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The Worst Episodes of A Different World

Every episode of A Different World ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of A Different World!

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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

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Worst Episode
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    A Different World Season 4 Episode 6 - Tales From the Exam Zone
    5.8/10(58 votes)

    #1 - Tales From the Exam Zone

    S4:E6

    Walter narrates a Twilight Zone-style look at the students' struggles during midterms. Whitley must complete a report for her somewhat sadistic accounting professor by the following day. She struggles to find a quiet place to work after Jaleesa and a date kick her out of the apartment. Dwayne, working as a teaching assistant for Col. Taylor, cannot keep Terrence from skipping class. Col. Taylor discovers the truth, leaving Dwayne with just 24 hours to get Terrence ready for the midterm or lose his grad school recommendations. Freddie begins hearing voices that shake her confidence before her midterm in Professor Randolph's class.

    Director:Debbie Allen
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. A Different World Season 1 Episode 21 - Come Back, Little Eggby
    6.1/10(69 votes)

    #2 - Come Back, Little Eggby

    S1:E21

    A psychology experiment in parenting calls for egg-doption, but when Jaleesa loses Maggie's "eggby," she and Denise scramble to find it.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Scott S. Gorden

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  3. A Different World Season 1 Episode 22 - My Dinner With Theo
    6.1/10(63 votes)

    #3 - My Dinner With Theo

    S1:E22

    Denise strains her brain trying to improve her grades, so she invites Theo up for a weekend of family inspiration.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Scott S. Gorden

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  4. A Different World Season 1 Episode 12 - Advise and Descent
    6.2/10(76 votes)

    #4 - Advise and Descent

    S1:E12

    During finals week, Denise's work suffers because she decides to be a peer counselor, and the girls' looks suffer under test stress.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. A Different World Season 2 Episode 18 - High Anxiety
    6.3/10(51 votes)

    #5 - High Anxiety

    S2:E18

    Kim becomes overwhelmed by her hectic schedule, as she tries to balance pre-med courses with work and extracurricular activities. She also obsesses over her grades, suffering from nightmares about getting too many B's to make it into medical school. She buys a datebook and tries to plan every moment of her day, ignoring her friends' warnings that her lack of sleep could endanger her health. Kim finally agrees to cut back on her activities after fainting in the Pit. Mr. Gaines quarrels with his wife over the presence of their grown son, whom he wants to throw out of the house. Mr. Gaines crashes at Col. Taylor's place after Velma kicks him out, and quickly wears out his welcome.

    Director:Debbie Allen
    Writer:Thad Mumford

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  6. A Different World Season 6 Episode 7 - The Little Mister
    6.3/10(59 votes)

    #6 - The Little Mister

    S6:E7

    During their Halloween party, a drunken Dwayne responds sarcastically when Whitley and friends discuss women's rights and the ""Year of the Woman."" He falls asleep on the couch after the party, and dreams that all of the candidates in the upcoming presidential election are women (including incumbent Georgia Mush and eccentric Texas billionaire Rose Godot, who can't decide whether or not she is in the race). Whitley is the philandering Jill Blinton, who frustrates husband Hilliard (Dwayne) with her lying and infidelity. Hilliard agonizes over the fact that no one--including his own wife--has any respect for his opinions. Dwayne wakes up and apologizes to Whitley for his sexist comments.

    Director:Debbie Allen
    Writer:Unknown

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  7. A Different World Season 5 Episode 2 - The Dwayne Mutiny
    6.4/10(49 votes)

    #7 - The Dwayne Mutiny

    S5:E2

    Dwayne gives his calculus class a graded quiz on the first day of the year, even though he hasn't taught them anything yet. He plans to give a test every day, and asks the students to sign contracts promising to work extra hours every week. Lena tears up her contract and leads a walk-out. Col. Taylor warns Dwayne that he will be fired unless he comes to a compromise with the students. Dwayne agrees to set more reasonable standards. He explains that he will hold high expectations because he wants the class to accomplish great things. Ron attends the funeral of a professor he didn't know in order to buy Washington Bullets season tickets from the widow. Dwayne infuriates Whitley by cutting into his share of their joint account for a ticket. Col. Taylor advises Jaleesa to set up her new temp agency at the house. Freddie asks for a job, but has trouble finding anything that meets her moral standards.

