A Different World (1987)
TVPG
Sitcom
A spin-off of The Cosby Show that follows Denise Huxtable and a diverse group of students as they navigate the challenges of college life at the fictional historically black college, Hillman.
Cast & Crew
Lisa Bonet Denise Huxtable
Kadeem Hardison Dwayne Cleophus Wayne
Jasmine Guy Whitley Marion Gilbert Wayne
Dawnn Lewis Jaleesa Vinson Taylor
Darryl M. Bell Ronald "Ron" Johnson
Sinbad Walter Oakes
Charnele Brown Kimberly "Kim" Reese
Cree Summer Winifred "Freddie" Brooks
Bill Cosby Creator
Marcy Carsey Executive Producer
Tom Werner Executive Producer
Garvin Eddy Production Design
⨁Full Cast & Crew
Upcoming TV Airings
The airings below are based on a generic national schedule. Times and dates can vary by TV provider.
Thursday, August 21
Kiss You Back
Season 5 • Episode 18
Whitley's whirlwind romance puts Dwayne temporarily out of the picture.
Thursday, August 21
Conflict of Interest
Season 5 • Episode 19
A couple's relationship is threatened when only she is accepted to Hillman.
Thursday, August 21
Sellmates
Season 5 • Episode 20
A car buyer (Jana Marie Hupp) outwits Ron in his new job; Kim hears from a medical school.
Thursday, August 21
Do the Write Thing
Season 5 • Episode 21
Lena's fallacious essay on her father wins her a journalism scholarship.
Thursday, August 21
Love Taps
Season 5 • Episode 22
Lena suspects a rapper is abusing Gina. Directed by Kadeem Hardison.
Thursday, August 21
Special Delivery
Season 5 • Episode 23
Byron (Joe Morton) sweeps Whitley off her feet on election night; Jaleesa goes into labor.
Thursday, August 21
Save the Best for Last
Season 5 • Episode 24
Dwayne visits Whitley the night before her wedding to apologize for his mistakes.
Thursday, August 21
Save the Best for Last
Season 5 • Episode 25
Dwayne attends the wedding, and Whitney realizes that she can not marry Byron.
Friday, August 22
Honeymoon in L.A. Part 1
Season 6 • Episode 1
Whitley and Dwayne tell new students about their honeymoon in Los Angeles.
Friday, August 22
Honeymoon in L.A. Part 2
Season 6 • Episode 2
Separated honeymooners Dwayne and Whitley struggle to reunite.
Friday, August 22
Interior Desecration or Sofa, So Good
Season 6 • Episode 3
Whitley and Dwayne try to combine their possessions in the new apartment.
Friday, August 22
Somebody Say Ho!
Season 6 • Episode 4
Terrell is charged with verbally abusing Charmaine in Dwayne's class.
Friday, August 22
Really Gross Anatomy
Season 6 • Episode 5
Kim gets sick dissecting her first cadaver.
Friday, August 22
Don't Count Your Chickens Before They're Axed
Season 6 • Episode 6
Whitley persuades Dwayne to buy an expensive painting, then loses her job.
Friday, August 22
How Bittersweet It Is
Season 4 • Episode 2
In an effort to make Dwayne jealous, Whitley accepts a date with Ron.
Friday, August 22
Blues for Nobody's Child
Season 4 • Episode 3
An orphaned waif (T.J. Evans) plans to make Freddie's dorm room his new home.
Friday, August 22
How Bittersweet It Is
Season 4 • Episode 2
In an effort to make Dwayne jealous, Whitley accepts a date with Ron.
Friday, August 22
Blues for Nobody's Child
Season 4 • Episode 3
An orphaned waif (T.J. Evans) plans to make Freddie's dorm room his new home.
Friday, August 22
Whitley's Last Supper
Season 4 • Episode 4
Whitley's father (Ron O'Neal) puts her on a budget; Kim can't relax before an exam.
Friday, August 22
The Goodwill Games
Season 4 • Episode 5
Dwayne is in the middle as Whitley and Kinu (Alise Gyse Dickens) compete on rival academic teams.
Sunday, August 24
Dr. War Is Hell
Season 2 • Episode 1
Jaleesa and Whitley have new roommates; Dwayne tries to avoid a dreaded course.
Sunday, August 24
Two Gentlemen of Hillman
Season 2 • Episode 2
Dwayne and Ron's friendship is strained when they work together on a research paper.
