A Different World is een Amerikaanse komedieserie van de zender NBC. De serie ging in première op 1 september 1987.
In deze spin-off van de populaire sitcom 'The Cosby Show' begint Denise Huxtable aan haar tweede jaar op Hillman, de universiteit waar haar ouders en grootvader ook gestudeerd hebben. Ze gaat in Gilbert Hall wonen en deelt daar een kamer met de 26-jarige Jaleesa Vinson en de praatgrage Maggie Lauten.
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 operation. Jaleesa, Kim and Kinu sing, and Mr. Gaines tap dances (with musical accompaniment from Col. Taylor). Whitley's tribute to Josephine Baker falls apart when her male dance partners begin fighting over her. Dwayne begs for a chance to perform stand-up comedy, but suffers from stage fright. Although the telethon enjoys some initial success, the phones stop ringing during the final hour. The program only raises about $7000. Walter assures the children that he will find a way to come up with the rest of the money.