    Director:Debbie Allen
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. A Different World Season 1 Episode 1 - Reconcilable Differences
    6.5/10(125 votes)

    #8 - Reconcilable Differences

    S1:E1

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writers:Thad Mumford, Lissa Levin

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  9. A Different World Season 4 Episode 14 - Risk Around the Dollar
    6.5/10(50 votes)

    #9 - Risk Around the Dollar

    S4:E14

    Whitley has to cut into the tuition check from her father to cover her share of the rent. She looks for a job, but turns down every offer. She is especially repulsed by the possibility of working at a mortuary with Kim. Whitley helps Ron organize a party (with cover charge) at a local warehouse. The event is a huge success, but the fire marshal shuts it down and fines Ron and Whitley for exceeding capacity. Although Dwayne sells his computer to pay the tuition, Jaleesa warns Whitley that he may eventually get tired of bailing her out. Whitley hocks some jewelry, takes the mortuary job, and repurchases Dwayne's computer. Terrence returns from a weekend trip to Washington, D.C. and proclaims himself a Muslim. His father isn't sure that he has given his decision enough thought, and doubts that Terrence can maintain a commitment to the religion.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. A Different World Season 1 Episode 13 - The Prime of Miss Lettie Bostic
    6.6/10(68 votes)

    #10 - The Prime of Miss Lettie Bostic

    S1:E13

    Hillman alumna Lettie Bostic fills in as dorm monitor, but her strongly voiced opinions have the girls considering mutiny.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Thad Mumford

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  11. A Different World Season 2 Episode 19 - Take This Job and Love It
    6.6/10(52 votes)

    #11 - Take This Job and Love It

    S2:E19

    Whitley hits Mr. Gaines' car, causing nearly $1000 in damage. She is afraid to ask her father for the money because she fears that he will take her car away. Kim helps her get a job at the Pit to fund the repairs. Whitley initally annoys Mr. Gaines with her incompetence, but soon impresses him with a series of innovative suggestions that help boost profits. Kim feels insecure, as she is no longer Mr. Gaines' favorite employee. Ron endures campus-wide embarrassment after a classmate gives him a terrible haircut.

    Director:Debbie Allen
    Writer:Yvette Lee Bowser

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  12. A Different World Season 3 Episode 3 - The Hat Makes the Man
    6.6/10(47 votes)

    #12 - The Hat Makes the Man

    S3:E3

    Walter and Jaleesa celebrate the anniversary of their first date, but are distracted by conflicts over dorm discipline. Walter allows a shy male student to let his girlfriend stay overnight before she ships out with the Navy. When Jaleesa disagrees and recommends that Quincy be punished, Walter pulls rank on her. They argue during their anniversary dinner, and she winds up storming out of the restaurant. The girls accuse Walter of a double standard; they refuse to vacate Quincy's room until Walter either punishes him or agrees to let them have guys stay over. Whitley demands only the return of her high-powered hair dryer, which has been blamed for many power outages. Walter orders Quincy to appear before the dorm council, and establishes measures to prevent further instances of sexism. Dwayne and Freddie take procrastination to a new level while collaborating on a research paper.

    Director:Debbie Allen
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. A Different World Season 3 Episode 4 - To Have and Have Not
    6.6/10(50 votes)

    #13 - To Have and Have Not

    S3:E4

    Walter convinces many of the students to volunteer at a community center. Whitley teaches ballet to the children and becomes friends with a young boy named Dion, who claims to be dirt poor. Whitley's wallet is stolen, and she is stunned to learn that Dion was the culprit. He exaggerated the extent of his poverty and took advantage of Whitley's kindness. Whitley does not want to return to the center, but Walter insists that the kids need a positive influence if they are to escape from the streets. Whitley continues with her teaching, and refuses to give up on Dion. Walter's duties keep him away from his bowling team, so Col. Taylor agrees to step in. When he turns out to be terrible, Mr. Gaines and the other team members try to find a way to oust him.