Sunday, August 24
Some Enchanted Late Afternoon
Season 2 • Episode 3
Walter and Jaleesa are apprehensive about starting a romantic relationship.
Sunday, August 24
Dream Lover
Season 2 • Episode 4
Whitley is upset by the romantic dreams she has been having about Dwayne.
Sunday, August 24
Three Girls Three
Season 2 • Episode 5
Jaleesa and Whitley are given the chance to become back-up singers for Gladys Knight.
Sunday, August 24
If You Like Pilgrim Coladas
Season 2 • Episode 6
Whitley takes a homesick Kim to a restaurant for Thanksgiving dinner.
Sunday, August 24
A Stepping Stone
Season 2 • Episode 7
Whitley wants to be the team leader in an interdormitory step competition.
Sunday, August 24
Life With Father
Season 2 • Episode 8
Dwayne falls for his calculus teacher's (Glynn Turman) daughter.
Sunday, August 24
All's Fair
Season 2 • Episode 9
Whitley is squeezed out when Kim's boyfriend (Brian Wesley Thomas) monopolizes their room.
Sunday, August 24
Radio Free Hillman
Season 2 • Episode 10
Whitley is caught in the middle when Dwayne stages a sit-in at the dean's (Rosalind Cash) office.
Sunday, August 24
It Happened One Night
Season 2 • Episode 11
Whitley offers her support to Kim when she fears that she may be pregnant.
Sunday, August 24
I've Got the Muse in Me
Season 2 • Episode 12
Freddie turns to alcohol when she lacks inspiration in her writing.
Sunday, August 24
Risky Business
Season 2 • Episode 13
Clair Huxtable (Phylicia Rashad) gives a business etiquette seminar at Hillman.
Sunday, August 24
Breaking Up Is Hard to Do
Season 2 • Episode 14
Couples at Hillman College experience broken hearts and discord as Valentine's Day approaches.
Sunday, August 24
For She's Only a Bird in a Gilded Cage
Season 2 • Episode 15
Whitley's mother (Diahann Carroll) is determined to find a boyfriend for her daughter.
Sunday, August 24
It's Greek to Me
Season 2 • Episode 16
Dwayne and Ron's friendship is strained after they pledge a fraternity.
Sunday, August 24
The Thing About Women
Season 2 • Episode 17
Walter becomes jealous when Jaleesa's ex husband, Lamar, shows up.
Sunday, August 24
High Anxiety
Season 2 • Episode 18
Kim takes on too many responsibilities; Mr. Gaines moves in with Col. Taylor.
Monday, August 25
Tales From the Exam Zone
Season 4 • Episode 6
Walter is the host for a "Twilight Zone"-type look at students cramming for midterm exams.
Monday, August 25
Good Help Is Hard to Fire
Season 4 • Episode 7
Dwayne's visiting mom lands in the middle of a melee involving Dwayne, Kinu and Whitley.
Monday, August 25
Tales From the Exam Zone
Season 4 • Episode 6
Walter is the host for a "Twilight Zone"-type look at students cramming for midterm exams.
Monday, August 25
Good Help Is Hard to Fire
Season 4 • Episode 7
Dwayne's visiting mom lands in the middle of a melee involving Dwayne, Kinu and Whitley.
Monday, August 25
Love Thy Neighbor
Season 4 • Episode 8
Dwayne and Whitley finally commit themselves to a relationship.
Monday, August 25
Time Keeps on Slippin'
Season 4 • Episode 9
Dwayne's preoccupation with Whitley affects his grades; Ron and Freddie plan a video.
Tuesday, August 26
The Apple Doesn't Fall
Season 4 • Episode 10
Ron considers a career decision; Terrance thinks his father should reject an offer.
Tuesday, August 26
I'm Dreaming of a Wayne Christmas
Season 4 • Episode 11
Whitley tries to impress Dwayne's parents.
Tuesday, August 26
The Apple Doesn't Fall
Season 4 • Episode 10
Ron considers a career decision; Terrance thinks his father should reject an offer.
Tuesday, August 26
I'm Dreaming of a Wayne Christmas
Season 4 • Episode 11
Whitley tries to impress Dwayne's parents.
Tuesday, August 26
War and Peace
Season 4 • Episode 12
Emotions run high as Dwayne's classmates send their friend Zelmer to the Persian Gulf.
Tuesday, August 26
Ex-Communication or Fiance What?
Season 4 • Episode 13
Whitley consults a counselor for help in coping with her feelings about her ex-fiance.
Wednesday, August 27
Risk Around the Dollar
Season 4 • Episode 14
Whitley needs to replace the rent money she spent; Terrance wants to become a Muslim.
Wednesday, August 27
Love, Hillman Style
Season 4 • Episode 15
Whitley and Dwayne argue over her scheme to publish a "Hillman hunks" calendar.
Wednesday, August 27
Risk Around the Dollar
Season 4 • Episode 14
Whitley needs to replace the rent money she spent; Terrance wants to become a Muslim.
Wednesday, August 27
Love, Hillman Style
Season 4 • Episode 15
Whitley and Dwayne argue over her scheme to publish a "Hillman hunks" calendar.
Wednesday, August 27
A Word in Edgewise
Season 4 • Episode 16
Deaf actors perform at the outreach center; Whitley bets she can zip her lips for a day.
Wednesday, August 27
Ms. Understanding
Season 4 • Episode 17
The battle of the sexes heats up at Hillman, fueled by an article on campus sex roles.
Thursday, August 28
The Cash Isn't Always Greener
Season 4 • Episode 18
Dwayne debates going for the big bucks in business or another degree after graduation.
Thursday, August 28
How Great Thou Art
Season 4 • Episode 19
Whitley ignores her boss and buys a painting; Freddie hosts a radio talk show.
Thursday, August 28
The Cash Isn't Always Greener
Season 4 • Episode 18
Dwayne debates going for the big bucks in business or another degree after graduation.
Thursday, August 28
How Great Thou Art
Season 4 • Episode 19
Whitley ignores her boss and buys a painting; Freddie hosts a radio talk show.
Thursday, August 28
Showtime at Hillman
Season 4 • Episode 20
Walter hosts a telethon for the community center, but fails to get the phones ringing.
Thursday, August 28
Sister to Sister, Sister
Season 4 • Episode 21
Kim decides to pledge a sorority and finds that Whitley is the pledge mistress.
Thursday, August 28
The Little Mister
Season 6 • Episode 7
In Dwayne's dream, Whitley is running for president against other women.
Thursday, August 28
Baby, It's Cold Outside
Season 6 • Episode 8
Whitley phones Montel Williams for marital advice.
Thursday, August 28
Faith, Hope & Charity
Season 6 • Episode 9
Dwayne's mother, Mrs. Gilbert and her date go to the Waynes' for Thanksgiving.
Thursday, August 28
Faith, Hope & Charity
Season 6 • Episode 10
Dwayne's mother, Mrs. Gilbert and her date go to the Waynes' for Thanksgiving.
Thursday, August 28
The Original Teacher
Season 6 • Episode 11
Dwayne tries to dissuade rival gang members from giving up on their friendship.
Thursday, August 28
Occupational Hazards
Season 6 • Episode 12
Whitley files for unemployment and encounters an officious claims officer (Alaina Reed-Hall).
Thursday, August 28
White Christmas
Season 6 • Episode 13
Freddie's free-spirited mother (Anita Morris) visits; Whitley works on Christmas day.
Thursday, August 28
To Whit, With Love
Season 6 • Episode 14
Dwayne lends a hand when Whitley teaches a remedial class; Lena tries to get a date with Dorian.
Friday, August 29
To Whit, With Love
Season 6 • Episode 14
Dwayne lends a hand when Whitley teaches a remedial class; Lena tries to get a date with Dorian.
Friday, August 29
Happy Birthday to Moi
Season 6 • Episode 15
Dwayne plans with Kim to stay one step ahead of Whitley, who wants to plan her own birthday party.
Friday, August 29
Lean on Me
Season 6 • Episode 19
Dwayne learns an ex-flame will interview him for a coveted summer job.
Friday, August 29
Dancing Machines
Season 6 • Episode 20
Unrest breaks out at a dance marathon fund-raiser for peace.
Friday, August 29
Cabin in the Sky
Season 6 • Episode 21
Second honeymooners Dwayne and Whitley must share a cabin with the Gaineses.
Friday, August 29
Homey, Don't Ya Know Me?
Season 6 • Episode 23
Lena's old boyfriend (Tupac Shakur) from Baltimore comes to visit.
