TV series
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.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Sep 2, 2026
A Different World is available to stream on Netflix and Philo in United States. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
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.
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Episode 1
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 past.
Written by Thad Mumford, Lissa LevinGuest stars Loretta Devine, Don Reed, Amir Williams
Episode 2
Denise's financial irresponsibility might get her and Jaleesa thrown out of the dorm.
Directed by Jay SandrichWritten by Carmen Finestra, Matt WilliamsGuest stars Loretta Devine, Ted Ross, Bill Cosby, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Todd Hallowell
Episode 3
Questionable tactics abound when Denise plays dating games and Jaleesa is elected dorm monitor.
Guest stars Loretta Devine, Kim Wayans, Bee-Be Smith, Amir Williams, Reggie Johnson
Episode 4
Denise's calculus tutor Dwayne is caught sneaking out of Whitley's window after curfew.
Directed by Kim FriedmanGuest stars Darryl M. Bell, Sinbad, Loretta Devine, Kim Wayans, Bee-Be Smith, Don Reed
Episode 5
Whitley's claim that women can't succeed at both career and family infuriates Lisa and Maggie.
Written by Joe GannonGuest stars Damon Wayans, Kim Wayans, Dean Howell, Marie-Alise Recasner, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Bee-Be Smith
Episode 6
Rudy visits Hillman and becomes enchanted by Whitley, who tries to make her into the perfect little lady.
Guest stars Loretta Devine, Kim Wayans, Bill Cosby, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Bee-Be Smith, John Woodard
Episode 7
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.
Written by Thad MumfordGuest stars Darryl M. Bell, Sinbad, Loretta Devine, Earle Hyman, Duane Davis, Mark Clayman, Arthur Adams
Episode 8
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.
Written by Thad MumfordGuest stars Sinbad, Loretta Devine, Bill Cosby, Guy Killum, Paris Vaughan, Bonnie Broderick
Episode 9
A geology professor has every woman in the class fighting for his attention.
Written by Scott S. GordenGuest stars Loretta Devine, David Alan Grier, Kim Wayans, Bee-Be Smith, Amir Williams
Episode 10
Whitley's secret Santa surprises her with a visit from her newly separated daddy, who walks in with his youthful girlfriend.
Guest stars Darryl M. Bell, Kim Wayans, Marie-Alise Recasner, Troy Byer, Bee-Be Smith, Conroy Gedeon
Episode 11
Tired of being hit on by men, a grad student decides to turn the tables and seduce Dwayne.
Written by Thad MumfordGuest stars Darryl M. Bell, Sinbad, Marie-Alise Recasner, Claudette Wells
Episode 12
During finals week, Denise's work suffers because she decides to be a peer counselor, and the girls' looks suffer under test stress.
Guest stars Darryl M. Bell, Kim Wayans, Marie-Alise Recasner, Bee-Be Smith, Kristoff St. John, Jeff Williams, Kevin Vavasseur
Episode 13
Hillman alumna Lettie Bostic fills in as dorm monitor, but her strongly voiced opinions have the girls considering mutiny.
Written by Thad MumfordGuest stars Darryl M. Bell, Mary Alice, Kim Wayans, Marie-Alise Recasner, Bee-Be Smith, Kevin Vavasseur, Ron O'Neal
Episode 14
Lettie pulls some strings to help a student who has been attending classes without enrolling.
Guest stars Darryl M. Bell, Mary Alice, Kim Wayans, Marie-Alise Recasner, Bee-Be Smith, Katie Rich, Raymond St. Jacques, Kevin Vavasseur
Episode 15
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.
Guest stars Darryl M. Bell, Mary Alice, Marie-Alise Recasner, Claudette Wells, Zakes Mokae
Episode 16
Denise and Whitley both think they're the apple of the leading man's eye in a play about the Garden of Eden.
Directed by Kim FriedmanWritten by Steven Peterman, Gary DontzigGuest stars Darryl M. Bell, Mary Alice, Marie-Alise Recasner, Kevin Vavasseur, Kenneth Ransom
Episode 17
In the name of sexual equality, Denise convinces Dwayne to run in the Miss Hillman Beauty Pageant against Whitley.
Directed by Matthew DiamondGuest stars Darryl M. Bell, Sinbad, Mary Alice, Kim Wayans, Marie-Alise Recasner, Bee-Be Smith, Don Reed, James Anderson
Episode 18
Whitley hides an illegal humidifier; Jaleesa sweats over her fear of oral reports; Maggie steams over the debt Denise owes her.
Guest stars Darryl M. Bell, Mary Alice, Roscoe Lee Browne, Marie-Alise Recasner, Bee-Be Smith
Episode 19
Clair Huxtable visits Denise bearing motherly advice as well as news that conflicts with Denise's summer plans.
Written by Thad MumfordGuest stars Darryl M. Bell, Mary Alice, Phylicia Rashād, Marie-Alise Recasner
Episode 20
Whitley panics about spending the summer alone; Dwayne tries a new tack with Denise; and Maggie holds a yard sale.
Guest stars Darryl M. Bell, Mary Alice, Marie-Alise Recasner, Jill Ito
Episode 21
A psychology experiment in parenting calls for egg-doption, but when Jaleesa loses Maggie's "eggby," she and Denise scramble to find it.
Written by Scott S. GordenGuest stars Loretta Devine, Kim Wayans, Bee-Be Smith, Amir Williams
Episode 22
Denise strains her brain trying to improve her grades, so she invites Theo up for a weekend of family inspiration.
Written by Scott S. GordenGuest stars Ted Ross, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Phill Lewis, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Vernee Watson, Bee-Be Smith, Paris Vaughan, Diane Almeida
Episode information updated Sep 19, 2026
Jasmine GuyWhitley Gilbert
Kadeem HardisonDwayne Wayne
Darryl M. BellRon Johnson
Cree SummerFreddie Brooks
Lisa BonetDenise Huxtable
Charnele BrownKim Reese
Lou MyersVernon Gaines
Dawnn LewisJaleesa Vinson-Taylor
NBCUnited States
Carsey-Werner CompanyUnited StatesMore shows like A Different World.