    Director:Debbie Allen
    Writer:Kevin Kelton

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  14. A Different World Season 3 Episode 21 - Sweet Charity
    6.6/10(53 votes)

    #14 - Sweet Charity

    S3:E21

    Walter learns that Kim is working all night at a funeral parlor to cover her expenses. He enlists the help of Whitley and Freddie to come up with a plan to help her out. Whitley and Freddie buy gifts for Kim and get everyone to stuff the tip jar at the Pit. Kim realizes what they are doing and becomes very angry, as she doesn't want to be a charity case. Mr. Gaines finally convinces her to overcome her pride and accept a loan from his wife and him, which she can pay off after becoming a doctor. A director approaches Ron and Dwayne at the basketball courts and asks them to appear in a vitamin commercial. They agree because they are having trouble paying the bills. The guys believe that they will receive fame and adulation, until they discover that they must play two-on-two against a pair of retired NBA all-stars.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. A Different World Season 3 Episode 22 - Soldier Boy
    6.6/10(53 votes)

    #15 - Soldier Boy

    S3:E22

    Col. Taylor is the guest of honor at a campus roast. Frank Benning, a man from his first platoon in Vietnam, comes in to serve as the surprise guest speaker. Col. Taylor feels very uncomfortable; he believes that he committed an error on the battlefield that cost Frank his leg. Frank tells a different version of events in his speech. He insists that Col. Taylor is a great leader whose bravery saved everyone's lives. Ron tries to organize the dinner while fretting about the impending selection of the ROTC's Cadet of the Year award. Dwayne bets Whitley that she cannot go a full day without flirting.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. A Different World Season 4 Episode 4 - Whitley's Last Supper
    6.6/10(56 votes)

    #16 - Whitley's Last Supper

    S4:E4

    Whitley's father comes to town and takes her to dinner. He announces that he is fed up with her exorbitant spending habits and takes away her credit cards. He will now only cover her tuition and basic living expenses. Whitley begs Jaleesa to let her continue living in her apartment, although she cannot quite cover her share of the rent and utilities. Whitley bemoans her plight and claims that everyone has abandoned her. Kinu catches Dwayne trying to console her. Freddie believes that Kim is studying too hard for the practice medical school boards. She tricks Kim into taking a break and coming to Ron's frat party. Kim plays a practical joke on Freddie; she pretends that she bombed the test because of exhaustion, then reveals that she actually scored 88 out of 90.

    Director:Debbie Allen
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. A Different World Season 4 Episode 10 - The Apple Doesn't Fall
    6.6/10(55 votes)

    #17 - The Apple Doesn't Fall

    S4:E10

    Ron's father sends him a car to officially welcome him into the family car dealership. Ron cannot stand the business and wishes to become a professional drummer. Whitley warns Ron not to alienate his father, while Dwayne believes that he should pursue his dreams. Ron tries to share his decision with his father, but is too vague. Mr. Johnson shows up with a sports car for Ron and is shocked to learn his son's plans. Terrence disagrees with his father's decision to become the first black member of a country club. Col. Taylor reconsiders after discovering that the club must integrate in order to be eligible to host the PGA Championship. Although the head of membership insists that he has tried to break down the barriers for years, Col. Taylor doesn't feel the timing is right.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. A Different World Season 4 Episode 20 - It's Showtime at Hillman
    6.6/10(65 votes)

    #18 - It's Showtime at Hillman

    S4:E20

    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.

    Director:Debbie Allen
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. A Different World Season 5 Episode 3 - Home Is Where the Fire Is
    6.6/10(57 votes)

    #19 - Home Is Where the Fire Is

    S5:E3

    A student's decision to drop out of school allows Lena to move into her own room, much to Whitley's relief. Whitley tries to dump all of the dorm duties onto resident assistant Kim. Kim discovers that Lena is cooking in her room. Before she can do anything about it, Kim has to go break up a fight. Lena sells her gumbo to the other students. She inadvertently starts a fire. The dean wants to suspend her, but Whitley and Kim come to her defense. Lena has to take a job at the Pit to pay for the fire damage to her room. Terrence moves back in with Jaleesa and Col. Taylor.

