Bel-Air is a teen drama series developed by Morgan Cooper, Malcolm Spellman, Tj Brady, and Rasheed Newson. Based on the popular Will Smith comedy series titled The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air by Andy and Susan Borowitz, the Peacock series follows the life of Will Smith, a 16-year-old boy as he is sent to gated mansions of Bel-Air to live with his rich aunt and uncle by his mother from the streets of Philadelphia. Bel-Air stars Jabari Banks, Cassandra Freeman, Jimmy Akingbola, Olly Sholotan, Coco Jones, Akira Akbar, Simone Joy Jones, and Jordan L. Jones. So, if you loved the teen drama, tons of glamor, and a heartfelt story in Bel-Air, here are some similar shows you should check out next.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Credit – NBC
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is a comedy series created by Andy and Susan Borowitz. The NBC series follows a fictional version of...
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Credit – NBC
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is a comedy series created by Andy and Susan Borowitz. The NBC series follows a fictional version of...
- 8/25/2024
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
That ’90s Show is one of the only spin-off comedy series that is actually good. Created by Bonnie Turner, Terry Turner, Lindsey Turner, and Gregg Mettler, the Netflix series serves as a sequel show to the popular period teen comedy series That ’70s Show. It is set in the 90s and it follows the story of Leia Forman, the daughter of Eric Forman and Donna Pinciotti as she visits her grandparents in Point Place, Wisconsin, and makes a group of friends there. That ’90s Show stars Debra Jo Rupp, Kurtwood Smith, Callie Haverda, Ashley Aufderheide, Mace Coronel, Reyn Doi, Sam Morelos, Maxwell Acee Donovan, and Laura Prepon. So, if you loved the 90s vibes, classic Red and Kitty Forman energy, and heartfelt friends moments in That ’90s Show here are some similar shows you should check out next.
That ’70s Show (Peacock & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Fox
That ’70 Show...
That ’70s Show (Peacock & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Fox
That ’70 Show...
- 8/23/2024
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
In a sign of how serious the cost-cutting efforts are at Condé Nast, The New Yorker has parted ways with longtime contributor and satirist Andy Borowitz.
The humorist acknowledged the cuts on his Facebook page. “Dear readers, If I May Be Serious: Because of its financial difficulties, The New Yorker has been forced to cut costs. As a result, it has decided to stop publishing The Borowitz Report,” he wrote. “I want to thank my colleagues at The New Yorker who have made writing for it such an honor for the past 25 years. And I want to thank you, my readers, for your incredible enthusiasm and support. You’re the reason I do what I do, and when I figure out what I want to do next, you’ll be the first to know.”
Borowitz, who has written for the magazine since 1998, has penned his satirical column the Borowitz Report...
The humorist acknowledged the cuts on his Facebook page. “Dear readers, If I May Be Serious: Because of its financial difficulties, The New Yorker has been forced to cut costs. As a result, it has decided to stop publishing The Borowitz Report,” he wrote. “I want to thank my colleagues at The New Yorker who have made writing for it such an honor for the past 25 years. And I want to thank you, my readers, for your incredible enthusiasm and support. You’re the reason I do what I do, and when I figure out what I want to do next, you’ll be the first to know.”
Borowitz, who has written for the magazine since 1998, has penned his satirical column the Borowitz Report...
- 12/6/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Will Smith is regarded as one of, if not the most successful rapper-turned-actor in cinema. Other artists like Queen Latifah and L.L. Cool J were also willing to carve out an acting career for themselves after already succeeding as rappers.
Having accomplished so much in both forms of entertainment, Smith was willing to offer some sage advice to his peers.
Will Smith told L.L. Cool J what held back his acting Will Smith and LL Cool J | Jeff Kravitz / Getty Images
L.L. Cool J and Smith had similar career trajectories during their rise in Hollywood. Smith was the first rapper to make the successful transition over to television with his series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. This shift would eventually lead towards Smith becoming one of the biggest movie stars in the world after doing blockbusters like Independence Day.
Cool J also burst into the rap scene in...
Having accomplished so much in both forms of entertainment, Smith was willing to offer some sage advice to his peers.
Will Smith told L.L. Cool J what held back his acting Will Smith and LL Cool J | Jeff Kravitz / Getty Images
L.L. Cool J and Smith had similar career trajectories during their rise in Hollywood. Smith was the first rapper to make the successful transition over to television with his series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. This shift would eventually lead towards Smith becoming one of the biggest movie stars in the world after doing blockbusters like Independence Day.
Cool J also burst into the rap scene in...
- 6/13/2023
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Alfonso Ribeiro has been a pretty ubiquitous part of pop culture for the last four decades, going back to his time as a child actor in the sitcom "Silver Spoons." These days, he's still gracing our living rooms pretty consistently, whether it's as the host of "America's Funniest Videos," or when he won season 19 of "Dancing with the Stars" in 2014 before later becoming a host on that show. It's not a big surprise that he proved himself so adept at dancing. He got his first big break as a kid in a 1986 Pepsi commercial alongside Michael Jackson, after all. And of course, there's The Carlton: the dance he made so famous on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" that he eventually took the makers of "Fortnite" to court when they copied it for a celebration within the game.
He's always had a knack for physical comedy -- something even "Ted Lasso...
He's always had a knack for physical comedy -- something even "Ted Lasso...
- 2/19/2023
- by Jeff Kelly
- Slash Film
Will Smith may well have conquered the globe (or at least he had before the 2022 Oscars debacle). But no matter how many films he stars in, how much critical acclaim he garners, or how much money the man makes, he's always struggled to be respected in the hip-hop world. Try as he might, the West Philadelphia native cannot escape the "corny" label, and as HipHopMadness' video "Why Hip-Hop Doesn't Respect Will Smith" posits, Smith is consistently overlooked when it comes to lists of the top MCs.
Some of that had to do with his decision not to curse in his raps, but there's more to it than that. In his memoir "Will," Smith claimed his "middle-class upbringing contributed to the constant criticism" and addressed the struggle to gain legitimacy in hip-hop (via Insider):
"My story was very different from the ones being told by the young Black men who...
Some of that had to do with his decision not to curse in his raps, but there's more to it than that. In his memoir "Will," Smith claimed his "middle-class upbringing contributed to the constant criticism" and addressed the struggle to gain legitimacy in hip-hop (via Insider):
"My story was very different from the ones being told by the young Black men who...
- 2/18/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
The princess of “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” is coming back. Tatyana Ali, who played Ashley Banks in the original NBC sitcom, will guest star in Season 2 of the show’s dramatic re-interpretation “Bel-Air,” Peacock announced January 19.
Ali — whose other credits include the TV One original series “Love That Girl!” and a stint on CBS soap “The Young and the Restless” — will play Mrs. Hughes, an English literature teacher at a Bel-Air middle school. In a wink to the original series, her character will develop a mentorship role across the season with the new version of Ashley (played by Akira Akbar), a precocious 12-year-old.
In addition to announcing the casting, Peacock also released the official trailer for Season 2 of “Bel-Air,” which premieres February 23. The series was inspired by a 2019 viral parody film by Morgan Cooper, which took the basic premise of the original sitcom — a young man runs into trouble in...
Ali — whose other credits include the TV One original series “Love That Girl!” and a stint on CBS soap “The Young and the Restless” — will play Mrs. Hughes, an English literature teacher at a Bel-Air middle school. In a wink to the original series, her character will develop a mentorship role across the season with the new version of Ashley (played by Akira Akbar), a precocious 12-year-old.
In addition to announcing the casting, Peacock also released the official trailer for Season 2 of “Bel-Air,” which premieres February 23. The series was inspired by a 2019 viral parody film by Morgan Cooper, which took the basic premise of the original sitcom — a young man runs into trouble in...
- 1/19/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
I’d like to take a minute, just sit right there, I’ll tell you when Season 2 of the “Fresh Prince” reboot is set to air. “Bel-Air” Season 2 will premiere on Peacock February 23, the streamer announced Thursday.
Based on the beloved ’90s sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” which helped launch a young Will Smith to fame, “Bel-Air” was inspired by a 2019 viral parody film by Morgan Cooper. Cooper’s short film took the basic premise of the sitcom — a young man runs into trouble in West Philadelphia and is forced to flee the city to live with his wealthy Los Angeles family — and reimagined it as a gritty drama. The short film caught the attention of Smith, who expressed interest in expanding the premise into a new series, and Cooper ultimately developed the show for Peacock with Malcolm Spellman, Tj Brady, and Rasheed Newson.
Season 1 of “Bel-Air” retold the...
Based on the beloved ’90s sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” which helped launch a young Will Smith to fame, “Bel-Air” was inspired by a 2019 viral parody film by Morgan Cooper. Cooper’s short film took the basic premise of the sitcom — a young man runs into trouble in West Philadelphia and is forced to flee the city to live with his wealthy Los Angeles family — and reimagined it as a gritty drama. The short film caught the attention of Smith, who expressed interest in expanding the premise into a new series, and Cooper ultimately developed the show for Peacock with Malcolm Spellman, Tj Brady, and Rasheed Newson.
Season 1 of “Bel-Air” retold the...
- 11/17/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Click here to read the full article.
Now this is a story all about how Peacock’s Bel-Air continues to experience growing pains.
The dramatic update of Will Smith’s beloved Fresh Prince of Bel-Air has changed showrunners again. This time, Carla Banks-Waddles has been promoted from co-exec producer to exec producer and showrunner for Bel-Air’s second season as part of her overall deal with studio Universal Television. She replaces T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson (Army Wives, Lie to Me) at the helm of Bel-Air, which counts Smith and original series creators Andy and Susan Borowitz among its exec producers. Brady and Newson left following creative differences with Peacock and producers Universal Television.
Banks-Waddles, who penned episode seven, becomes Bel-Air’s fourth — you read that right — showrunner. The series, which landed at Peacock with a two-season, straight-to-series order following a multiple-outlet bidding war, originally was picked up with Chris Collins (The Wire,...
Now this is a story all about how Peacock’s Bel-Air continues to experience growing pains.
The dramatic update of Will Smith’s beloved Fresh Prince of Bel-Air has changed showrunners again. This time, Carla Banks-Waddles has been promoted from co-exec producer to exec producer and showrunner for Bel-Air’s second season as part of her overall deal with studio Universal Television. She replaces T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson (Army Wives, Lie to Me) at the helm of Bel-Air, which counts Smith and original series creators Andy and Susan Borowitz among its exec producers. Brady and Newson left following creative differences with Peacock and producers Universal Television.
Banks-Waddles, who penned episode seven, becomes Bel-Air’s fourth — you read that right — showrunner. The series, which landed at Peacock with a two-season, straight-to-series order following a multiple-outlet bidding war, originally was picked up with Chris Collins (The Wire,...
- 10/13/2022
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After raising several questions about his father in the latter half of Bel-Air‘s first season, Will may finally get some answers.
The above video teases secrets revealed in the Season 1 finale (premiering this Thursday on Peacock) as an unexpected guest drops by the Banks residence. While we don’t see who’s on the other side of the door, Phil’s aggrieved facial expression suggests an unwelcome guest… like Will’s father?
More from TVLinePerformer of the Week: Yuh-Jung YounBel-Air Recap: Will Asks About His Father, Uncle Phil and Geoffrey Go At ItGirls5eva Lands Season 2 Release Date at...
The above video teases secrets revealed in the Season 1 finale (premiering this Thursday on Peacock) as an unexpected guest drops by the Banks residence. While we don’t see who’s on the other side of the door, Phil’s aggrieved facial expression suggests an unwelcome guest… like Will’s father?
More from TVLinePerformer of the Week: Yuh-Jung YounBel-Air Recap: Will Asks About His Father, Uncle Phil and Geoffrey Go At ItGirls5eva Lands Season 2 Release Date at...
- 3/29/2022
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
It’s been nearly six years since Will Smith suited up as Deadshot in Warner Bros.’ “Suicide Squad.” Although the star hasn’t returned to DC films since, he supports the idea that a director’s cut of David Ayer’s supervillain team-up movie should be released to the public.
“Let me tell you, there’s a whole lot that stayed on the floor for ‘Suicide Squad,” Will Smith told Variety’s Marc Malkin on the red carpet for “Bel-Air.” “I’m into it. I love that world. I love what was created in both versions. I absolutely would love to [see it].”
After “Suicide Squad” received widely negative reviews from fans and critics, many have since speculated on the possibility of a different version of the film being released. Since 2016, Ayer has been vocal about how his original vision of the film differed from the final cut.
Last spring’s HBO Max...
“Let me tell you, there’s a whole lot that stayed on the floor for ‘Suicide Squad,” Will Smith told Variety’s Marc Malkin on the red carpet for “Bel-Air.” “I’m into it. I love that world. I love what was created in both versions. I absolutely would love to [see it].”
After “Suicide Squad” received widely negative reviews from fans and critics, many have since speculated on the possibility of a different version of the film being released. Since 2016, Ayer has been vocal about how his original vision of the film differed from the final cut.
Last spring’s HBO Max...
- 2/10/2022
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
“Bel-Air,” a dramatic reboot of the Will Smith ’90s sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” has released its first trailer. The series will debut its first three episodes on Peacock on Feb. 13, with subsequent new episodes being released weekly on the streamer.
“This town will try to make you forget who you are and where you came from. Don’t let it do that,” Jabari Banks’ Will is warned by Jazz (Jordan L. Jones) at the start of the trailer.
The show, based on Morgan Cooper’s viral video that imagined a dramatic version of the iconic sitcom, is co-written and directed by Cooper, who is also co-executive producer on the project. T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson are co-showrunners and executive producers, as well as Cooper’s co-writers.
Smith is executive producing via Westbrook Studios along with Quincy Jones, Benny Medina and original series creators Andy and Susan Borowitz. James Lassiter,...
“This town will try to make you forget who you are and where you came from. Don’t let it do that,” Jabari Banks’ Will is warned by Jazz (Jordan L. Jones) at the start of the trailer.
The show, based on Morgan Cooper’s viral video that imagined a dramatic version of the iconic sitcom, is co-written and directed by Cooper, who is also co-executive producer on the project. T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson are co-showrunners and executive producers, as well as Cooper’s co-writers.
Smith is executive producing via Westbrook Studios along with Quincy Jones, Benny Medina and original series creators Andy and Susan Borowitz. James Lassiter,...
- 1/10/2022
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Bel-Air, the contemporary reimagining of the ’90s Will Smith sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, is the latest high-profile drama series to record a number of positive Covid tests.
Deadline understands that the Peacock drama series, which is set to premiere on Super Bowl Sunday, February 13, has had dozens of positive tests from crew.
