The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

About The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

"The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" is a popular US television series that aired from 1990 to 1996, comprising six seasons and 148 episodes in total. The show is known for its unique blend of comedy and drama, with a storyline following the life of Will Smith, a teenager from West Philadelphia who is sent to live with his wealthy aunt and uncle in their Bel Air mansion in Los Angeles, after getting into trouble in his neighborhood. Will's fun-filled upbringing contrasts with the more reserved lifestyle of his relatives, often leading to comical situations.

Making / Production

The show was developed by Quincy Jones and Andy and Susan Borowitz, produced by Quincy Jones/David Salzman Entertainment, and was originally aired on NBC. It is known for dealing with social issues in a humorous yet thought-provoking manner, making it a hit among a wide range of audiences.

Actors

• Will Smith (Will Smith) - Played a comical, street-smart teenager who adjusts to a new lifestyle with affluence.
• James Avery (Uncle Phil) - Played the strict, yet caring, patriarch of the family who is a judge by profession.
• Alfonso Ribeiro (Carlton Banks) - Played Will's cousin who is studious, preppy, and quite naive.
• Karyn Parsons (Hilary Banks) - Played Will's fashionable and sometimes air-headed cousin.
• Tatyana M. Ali (Ashley Banks) - Played Will's younger cousin, who admires Will and often gets advice from him.
• Joseph Marcell (Geoffrey) - Played the sarcastic and witty butler of the Banks family.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The title is a pun on the colloquial term for a British nobleman, Fresh Prince being a nickname for Will Smith, a rapper from Philadelphia.
• The show's opening theme song was performed by Smith and became a hit in its own right.
• Will Smith reportedly owed $2.8 million to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) when he signed on for the show, and 70% of his salary from the show went towards settling this debt.

Quotes

• "In West Philadelphia born and raised, on the playground is where I spent most of my days."
• "If you can't find something to live for, you best find something to die for."
• "No mistakes in life ever, it’s only lessons."

Awards

"The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" has won several awards like the ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards for Top TV Series (1991, 1992, 1993), NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series (1993), and Kids' Choice Awards for Favourite Television Show (1991).

Music, Soundtrack

• 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (Theme)' - Will Smith
• 'Parents Just Don't Understand' - DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
• 'A Nightmare on My Street' - DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince