subdivision surface does not work as in video

@jlampel actually there has been a change (I think since 2.91), but it's rather hidden and not likely to be causing the problem in this case.

Indeed a screenshot would be helpful aalmo101 .

this is what i see.
  i am at 3:50 in video & can't match what i see in it.

That is because you have Optimal Display turned on in the Modifier:

O.k., I just checked and in 2.80 (the Blender version used in the video), Optimal Display was un-checked by default. Now it is checked by default, so that is why the instructor didn't mention it in the video.

you would have to go and mention a little detail like that, wouldn't you?!?!   :D

thank you for the assistance, much appreciated.

Jup such things should be worth a "Revision" intermission I believe. 

There are quite a few subtle changes between 2.9 and 2.8.  As examples, I can use loop selection with a pen and the emulated 3-Button-Mouse. Also, the modifier-options have now a different design, with the "Apply" button hidden beneath a drop-down menu etc.

Thanks for the help spikeyxxx

O.k., I just checked and in 2.80 (the Blender version used in the video), Optimal Display was un-checked by default. Now it is checked by default, so that is why the instructor didn't mention it in the video.

This was great to see right away. 

Following the video with 2.91 and disabling Optimal Display shows the subdivision modifier working as in the video. Thanks to those who noted this!

Thanks for the help again spikeyxxx

It was the first time on the course where something didn't work as expected, so a revision could be useful. However thank you for providiing the answer on here

I'm in the same boat with the same problem, except unchecking "optimal display" doesn't seem to solve it.

christopherward you also need to enable the Wireframe. Either here:

which is a 'per Object' setting, so it will only show the Wireframe in the Objects where you have this enabled.

Or enable the Wireframe Overlay here:

That did the trick,  Spikey.   May you live to be a thousand years old....

Hi, I also experienced this problem, and unchecking the "Optimal Display" button in the Subdivision Surface modifier settings fixed this issue for me as well!

Hi, I also experienced this problem, and unchecking the "Optimal Display" button in the Subdivision Surface modifier settings fixed this issue for me as well!