However, production has not been impacted and the show continues to shoot today and tomorrow.
It’s believed that a number of positive tests have been returned from those working in Zone A, which includes the cast and those who directly interact with them. However, a number of the positive tests are also thought to have come from pre-employment tests, meaning that they were caught before people started working on the show.
Sources have suggested that as a result of protocols in place, production has not had to be shut down, although some schedules have had to be adjusted.
Deadline understands that the Peacock drama series, which is set to premiere on Super Bowl Sunday, February 13, has had dozens of positive tests from crew.
However, production has not been impacted and the show continues to shoot today and tomorrow.
It’s believed that a number of positive tests have been returned from those working in Zone A, which includes the cast and those who directly interact with them. However, a number of the positive tests are also thought to have come from pre-employment tests, meaning that they were caught before people started working on the show.
Sources have suggested that as a result of protocols in place, production has not had to be shut down, although some schedules have had to be adjusted.
- 1/7/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Image Source: YouTube user Peacock
There's a new Prince of Bel-Air in town, and honestly, we're not mad about it! NBC's beloved comedy The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is officially getting the reboot treatment with a bit of a spin. The modern-day-set series, titled Bel-Air, is an hour-long drama that nods to the same swagger from the original '90s sitcom. The new show will once again explore Will's (Jabari Banks) journey from the "streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air," and dig into deeper social issues.
The contemporary series is inspired by a viral YouTube trailer created by Fresh Prince superfan Morgan Cooper. Reboots for classic shows have been rampant for years now, but even Will Smith couldn't resist teaming up with Cooper to turn his vision into the real thing!
Related: Meet the Banks Family! The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reboot Announces More Cast Members
Cooper's original video,...
There's a new Prince of Bel-Air in town, and honestly, we're not mad about it! NBC's beloved comedy The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is officially getting the reboot treatment with a bit of a spin. The modern-day-set series, titled Bel-Air, is an hour-long drama that nods to the same swagger from the original '90s sitcom. The new show will once again explore Will's (Jabari Banks) journey from the "streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air," and dig into deeper social issues.
The contemporary series is inspired by a viral YouTube trailer created by Fresh Prince superfan Morgan Cooper. Reboots for classic shows have been rampant for years now, but even Will Smith couldn't resist teaming up with Cooper to turn his vision into the real thing!
Related: Meet the Banks Family! The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reboot Announces More Cast Members
Cooper's original video,...
- 12/18/2021
- by Mekishana Pierre
- Popsugar.com
Bel-Air, Peacock’s anticipated contemporary reimagining of the ’90s Will Smith sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, has landed a plum slot for its series premiere. It will debut on Super Bowl Sunday, February 13, with new episodes released weekly.
Starring newcomer Jabari Banks as Will and set in modern-day America, Bel-Air is a serialized one-hour dramatic take on the 1990-96 sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air that leans into the original premise: Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. With a reimagined vision, Bel-Air will dive deeper into the inherent conflicts, emotions and biases that were impossible to fully explore in a 30-minute sitcom format, while still delivering swagger and nods to the original show. The series was picked up for two seasons.
Series regular cast also includes Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, Olly Sholotan, Coco Jones, Akira Akbar, Jimmy Akingbola, Jordan L. Jones...
Starring newcomer Jabari Banks as Will and set in modern-day America, Bel-Air is a serialized one-hour dramatic take on the 1990-96 sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air that leans into the original premise: Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. With a reimagined vision, Bel-Air will dive deeper into the inherent conflicts, emotions and biases that were impossible to fully explore in a 30-minute sitcom format, while still delivering swagger and nods to the original show. The series was picked up for two seasons.
Series regular cast also includes Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, Olly Sholotan, Coco Jones, Akira Akbar, Jimmy Akingbola, Jordan L. Jones...
- 12/16/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Apple TV Plus announced that upcoming thriller series “Severance” will premiere with two episodes on Feb. 18, followed by new episodes weekly on Fridays.
The series stars Adam Scott as Mark Scout, who leads a team at Lumon Industries where employees’ work and personal lives are surgically divided. Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, Britt Lower, Zach Cherry, Dichen Lachman, Jen Tullock, Tramell Tillman, Michael Chernus and Christopher Walken also star.
“I have, of my own free accord, elected to undergo the procedure known as ‘severance,'” Mark and his employees say in the teaser, which you can watch below. “I give consent for the Lumon Corporation — and it’s a good corporation — to sever my memories between my work life and my personal life. I acknowledge that once the procedure is complete, I will be unable to access my personal memories whilst on Lumon’s severed floor. Nor will I retain work...
The series stars Adam Scott as Mark Scout, who leads a team at Lumon Industries where employees’ work and personal lives are surgically divided. Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, Britt Lower, Zach Cherry, Dichen Lachman, Jen Tullock, Tramell Tillman, Michael Chernus and Christopher Walken also star.
“I have, of my own free accord, elected to undergo the procedure known as ‘severance,'” Mark and his employees say in the teaser, which you can watch below. “I give consent for the Lumon Corporation — and it’s a good corporation — to sever my memories between my work life and my personal life. I acknowledge that once the procedure is complete, I will be unable to access my personal memories whilst on Lumon’s severed floor. Nor will I retain work...
- 12/16/2021
- by Selome Hailu and Katie Song
- Variety Film + TV
Peacock debuted a trailer for “Bel-Air,” the upcoming drama series that reimagines the ‘90s sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” “Bel-Air” is set to premiere in 2022.
Based on Morgan Cooper’s viral fan film of the same name, “Bel-Air” stars Jabari Banks as Will, the role played by Will Smith in the original sitcom. The series follows Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, Olly Sholotan, Coco Jones, Akira Akbar, Jimmy Akingbola, Jordan L. Jones and Simone Joy Jones also star.
In the teaser, Smith gives a dramatic reading of the theme song from “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” in voiceover as Banks’ Will is shown underwater, surrounded by motifs from the original show: basketballs, fuzzy dice, a crown, etc.
Executive producers include showrunners T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson, director and co-writer Morgan Cooper, Smith, Terence Carter,...
Based on Morgan Cooper’s viral fan film of the same name, “Bel-Air” stars Jabari Banks as Will, the role played by Will Smith in the original sitcom. The series follows Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, Olly Sholotan, Coco Jones, Akira Akbar, Jimmy Akingbola, Jordan L. Jones and Simone Joy Jones also star.
In the teaser, Smith gives a dramatic reading of the theme song from “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” in voiceover as Banks’ Will is shown underwater, surrounded by motifs from the original show: basketballs, fuzzy dice, a crown, etc.
Executive producers include showrunners T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson, director and co-writer Morgan Cooper, Smith, Terence Carter,...
- 11/23/2021
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve heard the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme song in your life. You’ve never heard it like this.
Original series star Will Smith lends his voice to an incredibly serious teaser for Peacock’s Bel-Air, a dramatic reboot of the iconic sitcom set to premiere sometime in 2022.
More from TVLineHow Saved by the Bell Paid Tribute to Dustin Diamond in Season 2 PremierePeacock's MacGruber Series Gets Premiere Date, Nsfw Teaser VideoWe Are Lady Parts Renewed at Peacock
“This is a story… all about how my life got flipped… turned upside down,” Smith...
Original series star Will Smith lends his voice to an incredibly serious teaser for Peacock’s Bel-Air, a dramatic reboot of the iconic sitcom set to premiere sometime in 2022.