Friday, August 29
Monet Is the Root of All Evil
Season 4 • Episode 22
Whitley sponsors an art show that is labeled obscene by an outside group.
Friday, August 29
If I Should Die Before I Wake
Season 4 • Episode 23
An oratory professor (Whoopi Goldberg) gives her class a unique assignment.
Friday, August 29
Monet Is the Root of All Evil
Season 4 • Episode 22
Whitley sponsors an art show that is labeled obscene by an outside group.
Friday, August 29
If I Should Die Before I Wake
Season 4 • Episode 23
An oratory professor (Whoopi Goldberg) gives her class a unique assignment.
Friday, August 29
Never Can Say Goodbye
Season 4 • Episode 24
Ron pleads with the dean (Robert Guillaume) about graduating; a "roast" is in the works for Walter.
Friday, August 29
To Be Continued
Season 4 • Episode 25
Whitley faces a post-graduation decision; Ron and his father negotiate with the dean.
Tuesday, September 2
We've Only Just Begun
Season 5 • Episode 1
Dwayne buys a ring; Whitley eyes another gem.
Tuesday, September 2
The Dwayne Mutiny
Season 5 • Episode 2
Dwayne is not getting any support when Whitley threatens to walk out and his algebra class mutinies.
Tuesday, September 2
We've Only Just Begun
Season 5 • Episode 1
Dwayne buys a ring; Whitley eyes another gem.
Tuesday, September 2
The Dwayne Mutiny
Season 5 • Episode 2
Dwayne is not getting any support when Whitley threatens to walk out and his algebra class mutinies.
Tuesday, September 2
Home Is Where the Fire Is
Season 5 • Episode 3
Bickering distracts Whitley and Kim from a hazard in Lena's (Jada Pinkett) room.
Tuesday, September 2
Almost Working Girl
Season 5 • Episode 4
When Jaleesa sends Freddie on a temporary job at Whitley's workplace, she insults an executive.
Wednesday, September 3
In the Eye of the Storm
Season 5 • Episode 5
Ron and Freddie argue and get stuck in the radio studio.
Wednesday, September 3
Rule Number One ...
Season 5 • Episode 6
Dwayne fails to foresee the consequences of his tutoring Lena; Ron goes into the cosmetics business.
Wednesday, September 3
In the Eye of the Storm
Season 5 • Episode 5
Ron and Freddie argue and get stuck in the radio studio.
Wednesday, September 3
Rule Number One ...
Season 5 • Episode 6
Dwayne fails to foresee the consequences of his tutoring Lena; Ron goes into the cosmetics business.
Wednesday, September 3
Baby, I'm a Star
Season 5 • Episode 7
Kim's new-found arrogance loses her a spot in Ron's band; Col. Taylor frets over his age.
Wednesday, September 3
Liza Who-Little
Season 5 • Episode 8
Whitley's wealthy cousin Liza (Jasmine Guy in a dual role) goes husband-hunting at Hillman.
Thursday, September 4
To Tell the Truth
Season 5 • Episode 9
Dwayne gets into hot water when he is spotted holding hands with a woman other than Whitley.
Thursday, September 4
Do You Take This Woman?
Season 5 • Episode 10
Dwayne gets cold feet, then the potential mothers-in-law clash.
Thursday, September 4
To Tell the Truth
Season 5 • Episode 9
Dwayne gets into hot water when he is spotted holding hands with a woman other than Whitley.
Thursday, September 4
Do You Take This Woman?
Season 5 • Episode 10
Dwayne gets cold feet, then the potential mothers-in-law clash.
Thursday, September 4
Mammy Dearest
Season 5 • Episode 11
Whitley plans a slave-art exhibit until she learns her family heritage.
Thursday, September 4
The Twelve Steps of Christmas
Season 5 • Episode 12
Dwayne and Whitley go separately to a Christmas party, unaware the other will be there.
Thursday, September 4
Great X-Pectations
Season 6 • Episode 22
Terrell is caught with a handgun in the classroom; Spencer proposes to Kim.
Thursday, September 4
College Kid
Season 6 • Episode 24
Ex-baseball great Langston Paige (Billy Dee Williams) leases part of his home to the college kids.
Thursday, September 4
College Kid
Season 6 • Episode 24
Ex-baseball great Langston Paige (Billy Dee Williams) leases part of his home to the college kids.
Thursday, September 4
When One Door Closes ...
