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.
Monday, May 4
Soldier Boy
Season 3 • Episode 22
Col. Taylor is roasted at the campus military dinner; Dwayne issues a challenge to Whitley.
Monday, May 4
The Getaway
Season 3 • Episode 23
Spring break begins badly when Dwayne and Ron pick up the wrong luggage.
Monday, May 4
The Getaway
Season 3 • Episode 24
Spring break is further complicated for Dwayne and Ron by drug dealers who are pursuing them.
Monday, May 4
Perhaps Love ...
Season 3 • Episode 25
Whitley finds comfort with Dwayne at his place -- until she mistakes his mother for the maid.
Tuesday, May 5
Everything Must Change
Season 4 • Episode 1
Whitley plans to tell Dwayne that a relationship is possible -- but it may be too late.
Tuesday, May 5
How Bittersweet It Is
Season 4 • Episode 2
In an effort to make Dwayne jealous, Whitley accepts a date with Ron.
Tuesday, May 5
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.
Tuesday, May 5
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.
Wednesday, May 6
The Goodwill Games
Season 4 • Episode 5
Dwayne is in the middle as Whitley and Kinu (Alise Gyse Dickens) compete on rival academic teams.
Wednesday, May 6
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.
Wednesday, May 6
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.
Wednesday, May 6
Love Thy Neighbor
Season 4 • Episode 8
Dwayne and Whitley finally commit themselves to a relationship.
Thursday, May 7
Time Keeps on Slippin'
Season 4 • Episode 9
Dwayne's preoccupation with Whitley affects his grades; Ron and Freddie plan a video.
Thursday, May 7
The Apple Doesn't Fall
Season 4 • Episode 10
Ron considers a career decision; Terrance thinks his father should reject an offer.
Thursday, May 7
I'm Dreaming of a Wayne Christmas
Season 4 • Episode 11
Whitley tries to impress Dwayne's parents.
Thursday, May 7
War and Peace
Season 4 • Episode 12
Emotions run high as Dwayne's classmates send their friend Zelmer to the Persian Gulf.
Thursday, May 7
If Only for One Night
Season 1 • Episode 20
Dwayne's date with Denise is interrupted when a despondent Whitley shows up.
Thursday, May 7
Dr. War Is Hell
Season 2 • Episode 1
Jaleesa and Whitley have new roommates; Dwayne tries to avoid a dreaded course.
Thursday, May 7
Two Gentlemen of Hillman
Season 2 • Episode 2
Dwayne and Ron's friendship is strained when they work together on a research paper.
Thursday, May 7
Some Enchanted Late Afternoon
Season 2 • Episode 3
Walter and Jaleesa are apprehensive about starting a romantic relationship.
Thursday, May 7
Dream Lover
Season 2 • Episode 4
Whitley is upset by the romantic dreams she has been having about Dwayne.
Thursday, May 7
Three Girls Three
Season 2 • Episode 5
Jaleesa and Whitley are given the chance to become back-up singers for Gladys Knight.
Friday, May 8
If You Like Pilgrim Coladas
Season 2 • Episode 6
Whitley takes a homesick Kim to a restaurant for Thanksgiving dinner.
Friday, May 8
A Stepping Stone
Season 2 • Episode 7
Whitley wants to be the team leader in an inter-dormitory step competition.
Friday, May 8
Life With Father
Season 2 • Episode 8
Dwayne falls for his calculus teacher's (Glynn Turman) daughter.
Friday, May 8
All's Fair
Season 2 • Episode 9
Whitley is squeezed out when Kim's boyfriend (Brian Wesley Thomas) monopolizes their room.
Friday, May 8
Ex-Communication or Fiance What?
Season 4 • Episode 13
Whitley consults a counselor for help in coping with her feelings about her ex-fiancé.
Friday, May 8
Risk Around the Dollar
Season 4 • Episode 14
Whitley needs to replace the rent money she spent; Terrance wants to become a Muslim.
Friday, May 8
Love, Hillman Style
Season 4 • Episode 15
Whitley and Dwayne argue over her scheme to publish a "Hillman hunks" calendar.