More from TVLineHow Saved by the Bell Paid Tribute to Dustin Diamond in Season 2 PremierePeacock's MacGruber Series Gets Premiere Date, Nsfw Teaser VideoWe Are Lady Parts Renewed at Peacock
“This is a story… all about how my life got flipped… turned upside down,” Smith...
- 11/23/2021
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
Bel-Air, the drama reboot of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is coming to Peacock in 2022 and the streamer has unveiled its first teaser.
The hourlong series, based on Morgan Cooper’s popular fan film that re-envisions the original series, hails from Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Universal Television. It received a two-season order in September 2020. T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson, whose credits include The Chi and The 100, serve as executive producers and co-showrunners. Morgan Cooper directs and serves as co-writer and executive producer.
Jabari Banks plays Will and as you can see in the video above, he’s wearing Jordan’s in homage to Smith’s character as Smith voices a dramatic reading of the original theme song.
Set in modern-day America, Bel-Air is a serialized one-hour dramatic analogue of the 90’s sitcom that leans into the original premise: Will’s complicated journey from...
The hourlong series, based on Morgan Cooper’s popular fan film that re-envisions the original series, hails from Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Universal Television. It received a two-season order in September 2020. T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson, whose credits include The Chi and The 100, serve as executive producers and co-showrunners. Morgan Cooper directs and serves as co-writer and executive producer.
Jabari Banks plays Will and as you can see in the video above, he’s wearing Jordan’s in homage to Smith’s character as Smith voices a dramatic reading of the original theme song.
Set in modern-day America, Bel-Air is a serialized one-hour dramatic analogue of the 90’s sitcom that leans into the original premise: Will’s complicated journey from...
- 11/23/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Peacock has announced the lead cast for “Bel-Air,” the streaming service’s dramatic reimagining of ’90s sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
Joining newcomer Jabari Banks as Will are Adrian Holmes as Phillip Banks, Cassandra Freeman as Vivian Banks, Olly Sholotan as Carlton Banks, Coco Jones as Hilary Banks, Akira Akbar as Ashley Banks, Jimmy Akingbola as Geoffrey, Jordan L. Jones as Jazz and Simone Joy Jones as Lisa.
Check out the cast photo below:
“Bel-Air” cast (Photo credit: Peacock)
The description for the series reads: Set in modern-day America, “Bel-Air” is a serialized one-hour dramatic analogue of the 90’s sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” that leans into the original premise: Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. With a reimagined vision, “Bel-Air” will dive deeper into the inherent conflicts, emotions and biases that were impossible to fully explore in a 30-minute sitcom format,...
Joining newcomer Jabari Banks as Will are Adrian Holmes as Phillip Banks, Cassandra Freeman as Vivian Banks, Olly Sholotan as Carlton Banks, Coco Jones as Hilary Banks, Akira Akbar as Ashley Banks, Jimmy Akingbola as Geoffrey, Jordan L. Jones as Jazz and Simone Joy Jones as Lisa.
Check out the cast photo below:
“Bel-Air” cast (Photo credit: Peacock)
The description for the series reads: Set in modern-day America, “Bel-Air” is a serialized one-hour dramatic analogue of the 90’s sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” that leans into the original premise: Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. With a reimagined vision, “Bel-Air” will dive deeper into the inherent conflicts, emotions and biases that were impossible to fully explore in a 30-minute sitcom format,...
- 9/14/2021
- by Lawrence Yee
- The Wrap
Peacock’ Bel-Air, a contemporary reimagining of the 90s Will Smith sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, has set its main cast. Joining previously cast newcomer Jabari Banks, who will succeed Smith as Will, are fellow series regulars:
Adrian Holmes (At That Age) as Phillip Banks. The role was played by James Avery on Fresh Prince;
Cassandra Freeman (Atlanta) as Vivian Banks (played by Janet Hubert/Daphne Maxwell Reid);
Olly Sholotan (Run Hide Fight) as Carlton Banks (played by Alfonso Ribeiro);
Coco Jones (Let It Shine) as Hilary Banks (played by Karyn Parsons);
Akira Akbar (We Can Be Heroes) as Ashley Banks (played by Tatyana M. Ali);
Jimmy Akingbola (Most Dangerous Game) as Geoffrey (played by Joseph Marcell);
Jordan L. Jones (Rel) as Jazz (played by DJ Jazzy Jeff);
Simone Joy Jones (The Chair) as Lisa (played by Nia Long)
Set in modern-day America, Bel-Air, which has a two-season order, is...
Adrian Holmes (At That Age) as Phillip Banks. The role was played by James Avery on Fresh Prince;
Cassandra Freeman (Atlanta) as Vivian Banks (played by Janet Hubert/Daphne Maxwell Reid);
Olly Sholotan (Run Hide Fight) as Carlton Banks (played by Alfonso Ribeiro);
Coco Jones (Let It Shine) as Hilary Banks (played by Karyn Parsons);
Akira Akbar (We Can Be Heroes) as Ashley Banks (played by Tatyana M. Ali);
Jimmy Akingbola (Most Dangerous Game) as Geoffrey (played by Joseph Marcell);
Jordan L. Jones (Rel) as Jazz (played by DJ Jazzy Jeff);
Simone Joy Jones (The Chair) as Lisa (played by Nia Long)
Set in modern-day America, Bel-Air, which has a two-season order, is...
- 9/14/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The dramatic reboot of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” at Peacock has filled out its main cast.
The upcoming series, known as “Bel-Air,” has added eight actors, who will star alongside previously announced series lead Jabari Banks in the role of Will.
The new cast members are: Adrian Holmes as Phillip Banks; Cassandra Freeman as Vivian Banks; Olly Sholotan as Carlton Banks; Coco Jones as Hilary Banks; Akira Akbar as Ashley Banks; Jimmy Akingbola as Geoffrey; Jordan L. Jones as Jazz; and Simone Joy Jones as Lisa.
“Bel-Air” is based on the viral video of the same name by Morgan Cooper, which reimagined the beloved Will Smith-led sitcom as a drama series. Peacock gave the show a two-season order back in September 2020. Set in modern-day America, “Bel-Air” is described as a serialized one-hour dramatic analogue of the sitcom version that leans into the original premise: Will’s complicated journey from...
The upcoming series, known as “Bel-Air,” has added eight actors, who will star alongside previously announced series lead Jabari Banks in the role of Will.
The new cast members are: Adrian Holmes as Phillip Banks; Cassandra Freeman as Vivian Banks; Olly Sholotan as Carlton Banks; Coco Jones as Hilary Banks; Akira Akbar as Ashley Banks; Jimmy Akingbola as Geoffrey; Jordan L. Jones as Jazz; and Simone Joy Jones as Lisa.
“Bel-Air” is based on the viral video of the same name by Morgan Cooper, which reimagined the beloved Will Smith-led sitcom as a drama series. Peacock gave the show a two-season order back in September 2020. Set in modern-day America, “Bel-Air” is described as a serialized one-hour dramatic analogue of the sitcom version that leans into the original premise: Will’s complicated journey from...
- 9/14/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” drama reboot series at Peacock has cast newcomer Jabari Banks in the lead role, Variety has learned.
Banks will play the role of Will, who was played by Will Smith in the original 90’s sitcom. Banks was informed by Smith himself that he had landed the part in a video which can be seen above.
