and annoys her daughter by spending all of her time counseling Freddie's friends. She exposes the bitterness that Kim is harboring…
14
To Whit, With Love
Whitley takes a job substitute teaching for an unruly remedial class at a run-down junior high school. The students are completely out of control the…
15
Happy Birthday to Moi
Dwayne discovers that Whitley has goaded Kim into letting her assist in the planning of her own surprise birthday party. Dwayne takes Whitley to a…
16
Mind Your Own Business
Members of En Vogue play dowdy choristers whom Ron and Charmaine must make over into a nightclub act for the Blue Dog.
17
When One Door Closes... (1)
Whitley discovers she's pregnant; Dwayne's computer-baseball game is a hit with Kinishewa Corp., which wants him to move to Tokyo.
18
When One Door Closes... (2)
Marion and Adele's interference causes tension between Dwayne and Whitley; Ron considers suing Dwayne.
19
Lean on Me
Dwayne yens for a summer job, but he might get burned when his old flame conducts the interview.
20
Dancing Machines
Whitley tries to remake a tomboy; Ron helps Freddie put on a benefit dance for a worthy cause.
21
Cabin in the Sky
Mr. Gaines leaves his son in charge of the Pit when he and Velma join Whitley and Dwayne for a weekend getaway.
22
Homie, Don't Ya Know Me?
Lena's friends from the old neighborhood and her ex-boyfriend Piccolo visit Hillman.
23
College Kid
Lena, Dorian, Gina, Charmaine and Terrell move into an old farmhouse with a grumpy landlord.
24
A Rock, a River, a Lena
Lena Horne travels to Hillman to dedicate a scholarship in her grandmother's memory.
25
Great X-Pectations
Dean Davenport expels Terrell for packing a gun; Spencer aims to marry Kim, but she keeps shooting him down.
SERIES INFO
6
Seasons
144
Episodes
22 min/ep
Per Episode
Ended
Status
CREW
Creator
Bill Cosby
NETWORKS (1)
NBC
AWARDS (3)
B
NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
1993
WON
B
NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
1990
WON
B
NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Comedy Series
1989
WON
DETAILS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is A Different World about?
A Different World is a spin-off series from The Cosby Show and originally centered on Denise Huxtable and the life of students at Hillman College, a fictional mixed but historically black college in the state of Virginia. After Bonet's departure in the first season, the remainder of the series primarily focused more on Southern belle Whitley Gilbert and mathematics whiz Dwayne Wayne. The series frequently depicted members of the major historically black fraternities and sororities.
Where can I watch A Different World?
A Different World is available on Netflix, Rakuten TV, Prime Video, SkyShowtime, Filmin. Availability varies by region.
How many seasons does A Different World have?
A Different World has 6 seasons with 144 episodes total.
Who created A Different World?
A Different World was created by Bill Cosby.
Who stars in A Different World?
The cast of A Different World includes Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Darryl M. Bell, Cree Summer, Charnele Brown.
What is the rating of A Different World?
A Different World has a rating of 7.0 out of 10 based on 69 votes on TMDB.
Is A Different World still running?
A Different World has ended. The final episode aired on .
GENRES (2)
Comedy
Family