Friday, May 8
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.
Monday, May 11
Ms. Understanding
Season 4 • Episode 17
The battle of the sexes heats up at Hillman, fueled by an article on campus sex roles.
Monday, May 11
The Cash Isn't Always Greener
Season 4 • Episode 18
Dwayne debates going for the big bucks in business or another degree after graduation.
Monday, May 11
How Great Thou Art
Season 4 • Episode 19
Whitley ignores her boss and buys a painting; Freddie hosts a radio talk show.
Monday, May 11
Showtime at Hillman
Season 4 • Episode 20
Walter hosts a telethon for the community center, but fails to get the phones ringing.
Tuesday, May 12
Sister to Sister, Sister
Season 4 • Episode 21
Kim decides to pledge a sorority and finds that Whitley is the pledge mistress.
Tuesday, May 12
Monet Is the Root of All Evil
Season 4 • Episode 22
Whitley sponsors an art show that is labeled obscene by an outside group.
Tuesday, May 12
If I Should Die Before I Wake
Season 4 • Episode 23
An oratory professor (Whoopi Goldberg) gives her class a unique assignment.
Tuesday, May 12
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.
Wednesday, May 13
We've Only Just Begun
Season 5 • Episode 1
Dwayne buys a ring; Whitley eyes another gem.
Wednesday, May 13
The Dwayne Mutiny
Season 5 • Episode 2
Dwayne is not getting any support when Whitley threatens to walk out and his algebra class mutinies.
Wednesday, May 13
Home Is Where the Fire Is
Season 5 • Episode 3
Bickering distracts Whitley and Kim from a hazard in Lena's (Jada Pinkett) room.
Wednesday, May 13
Almost Working Girl
Season 5 • Episode 4
When Jaleesa sends Freddie on a temporary job at Whitley's workplace, she insults an executive.
Thursday, May 14
In the Eye of the Storm
Season 5 • Episode 5
Ron and Freddie argue and get stuck in the radio studio.
Thursday, May 14
Rule Number One ...
Season 5 • Episode 6
Dwayne fails to foresee the consequences of his tutoring Lena; Ron goes into the cosmetics business.
Thursday, May 14
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.
Thursday, May 14
Liza Who-Little
Season 5 • Episode 8
Whitley's wealthy cousin Liza (Jasmine Guy in a dual role) goes husband-hunting at Hillman.
Thursday, May 14
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.
Thursday, May 14
It Happened One Night
Season 2 • Episode 11
Whitley offers her support to Kim when she fears that she may be pregnant.
Thursday, May 14
I've Got the Muse in Me
Season 2 • Episode 12
Freddie turns to alcohol when she lacks inspiration in her writing.
Thursday, May 14
Risky Business
Season 2 • Episode 13
Clair Huxtable (Phylicia Rashad) gives a business etiquette seminar at Hillman.
Thursday, May 14
Breaking Up Is Hard to Do
Season 2 • Episode 14
Couples at Hillman College experience broken hearts and discord as Valentine's Day approaches.
Thursday, May 14
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.
Friday, May 15
It's Greek to Me
Season 2 • Episode 16
Dwayne and Ron's friendship is strained after they pledge a fraternity.
Friday, May 15
The Thing About Women
Season 2 • Episode 17
Walter becomes jealous when Jaleesa's ex-husband, Lamar, shows up.
Friday, May 15
High Anxiety
Season 2 • Episode 18
Kim takes on too many responsibilities; Mr. Gaines moves in with Col. Taylor.
Friday, May 15
Take This Job and Love It
Season 2 • Episode 19
Kim gets Whitley a job at the Pit to help pay for the car she damaged.
Friday, May 15
No Means No
Season 2 • Episode 20
Dwayne fears Freddie may face date rape when she goes out with an aggressive athlete (Taimak).
Friday, May 15
Citizen Wayne
Season 2 • Episode 21
Ron claims that Dwayne has Jesse Jackson's endorsement for student government president.
Friday, May 15
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.
Friday, May 15
Do You Take This Woman?