Banks currently lives in West Philadelphia, also the birthplace of his character. He graduated from University of the Arts in Philadelphia in 2020. In addition to acting, he is a songwriter, singer, rapper, and basketball player. He is repped by Frontline Management and The Kohner Agency.
“Bel-Air” is based on the viral video by Morgan Cooper, which reimagined the beloved Will Smith-led sitcom as a drama series. Peacock gave the show a two-season order back in September 2020.
Set in modern-day America, “Bel-Air” is described as a serialized one-hour dramatic analogue of...
Banks will play the role of Will, who was played by Will Smith in the original 90’s sitcom. Banks was informed by Smith himself that he had landed the part in a video which can be seen above.
Banks currently lives in West Philadelphia, also the birthplace of his character. He graduated from University of the Arts in Philadelphia in 2020. In addition to acting, he is a songwriter, singer, rapper, and basketball player. He is repped by Frontline Management and The Kohner Agency.
“Bel-Air” is based on the viral video by Morgan Cooper, which reimagined the beloved Will Smith-led sitcom as a drama series. Peacock gave the show a two-season order back in September 2020.
Set in modern-day America, “Bel-Air” is described as a serialized one-hour dramatic analogue of...
- 8/31/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Bel-Air has found its Will. Newcomer and West Philadelphia local Jabari Banks has been tapped to play the iconic role of Will, originated by Will Smith, in Bel-Air, Peacock’s drama reboot of Smith’s 1990s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Smith surprised Banks with the news himself today. You can watch the video above.
The hourlong series, based on Morgan Cooper’s popular fan film that reenvisions the original series, hails from Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Universal Television. It received a two-season order in September 2020. T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson, whose credits include The Chi and The 100, serve as executive producers and co-showrunners. Morgan Cooper directs and serves as co-writer and executive producer.
Set in modern-day America, Bel-Air is a serialized one-hour dramatic analogue of the 90’s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air that leans into the original premise: Will’s...
Smith surprised Banks with the news himself today. You can watch the video above.
The hourlong series, based on Morgan Cooper’s popular fan film that reenvisions the original series, hails from Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Universal Television. It received a two-season order in September 2020. T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson, whose credits include The Chi and The 100, serve as executive producers and co-showrunners. Morgan Cooper directs and serves as co-writer and executive producer.
Set in modern-day America, Bel-Air is a serialized one-hour dramatic analogue of the 90’s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air that leans into the original premise: Will’s...
- 8/31/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Sound the trumpets, for a new Prince of Bel-Air has officially been crowned.
Actor Jabari Banks — yes, his last name really is Banks and he’s from West Philadelphia — will lead Bel-Air, Peacock’s dramatic reboot of the beloved ’90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
More from TVLineFresh Prince Reunion: Will Smith and Janet Hubert End Their 27-Year Feud — Plus, the Two Aunt Vivs Finally MeetFresh Prince Reboot Bel-Air Bumped to 2022 After Changing ShowrunnersVampire Academy: J. August Richards, 9 Others Cast in Peacock Adaptation From Julie Plec & Marguerite MacIntyre
Peacock dropped the announcement on Tuesday, along with an emotional video...
Actor Jabari Banks — yes, his last name really is Banks and he’s from West Philadelphia — will lead Bel-Air, Peacock’s dramatic reboot of the beloved ’90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
More from TVLineFresh Prince Reunion: Will Smith and Janet Hubert End Their 27-Year Feud — Plus, the Two Aunt Vivs Finally MeetFresh Prince Reboot Bel-Air Bumped to 2022 After Changing ShowrunnersVampire Academy: J. August Richards, 9 Others Cast in Peacock Adaptation From Julie Plec & Marguerite MacIntyre
Peacock dropped the announcement on Tuesday, along with an emotional video...
- 8/31/2021
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
Peacock’s dramatic reboot of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” has found its Will. Jabari Banks will take over the title role that Will Smith originated in the ’90s-era sitcom.
Like Smith (and has on-screen fictionalized version of himself), Banks is from West Philadelphia. The unknown actor is fresh out of college; he only graduated from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia in 2020.
Here’s the official description for the one-hour drama, titled “Bel-Air,” which received a two-season order at Peacock last September:
“Set in modern-day America, ‘Bel-Air’ is a serialized one-hour dramatic analogue of the ’90s sitcom ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ that leans into the original premise: Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. With a reimagined vision, ‘Bel-Air’ will dive deeper into the inherent conflicts, emotions and biases that were impossible to fully explore in a 30-minute sitcom format,...
Like Smith (and has on-screen fictionalized version of himself), Banks is from West Philadelphia. The unknown actor is fresh out of college; he only graduated from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia in 2020.
Here’s the official description for the one-hour drama, titled “Bel-Air,” which received a two-season order at Peacock last September:
“Set in modern-day America, ‘Bel-Air’ is a serialized one-hour dramatic analogue of the ’90s sitcom ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ that leans into the original premise: Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. With a reimagined vision, ‘Bel-Air’ will dive deeper into the inherent conflicts, emotions and biases that were impossible to fully explore in a 30-minute sitcom format,...
- 8/31/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Peacock’s “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” reboot has undergone its second showrunner switch, TheWrap has learned.
The show, which is a dramatic update on the classic ’90s sitcom starring Will Smith, has seen the exits of original showrunner Chris Collins, who left in December over creative differences, and of his replacement showrunner, Diane Houston, who has now herself stepped away.
The series, which is based on Morgan Cooper’s viral YouTube video and is produced by Smith, is now on its third showrunner, this time deciding to bring in two leaders: co-showrunners T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson.
Casting has not yet begun for the reboot.
Here’s the official description for the one-hour drama, which received a two-season order at Peacock last September:
“Set in modern-day America, ‘Bel-Air’ is a serialized one-hour dramatic analogue of the ’90s sitcom ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ that leans into the original premise:...
The show, which is a dramatic update on the classic ’90s sitcom starring Will Smith, has seen the exits of original showrunner Chris Collins, who left in December over creative differences, and of his replacement showrunner, Diane Houston, who has now herself stepped away.
The series, which is based on Morgan Cooper’s viral YouTube video and is produced by Smith, is now on its third showrunner, this time deciding to bring in two leaders: co-showrunners T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson.
Casting has not yet begun for the reboot.
Here’s the official description for the one-hour drama, which received a two-season order at Peacock last September:
“Set in modern-day America, ‘Bel-Air’ is a serialized one-hour dramatic analogue of the ’90s sitcom ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ that leans into the original premise:...
- 8/4/2021
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
There’s a change at the helm of Bel-Air. Chris Collins has stepped down as showrunner and executive producer of Peacock’s drama reboot of the 1990s Will Smith sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson, whose credits include The Chi and The 100, will take over as co-showrunners, Deadline has confirmed.
The hourlong series, based on Morgan Cooper’s popular fan film that reenvisions the original series, hails from Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Universal Television. It received a two-season order in September 2020.
Set in modern-day America, Bel-Air is a serialized one-hour dramatic analogue of the 90’s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air that leans into the original premise: Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. With a reimagined vision, Bel-Air will dive deeper into the inherent conflicts, emotions and...
The hourlong series, based on Morgan Cooper’s popular fan film that reenvisions the original series, hails from Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Universal Television. It received a two-season order in September 2020.
Set in modern-day America, Bel-Air is a serialized one-hour dramatic analogue of the 90’s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air that leans into the original premise: Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. With a reimagined vision, Bel-Air will dive deeper into the inherent conflicts, emotions and...
