The success of Bel-Air’s cast for providing a fresh take on The Fresh Prince's original characters. The Peacock series has a similar storyline to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, following Will Smith (now played by Jabari Banks) on his complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to his aunt and uncle’s gated mansion in Bel-Air.
Despite Bel-Air's 85% Tomatometer, season 3’s hints at Nicky’s arrival, and Will’s kidnapping by the same people that attacked Geoffrey’s son, there was some uncertainty if the show would be renewed. However, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actors have even returned to the Bel-Air remake. Yet Bel-Air’s main success comes in demonstrating the cultural impact of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air as a watershed moment for hip-hop and Black television.
Bel-Air’s Serious Themes Live Up To What Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air Was Doing In The 1990s
The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air Has A Legacy
The serious themes presented in Bel-Air live up to what The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was doing in the 1990s, as the reboot explores racial tension, culture shock, and the world of the Black bourgeoisie. As Will settles into life in Bel-Air, he faces hardship due to his past and outlying attitude, and Bel-Air consistently references its connection to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in portraying a dramatic version of events originally established in the comedy show. For example, in Bel-Air season 1, Will breaks down about his father in a callback to The Fresh Prince’s famous moment.
Bel-Air draws heavily on these themes in its own storylines, depicting them in an earnest way to emphasize their significance in the modern world.
Back in the 1990s, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air rose to prominence and success due to its depictions of a Black family and their experiences in a way that had previously been unseen. Will Smith brought a lot of comedy to the show, but underlying the sitcom were some serious themes; notably, Bel-Air’s reboot was set up in an episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air featuring Will’s dad, addressing his absence in Will’s life. Bel-Air draws heavily on these themes in its own storylines, depicting them in an earnest way to emphasize their significance in the modern world.
Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air Was The Perfect 1990s Sitcom For A More Serious Reboot
Bel-Air Was Made Possible Due To The Fresh Prince's Success
In hindsight, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was the perfect 1990s sitcom to adapt into a serious reboot. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air remained a lighthearted show, for the most part, leaning into the sitcom genre that was popular at the time to give its characters airtime and connection to wider audiences. But the show’s underlying themes spoke to many people and made it such a beloved show, which is why Bel-Air is a good reboot for showcasing the nostalgia of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Bel-Air Made The Right Choice Not Bringing Back This Iconic Thing Back From Fresh Prince
Bel-Air made a good choice by not bringing back The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air's original theme song for the reboot because it would not fit the show.
As a result of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and other popular shows featuring a predominantly Black cast, serious shows like Bel-Air are now given more attention. Considering its ratings and popularity, it would only make sense to capitalize on The Fresh Prince’s pre-existing story to develop a reboot featuring the beloved characters. Therefore, when Bel-Air’s final season airs, it will be sad to see the reboot conclude, especially due to its dedicated fanbase and positive critical response. Hopefully, a possible Will Smith cameo in Bel-Air season 4 might help to soothe the conclusion of the show and the story.
A gritty and more grounded reimagining of the '90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Bel-Air stars Jabari Banks as Will Smith. After falling afoul of a drug lord and his gang in his native West Philadelphia, Will Smith moves to a gated community in Bel-Air with his wealthy Aunt Vivian (Cassandra Freeman) and Uncle Phil (Adrian Holmes). Not only must Will adjust to his new environment, but he's also forced to deal with his past in order to embrace his future.
- Writers
- Andy Borowitz
- Main Genre
- Drama
- Seasons
- 3
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