TV series · 1987 · Where to watch
A Different World
Updated October 24, 2026
A Different World streams in the US on two subscription services — Netflix and Philo — and nowhere else right now: no free stream, and no rent-or-buy option. Here is the full list and which to use.
Students navigate academics, friendships, romance, and personal growth at a fictional historically Black college in Virginia. The ensemble comedy balances everyday campus life with broader questions of identity, community, cultural pride, and the challenges of finding direction after high school.
- Year
- 1987–1993
- TMDB rating
- 7.2/10 · 77 votes
- Genre
- Comedy, Family
- Length
- 6 seasons · 144 episodes
- Network
- NBC
- Rated
- TV-PG
Streaming now
How to watch A Different World
A Different World is included with two different subscriptions — Netflix and Philo — so if you already pay for any of them there is nothing extra to buy.
A Different World ended in 1993 after six seasons and 144 episodes, so what is listed above is the complete run — nothing new is coming.
Created by Bill Cosby and starring Jasmine Guy, Darryl M. Bell, Kadeem Hardison and Cree Summer; it originally aired on NBC.
Common questions
Is A Different World on Netflix?
Yes. As of October 24, 2026, A Different World is on Netflix in the US with a subscription.
Is A Different World on Hulu?
No. As of October 24, 2026, A Different World is not streaming on Hulu in the US. It is on Netflix and Philo instead.
Can I watch A Different World for free?
Not without a subscription. There is no ad-supported free stream in the US right now; the closest is a free trial on Netflix and Philo where one is offered.
How many seasons of A Different World are there?
There are six seasons, and the series has ended.
Track A Different World in GuideStream TV
Add it to a watchlist and get an alert when a new episode lands, or when it moves to a service you already pay for.
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