- 8/3/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The showrunner on Peacock’s drama reboot of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” has stepped down, Variety has confirmed.
Chris Collins will no longer serve as showrunner and executive producer on the series, which is titled “Bel-Air.” He was also set to co-write with Morgan Cooper. Instead, T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson have stepped in to serve as co-showrunners. The pair has previously worked together on shows like “The Chi,” “Animal Kingdom,” “Shooter,” and “The 100.”
“Bel-Air” is based on the viral video by Cooper, which reimagined the beloved Will Smith-led sitcom as a drama series. Peacock gave the show a two-season order back in September 2020.
Morgan remains onboard the show as writer, director, and co-executive producer. Smith will executive produce via Westbrook Studios along with Quincy Jones, Benny Medina, and original series creators Andy and Susan Borowitz. Miguel Melendez and Westbrook Studios’ Terence Carter will also executive produce. Westbrook...
Chris Collins will no longer serve as showrunner and executive producer on the series, which is titled “Bel-Air.” He was also set to co-write with Morgan Cooper. Instead, T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson have stepped in to serve as co-showrunners. The pair has previously worked together on shows like “The Chi,” “Animal Kingdom,” “Shooter,” and “The 100.”
“Bel-Air” is based on the viral video by Cooper, which reimagined the beloved Will Smith-led sitcom as a drama series. Peacock gave the show a two-season order back in September 2020.
Morgan remains onboard the show as writer, director, and co-executive producer. Smith will executive produce via Westbrook Studios along with Quincy Jones, Benny Medina, and original series creators Andy and Susan Borowitz. Miguel Melendez and Westbrook Studios’ Terence Carter will also executive produce. Westbrook...
- 8/3/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Will Smith and the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air cast transported viewers back to 1990s on Wednesday with an HBO Max reunion special.
Filmed in September to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the NBC comedy from creators Andy and Susan Borowitz, the special featured original castmembers Tatyana Ali, Karyn Parsons, Joseph Marcell, Daphne Maxwell Reid and Alfonso Ribeiro, as well as recurring guest star DJ Jazzy Jeff. Throughout the special, the cast reflected on their first auditions, funny moments from set and the show’s lasting impact on viewers.
Back in August, a reboot of the Fresh Prince series, from Smith’s Westbrook Studios ...
Filmed in September to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the NBC comedy from creators Andy and Susan Borowitz, the special featured original castmembers Tatyana Ali, Karyn Parsons, Joseph Marcell, Daphne Maxwell Reid and Alfonso Ribeiro, as well as recurring guest star DJ Jazzy Jeff. Throughout the special, the cast reflected on their first auditions, funny moments from set and the show’s lasting impact on viewers.
Back in August, a reboot of the Fresh Prince series, from Smith’s Westbrook Studios ...
- 11/18/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Will Smith and the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air cast transported viewers back to 1990s on Wednesday with an HBO Max reunion special.
Filmed in September to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the NBC comedy from creators Andy and Susan Borowitz, the special featured original castmembers Tatyana Ali, Karyn Parsons, Joseph Marcell, Daphne Maxwell Reid and Alfonso Ribeiro, as well as recurring guest star DJ Jazzy Jeff. Throughout the special, the cast reflected on their first auditions, funny moments from set and the show’s lasting impact on viewers.
Back in August, a reboot of the Fresh Prince series, from Smith’s Westbrook Studios ...
Filmed in September to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the NBC comedy from creators Andy and Susan Borowitz, the special featured original castmembers Tatyana Ali, Karyn Parsons, Joseph Marcell, Daphne Maxwell Reid and Alfonso Ribeiro, as well as recurring guest star DJ Jazzy Jeff. Throughout the special, the cast reflected on their first auditions, funny moments from set and the show’s lasting impact on viewers.
Back in August, a reboot of the Fresh Prince series, from Smith’s Westbrook Studios ...
- 11/18/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
That was fast.
Less than a month after entering development, the reboot of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air has landed a series order.
New streamer, Peacock has ordered two seasons of the highly anticipated series adaptation of Morgan Cooper’s lauded fan film Bel- Air.
Will Smith broke the news via his social media accounts.
“We have just officially closed the deal with Peacock with an unprecedented two-season-order from a pitch,” Smith tells Cooper and Collins in the video below.
“I’ve been in this business for 30 years, and that does not happen. They ordered two full seasons of Bel-Air based on the quality of the pitch and the work that you guys have done. So I want to say congratulations. I am hyped.”
Cooper will direct, co-write and serve as co-executive producer alongside writer, showrunner and executive producer Chris Collins.
Westbrook Studios and Universal Television will serve as the studios on the project.
Less than a month after entering development, the reboot of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air has landed a series order.
New streamer, Peacock has ordered two seasons of the highly anticipated series adaptation of Morgan Cooper’s lauded fan film Bel- Air.
Will Smith broke the news via his social media accounts.
“We have just officially closed the deal with Peacock with an unprecedented two-season-order from a pitch,” Smith tells Cooper and Collins in the video below.
“I’ve been in this business for 30 years, and that does not happen. They ordered two full seasons of Bel-Air based on the quality of the pitch and the work that you guys have done. So I want to say congratulations. I am hyped.”
Cooper will direct, co-write and serve as co-executive producer alongside writer, showrunner and executive producer Chris Collins.
Westbrook Studios and Universal Television will serve as the studios on the project.
- 9/8/2020
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Peacock has placed a two-season order for “Bel-Air,” a dramatic reboot of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” based on Morgan Cooper’s viral YouTube video.
“Fresh Prince” star Will Smith, who will produce the series, announced the news on Tuesday via his social media channels. Watch the video above.
Here’s the official description for the one-hour drama, which was put into development at Universal Television last month:
“Set in modern-day America, ‘Bel-Air’ is a serialized one-hour dramatic analogue of the 90’s sitcom ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ that leans into the original premise: Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. With a reimagined vision, ‘Bel-Air’ will dive deeper into the inherent conflicts, emotions and biases that were impossible to fully explore in a 30-minute sitcom format, while still delivering swagger and nods to the original show.”
That plot is based...
“Fresh Prince” star Will Smith, who will produce the series, announced the news on Tuesday via his social media channels. Watch the video above.
Here’s the official description for the one-hour drama, which was put into development at Universal Television last month:
“Set in modern-day America, ‘Bel-Air’ is a serialized one-hour dramatic analogue of the 90’s sitcom ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ that leans into the original premise: Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. With a reimagined vision, ‘Bel-Air’ will dive deeper into the inherent conflicts, emotions and biases that were impossible to fully explore in a 30-minute sitcom format, while still delivering swagger and nods to the original show.”
That plot is based...
- 9/8/2020
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Peacock has picked up two seasons of the planned drama series reboot of the classic sitcom “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
Will Smith made the announcement Tuesday on YouTube, which can be viewed below. The series, titled “Bel-Air,” will be based on Morgan Cooper’s viral video that reimagined the NBC comedy series as a drama. The trailer, which Cooper posted online last year, has racked up over five million views on YouTube alone.
Cooper is attached to co-write and direct the project and will also serve as a co-executive producer. Chris Collins will serve as showrunner and executive producer in addition to co-writing the script with Cooper. Smith will executive produce via Westbrook Studios along with Quincy Jones, Benny Medina, and original series creators Andy and Susan Borowitz. Miguel Melendez and Westbrook Studios’ Terence Carter will also executive produce. Westbrook Studios and Universal Television will produce. Utv was the studio...