    Director:Debbie Allen
    Writer:Yvette Lee Bowser

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  20. A Different World Season 6 Episode 5 - Really Gross Anatomy
    6.6/10(58 votes)

    #20 - Really Gross Anatomy

    S6:E5

    Ron becomes jealous when Freddie leaves for a weekend camping trip with Shazza. He decides to prepare a candlelight dinner for Kim. Kim has problems dissecting her first cadaver in anatomy class. She throws up on the professor. She is too depressed to eat Ron's dinner, but decides to sleep with him. Kim's partner, Spencer, helps restore her confidence. The professor marvels at her work. Spencer comes over to celebrate, interrupting Kim's romantic evening with Ron. Dwayne sees Whitley's weekend business trip as a chance to enjoy his freedom. However, he soon becomes desperate for companionship. Charmaine annoys Lena after getting a job at the Pit.

    Director:Jasmine Guy
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. A Different World Season 1 Episode 8 - If Chosen, I May Not Run
    6.7/10(77 votes)

    #21 - If Chosen, I May Not Run

    S1:E8

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Thad Mumford

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  22. A Different World Season 1 Episode 9 - Romancing Mr. Stone
    6.7/10(75 votes)

    #22 - Romancing Mr. Stone

    S1:E9

    A geology professor has every woman in the class fighting for his attention.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Scott S. Gorden

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  23. A Different World Season 2 Episode 22 - There's No Place Like Home
    6.7/10(50 votes)

    #23 - There's No Place Like Home

    S2:E22

    Dwayne and Ron plan to rent a beautiful apartment for the next school year. They can no longer afford the place after Ron's father cuts back on his allowance because of his slipping grades. They are forced to rent a dump that is managed by Velma Gaines. Dwayne and Ron throw a housewarming party and decide that their new apartment will work out. Walter looks forward to a summer of freedom, until Jaleesa announces that she has received a promotion and can visit more often than expected. They agree to spend time apart to ""sow wild oats."" Whitley plans to work at a museum all summer, but feels guilty because she would rather join her mother on a cruise. Dwayne encourages her to have fun, as there will be plenty of time to work and act responsibly in the future. Dwayne and Whitley begin to show an interest in each other.

    Director:Debbie Allen
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. A Different World Season 3 Episode 10 - For Whom the Jingle Bell Tolls
    6.7/10(56 votes)

    #24 - For Whom the Jingle Bell Tolls

    S3:E10

    Whitley is in a foul mood during the holiday season, especially when her mother insists that they fly to the south of France instead of spending a quiet Christmas at home. She coldly rejects Freddie's offer to spend Christmas with her, and refuses to attend the gang's tree-trimming party. Whitley's mother appears to her in a dream and warns that she is headed for the same lonely, isolated existence as Marion. Whitley is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future (who bear an uncanny resemblance to Mr. Gaines, Walter and Jaleesa). She learns that Freddie will end up staying with Dwayne for the holidays, leading to a romance between the two. Whitley discovers that Dwayne and Freddie will marry, while she will spend her entire life alone. Whitley suddenly gets into the holiday spirit, decorates everything in sight, and asks Freddie to come along to France. However, Marion shows up at the dorm and tells her daughter that she wants to spend Christmas in Richmond. She settle

    Director:Debbie Allen
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. A Different World Season 4 Episode 16 - A Word in Edgewise
    6.7/10(57 votes)

    #25 - A Word in Edgewise

    S4:E16

    Matthew arranges for some friends from the National Theatre of the Deaf to perform for the children from the community center outreach program. Kim feels embarrassed by Matthew's free-spirited behavior, which she considers too silly. Matthew insists that his passion for acting is as great as Kim's devotion to medicine, and offers the opinion that art is just as important as science. Kim cares about Matthew, but is uncertain about their relationship. She observes Dwayne and Whitley's example and decides that they can learn to appreciate each other's differences. Everyone teases Whitley about her tendency to run off at the mouth. Dwayne bets that she cannot go a full day without speaking.

    Director:Debbie Allen
    Writer:Unknown

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Worst Episodes Summary

"Tales From the Exam Zone" is the worst rated episode of "A Different World". It scored 5.8/10 based on 58 votes. Directed by Debbie Allen and written by Unknown, it aired on 10/25/1990. This episode scored 0.3 points lower than the second lowest rated, "Come Back, Little Eggby".