Season 5 • Episode 10
Dwayne gets cold feet, then the potential mothers-in-law clash.
Friday, May 15
Mammy Dearest
Season 5 • Episode 11
Whitley plans a slave-art exhibit until she learns her family heritage.
Friday, May 15
The Twelve Steps of Christmas
Season 5 • Episode 12
Dwayne and Whitley go separately to a Christmas party, unaware the other will be there.
Sunday, May 17
Monet Is the Root of All Evil
Season 4 • Episode 22
Whitley sponsors an art show that is labeled obscene by an outside group.
Sunday, May 17
If I Should Die Before I Wake
Season 4 • Episode 23
An oratory professor (Whoopi Goldberg) gives her class a unique assignment.
Sunday, May 17
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.
Sunday, May 17
To Be Continued
Season 4 • Episode 25
Whitley faces a post-graduation decision; Ron and his father negotiate with the dean.
Sunday, May 17
We've Only Just Begun
Season 5 • Episode 1
Dwayne buys a ring; Whitley eyes another gem.
Sunday, May 17
The Dwayne Mutiny
Season 5 • Episode 2
Dwayne is not getting any support when Whitley threatens to walk out and his algebra class mutinies.
Sunday, May 17
Home Is Where the Fire Is
Season 5 • Episode 3
Bickering distracts Whitley and Kim from a hazard in Lena's (Jada Pinkett) room.
Sunday, May 17
Almost Working Girl
Season 5 • Episode 4
When Jaleesa sends Freddie on a temporary job at Whitley's workplace, she insults an executive.
Sunday, May 17
In the Eye of the Storm
Season 5 • Episode 5
Ron and Freddie argue and get stuck in the radio studio.
Sunday, May 17
Rule Number One ...
Season 5 • Episode 6
Dwayne fails to foresee the consequences of his tutoring Lena; Ron goes into the cosmetics business.
Sunday, May 17
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.
Sunday, May 17
Liza Who-Little
Season 5 • Episode 8
Whitley's wealthy cousin Liza (Jasmine Guy in a dual role) goes husband-hunting at Hillman.
Sunday, May 17
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.
Sunday, May 17
Do You Take This Woman?
Season 5 • Episode 10
Dwayne gets cold feet, then the potential mothers-in-law clash.
Sunday, May 17
Mammy Dearest
Season 5 • Episode 11
Whitley plans a slave-art exhibit until she learns her family heritage.
Sunday, May 17
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.
Sunday, May 17
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.
Sunday, May 17
Prisoner of Love
Season 5 • Episode 15
Dwayne and Ron are suspicious of a new student who attracts Whitley.
Sunday, May 17
Bedroom at the Top
Season 5 • Episode 16
Whitley is sexually harassed, then reported as the aggressor.
Sunday, May 17
May the Best Man Win
Season 5 • Episode 17
An alumnus (Joe Morton) running for Congress enlists Whitley.
Sunday, May 17
Kiss You Back
Season 5 • Episode 18
Whitley's whirlwind romance puts Dwayne temporarily out of the picture.
Sunday, May 17
Conflict of Interest
Season 5 • Episode 19
A couple's relationship is threatened when only she is accepted to Hillman.
Monday, May 18
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.
Monday, May 18
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.
Monday, May 18
Prisoner of Love
Season 5 • Episode 15
Dwayne and Ron are suspicious of a new student who attracts Whitley.
Monday, May 18
Bedroom at the Top
Season 5 • Episode 16
Whitley is sexually harassed, then reported as the aggressor.
Tuesday, May 19
May the Best Man Win
Season 5 • Episode 17
An alumnus (Joe Morton) running for Congress enlists Whitley.
Tuesday, May 19
Kiss You Back
Season 5 • Episode 18
Whitley's whirlwind romance puts Dwayne temporarily out of the picture.
Tuesday, May 19
Conflict of Interest
Season 5 • Episode 19
A couple's relationship is threatened when only she is accepted to Hillman.
Tuesday, May 19
Sellmates
Season 5 • Episode 20
A car buyer (Jana Marie Hupp) outwits Ron in his new job; Kim hears from a medical school.
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