Will Smith made the announcement Tuesday on YouTube, which can be viewed below. The series, titled “Bel-Air,” will be based on Morgan Cooper’s viral video that reimagined the NBC comedy series as a drama. The trailer, which Cooper posted online last year, has racked up over five million views on YouTube alone.
Cooper is attached to co-write and direct the project and will also serve as a co-executive producer. Chris Collins will serve as showrunner and executive producer in addition to co-writing the script with Cooper. Smith will executive produce via Westbrook Studios along with Quincy Jones, Benny Medina, and original series creators Andy and Susan Borowitz. Miguel Melendez and Westbrook Studios’ Terence Carter will also executive produce. Westbrook Studios and Universal Television will produce. Utv was the studio...
- 9/8/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
In a very competitive situation, Peacock has landed Bel-Air with a two-season order. The hourlong series, based on Morgan Cooper’s popular fan film that reenvisions the 1990s Will Smith sitcom The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air,as a drama, hails from Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Universal Television. Will Smith just announced the deal online in a video that captures him breaking the news to Morgan Cooper and the adaptation’s co-writer Chris Collins. (You can watch it above)
“We have just officially closed the deal with Peacock with an unprecedented two-season-order from a pitch,” Smith said. “I’ve been in this business for thirty years and that does not happen. They ordered two full seasons of Bel-Air based on the quality of the pitch and the work that you guys have done. So I want to say congratulations. I am hyped.”
The project was pitched to streamers last month,...
“We have just officially closed the deal with Peacock with an unprecedented two-season-order from a pitch,” Smith said. “I’ve been in this business for thirty years and that does not happen. They ordered two full seasons of Bel-Air based on the quality of the pitch and the work that you guys have done. So I want to say congratulations. I am hyped.”
The project was pitched to streamers last month,...
- 9/8/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Check your egos at the door. Will Smith made the right choice Joyce. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air cast will reunite for an unscripted special to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the series and the cultural impact it’s had since its debut. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion Special is set to tape on Sept. 10, 30 years to the day it launched on NBC in 1990. The reunion special was developed by Will and Jada Pinkett Smith’s media company Westbrook Media, and will debut exclusively on HBO Max around Thanksgiving.
The entire Banks family is coming back to the hood. Will Smith will be joined by series regulars Tatyana Ali (Ashley), Karyn Parsons (Hilary), Joseph Marcell (Geoffrey), Daphne Maxwell Reid (Aunt Viv No. 2), and Alfonso Ribeiro (Carlton). Janet Hubert, who played Aunt Viv No. 1, didn’t show up to the 2017 cast reunion and probably won’t be involved in the reunion.
The entire Banks family is coming back to the hood. Will Smith will be joined by series regulars Tatyana Ali (Ashley), Karyn Parsons (Hilary), Joseph Marcell (Geoffrey), Daphne Maxwell Reid (Aunt Viv No. 2), and Alfonso Ribeiro (Carlton). Janet Hubert, who played Aunt Viv No. 1, didn’t show up to the 2017 cast reunion and probably won’t be involved in the reunion.
- 8/31/2020
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is set to once again make the television landscape into its kingdom. However, it will do so in a tonally-divergent fashion from the classic 1990-1996 sitcom.
The reboot will be based on the 2019 viral short, Bel-Air (which you can view below), by Morgan Cooper. The short was a parody trailer that put a contemporary dramatic twist on the intended comedic premise of the original sitcom, and famously gained the attention of star Will Smith, who referred to it as “an idea that’s brilliant.” Now, said idea will yield the patronage of megastar Smith, whose shingle with wife Jada Pinkett Smith, Westbrook Studios, is teaming with Universal Television to bring Bel-Air to life and pitch the project to several outlets and streamers, some of which, according to THR, include Peacock (streamer of the original show’s NBC home), Netflix and HBO Max.
Cooper, the concept-conceiving clip’s conjuror,...
The reboot will be based on the 2019 viral short, Bel-Air (which you can view below), by Morgan Cooper. The short was a parody trailer that put a contemporary dramatic twist on the intended comedic premise of the original sitcom, and famously gained the attention of star Will Smith, who referred to it as “an idea that’s brilliant.” Now, said idea will yield the patronage of megastar Smith, whose shingle with wife Jada Pinkett Smith, Westbrook Studios, is teaming with Universal Television to bring Bel-Air to life and pitch the project to several outlets and streamers, some of which, according to THR, include Peacock (streamer of the original show’s NBC home), Netflix and HBO Max.
Cooper, the concept-conceiving clip’s conjuror,...
- 8/11/2020
- by Joseph Baxter
- Den of Geek
A dramatic reboot of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” is in the works, Variety has confirmed.
It will be based on Morgan Cooper’s viral video that reimagined the NBC comedy series as a drama titled “Bel-Air.” The trailer, which Cooper posted online last year, has racked up over five million views on YouTube alone. Watch it below.
The project is currently being shopped to multiple outlets, including HBO Max, which is the streaming home of the original series.
Cooper is attached to co-write and direct the project and will also serve as a co-executive producer. Chris Collins will serve as showrunner and executive producer in addition to co-writing the script with Cooper. Smith will executive produce via Westbrook Studios along with Quincy Jones, Benny Medina, and original series creators Andy and Susan Borowitz. Miguel Melendez and Westbrook Studios’ Terence Carter will also executive produce. Westbrook Studios and Universal Television will produce.
It will be based on Morgan Cooper’s viral video that reimagined the NBC comedy series as a drama titled “Bel-Air.” The trailer, which Cooper posted online last year, has racked up over five million views on YouTube alone. Watch it below.
The project is currently being shopped to multiple outlets, including HBO Max, which is the streaming home of the original series.
Cooper is attached to co-write and direct the project and will also serve as a co-executive producer. Chris Collins will serve as showrunner and executive producer in addition to co-writing the script with Cooper. Smith will executive produce via Westbrook Studios along with Quincy Jones, Benny Medina, and original series creators Andy and Susan Borowitz. Miguel Melendez and Westbrook Studios’ Terence Carter will also executive produce. Westbrook Studios and Universal Television will produce.
- 8/11/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Will Smith is finally getting serious about rebooting The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air — very serious.
Morgan Cooper, whose parody trailer for a dramatic take on The Fresh Prince went viral in March 2019, is teaming up with Smith to turn that short into a full-blown series, TVLine’s sister site Deadline is reporting. Morgan will co-executive produce alongside Smith, as well as direct and co-write the project. (Click here to watch Smith’s honest reaction to Cooper’s trailer.)
More from TVLineTV Roles Recast: 25+ Times a Show Changed Actors Midstream (and Why)Iconic TV Parents From Family Matters, Fresh Prince and...
Morgan Cooper, whose parody trailer for a dramatic take on The Fresh Prince went viral in March 2019, is teaming up with Smith to turn that short into a full-blown series, TVLine’s sister site Deadline is reporting. Morgan will co-executive produce alongside Smith, as well as direct and co-write the project. (Click here to watch Smith’s honest reaction to Cooper’s trailer.)
More from TVLineTV Roles Recast: 25+ Times a Show Changed Actors Midstream (and Why)Iconic TV Parents From Family Matters, Fresh Prince and...