Season 6 • Episode 17
A Japanese corporation woos Dwayne for his software; Whitley is pregnant.
Thursday, September 4
When One Door Closes ...
Season 6 • Episode 18
A Japanese corporation woos Dwayne for his software; Whitley is pregnant.
Thursday, September 4
Dr. War Is Hell
Season 2 • Episode 1
Jaleesa and Whitley have new roommates; Dwayne tries to avoid a dreaded course.
Thursday, September 4
Two Gentlemen of Hillman
Season 2 • Episode 2
Dwayne and Ron's friendship is strained when they work together on a research paper.
Thursday, September 4
Some Enchanted Late Afternoon
Season 2 • Episode 3
Walter and Jaleesa are apprehensive about starting a romantic relationship.
Friday, September 5
Dream Lover
Season 2 • Episode 4
Whitley is upset by the romantic dreams she has been having about Dwayne.
Friday, September 5
Three Girls Three
Season 2 • Episode 5
Jaleesa and Whitley are given the chance to become back-up singers for Gladys Knight.
Friday, September 5
If You Like Pilgrim Coladas
Season 2 • Episode 6
Whitley takes a homesick Kim to a restaurant for Thanksgiving dinner.
Friday, September 5
A Stepping Stone
Season 2 • Episode 7
Whitley wants to be the team leader in an interdormitory step competition.
Friday, September 5
Life With Father
Season 2 • Episode 8
Dwayne falls for his calculus teacher's (Glynn Turman) daughter.
Friday, September 5
All's Fair
Season 2 • Episode 9
Whitley is squeezed out when Kim's boyfriend (Brian Wesley Thomas) monopolizes their room.
Friday, September 5
Just Another Four-Letter Word
Season 5 • Episode 13
Ron is forced to move out of his apartment after he spends the rent money pursuing his music career.
Friday, September 5
The Cat's in the Cradle
Season 5 • Episode 14
Ron, Dwayne and members of a rival school share a cell after a racial clash.
Friday, September 5
Just Another Four-Letter Word
Season 5 • Episode 13
Ron is forced to move out of his apartment after he spends the rent money pursuing his music career.
Friday, September 5
The Cat's in the Cradle
Season 5 • Episode 14
Ron, Dwayne and members of a rival school share a cell after a racial clash.
Friday, September 5
Bedroom at the Top
Season 5 • Episode 16
Whitley is sexually harassed, then reported as the aggressor.
Friday, September 5
May the Best Man Win
Season 5 • Episode 17
An alumnus (Joe Morton) running for Congress enlists Whitley.
Monday, September 8
Kiss You Back
Season 5 • Episode 18
Whitley's whirlwind romance puts Dwayne temporarily out of the picture.
Monday, September 8
Conflict of Interest
Season 5 • Episode 19
A couple's relationship is threatened when only she is accepted to Hillman.
Monday, September 8
Kiss You Back
Season 5 • Episode 18
Whitley's whirlwind romance puts Dwayne temporarily out of the picture.
Monday, September 8
Conflict of Interest
Season 5 • Episode 19
A couple's relationship is threatened when only she is accepted to Hillman.
Monday, September 8
Sellmates
Season 5 • Episode 20
A car buyer (Jana Marie Hupp) outwits Ron in his new job; Kim hears from a medical school.
Monday, September 8
Do the Write Thing
Season 5 • Episode 21
Lena's fallacious essay on her father wins her a journalism scholarship.
News aboutA Different World
Netflix’s ‘A Different World’ Sequel Series: What to Know
‘A Different World’ Sequel? 7 Musician Cameos We Hope to See in Potential Series (PHOTOS)
The Best Classic TV Shows Streaming on Max
Grading TV’s 16 Most Memorable Teachers Ever
Sinbad Makes First Public Appearance Since 2020 Stroke (VIDEO)
‘A Different World’ Ended 30 Years Ago: Where’s the Cast Now?
‘A Different World’ & ‘Sparkle’ Star Mary Alice Dies
8 College-Set Shows, Ranked From Least To Most Realistic
Sinbad Recovering After Suffering From Stroke
‘A Different World’ 30th Anniversary: Binge-Watch Memorable Episodes During TV One’s Marathon
Watchlist Easy access to only the shows you care about — all in one simple place
Alerts Only important notifications — when a show is returning, when it becomes available to stream, and more.
Special Offers Exclusive products we release related to your favorite shows and streaming services