- 8/11/2020
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” is getting a reboot, but its life is getting flipped-turned upside down. That’s because the new version being developed re-imagines the Will Smith comedy as a drama, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
“Bel-Air” is based on Morgan Cooper’s viral YouTube video from 2019, in which the self-described “Fresh Prince” superfan created a trailer that imagined if the series were a drama. The one-hour drama leans into the original premise of the series — in which Will Smith’s character was relocated from the streets of West Philadelphia to the wealthy Los Angeles neighborhood of Bel-Air — but dives deeper into the inherent conflicts, emotions and biases of what it means to be a Black man in America today, while still delivering the swagger and fun nods to the original show.
The potential series is being shopped to streamers and will be a...
“Bel-Air” is based on Morgan Cooper’s viral YouTube video from 2019, in which the self-described “Fresh Prince” superfan created a trailer that imagined if the series were a drama. The one-hour drama leans into the original premise of the series — in which Will Smith’s character was relocated from the streets of West Philadelphia to the wealthy Los Angeles neighborhood of Bel-Air — but dives deeper into the inherent conflicts, emotions and biases of what it means to be a Black man in America today, while still delivering the swagger and fun nods to the original show.
The potential series is being shopped to streamers and will be a...
- 8/11/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
WarnerMedia has spent the last year or so building a library of licensed and original content for its forthcoming streaming platform HBO Max, launching in May 2020 at the price point of $14.99 per month.
Plenty of new additions to HBO Max’s shelves were announced at the media conglomerate’s presentation on Tuesday, including a “Game of Thrones” prequel series on HBO and the entire “South Park” library as part of a deal worth an estimated $500 million.
So in case everyone at home wasn’t keeping up, here is a list of everything (that we know of) coming to HBO Max.
Licensed Content
“Friends”: All 236 episodes of the show, created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, which aired for 10 seasons on NBC from 1994-2004, are coming to HBO Max. It previously has been on Netflix, where it’s one of the most-streamed series on the service. The show made stars...
Plenty of new additions to HBO Max’s shelves were announced at the media conglomerate’s presentation on Tuesday, including a “Game of Thrones” prequel series on HBO and the entire “South Park” library as part of a deal worth an estimated $500 million.
So in case everyone at home wasn’t keeping up, here is a list of everything (that we know of) coming to HBO Max.
Licensed Content
“Friends”: All 236 episodes of the show, created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, which aired for 10 seasons on NBC from 1994-2004, are coming to HBO Max. It previously has been on Netflix, where it’s one of the most-streamed series on the service. The show made stars...
- 10/30/2019
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Before he was starring in blockbuster franchise's the likes of Bad Boys and Men In Black, rapper-turned-actor Will Smith could be found chillin' out, maxin' and relaxin' all cool while shootin' some B-ball outside of school for the NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince Of Bel-air. Co-created by Quincy Jones, Andy Borowitz and Susan Borowitz, the hilarious and ofttimes touching…...
- 10/11/2019
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
When Andy and Susan Borowitz’s popular sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air debuted in 1990, it catapulted Will Smith to fame, along with the L.A. fashion brand Cross Colours, which he wore as a signature on the show's initial season. The hip-hop-inspired streetwear brand, founded by Carl Jones and Tj Walker in late 1989 with the tag line “Clothing Without Prejudice,” became known for its vibrant colors, geometric patterns and positive social messaging, such as “Educate 2 Elevate” and “Stop D Violence.”
That unifying, empowering mission is just as relevant today. And ...
That unifying, empowering mission is just as relevant today. And ...
WarnerMedia is diving full-bore into the streaming wars with HBO Max — a subscription service slated to bow next spring, stocked with HBO programming, original series, Warner Bros. movies and library content including the full 10-season run of “Friends.”
There’s no pricing info yet for HBO Max, nor is it fully clear how much content from HBO will be included in the subscription VOD package. The standalone HBO Now service currently costs $15 per month, so presumably HBO Max will cost more if it includes big chunks of what’s on HBO plus a slew of other content.
WarnerMedia says it expects HBO Max to have 10,000 hours of premium video content at launch. On Tuesday, it outlined some of the key shows that will be available.
Exclusive Licensed Content
“Friends”: All 236 episodes of the show, created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, which aired for 10 seasons on NBC from 1994-...
There’s no pricing info yet for HBO Max, nor is it fully clear how much content from HBO will be included in the subscription VOD package. The standalone HBO Now service currently costs $15 per month, so presumably HBO Max will cost more if it includes big chunks of what’s on HBO plus a slew of other content.
WarnerMedia says it expects HBO Max to have 10,000 hours of premium video content at launch. On Tuesday, it outlined some of the key shows that will be available.
Exclusive Licensed Content
“Friends”: All 236 episodes of the show, created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, which aired for 10 seasons on NBC from 1994-...
- 7/9/2019
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Season 1, Episode 1: “The Fresh Prince Project“
Written by Andy Borowitz & Susan Borowitz
Directed by Debbie Allen
Aired September 10, 1990
When The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air burst onto television screens in 1990, its Grammy-winning star Will Smith was bankrupt. A sitcom based around him, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air would become his saviour; a show that would catapult him back to super-stardom and his bank balance back into the black.
The Will Smith of Fresh Prince is young and has just arrived from Philadelphia, who has been sent to live with his rich relatives – the Banks Family – in Bel-Air, as his mother hopes that sending him away will provide him with a far better start in life. His background is tragically the same as that of many African-Americans; a single-parent family from a deprived area. The Banks family, on the other hand, come from the other end of the spectrum: affluent and successful.
Written by Andy Borowitz & Susan Borowitz
Directed by Debbie Allen
Aired September 10, 1990
When The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air burst onto television screens in 1990, its Grammy-winning star Will Smith was bankrupt. A sitcom based around him, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air would become his saviour; a show that would catapult him back to super-stardom and his bank balance back into the black.
The Will Smith of Fresh Prince is young and has just arrived from Philadelphia, who has been sent to live with his rich relatives – the Banks Family – in Bel-Air, as his mother hopes that sending him away will provide him with a far better start in life. His background is tragically the same as that of many African-Americans; a single-parent family from a deprived area. The Banks family, on the other hand, come from the other end of the spectrum: affluent and successful.
- 3/24/2014
- by Katie Wong
- SoundOnSight
We all know what happened to Will Smith after The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. And at the end of last year we discovered that his co-star Alfonso Ribeiro (aka Carlton) was clearly still a busy man as he headed into the jungle to munch on some kangaroo balls in I'm a Celebrity.
But whatever happened to Geoffrey, the Banks family's long-suffering stiff upper lipped butler? Scratch your heads no more, because Digital Spy has caught up with Joseph Marcell to chat about trips to Brighton nightclubs, Turkish fans and why his lack of sex appeal is holding back a reality TV career.
Joseph, how often do you start interviews with people calling you Geoffrey?
Almost every other day. I walk round London and people are shouting, "Geoffrey, Geoffrey, Geoffrey". Last year I was in Turkey and it was the same thing. I was in Romania and it was the same thing.
But whatever happened to Geoffrey, the Banks family's long-suffering stiff upper lipped butler? Scratch your heads no more, because Digital Spy has caught up with Joseph Marcell to chat about trips to Brighton nightclubs, Turkish fans and why his lack of sex appeal is holding back a reality TV career.
Joseph, how often do you start interviews with people calling you Geoffrey?
Almost every other day. I walk round London and people are shouting, "Geoffrey, Geoffrey, Geoffrey". Last year I was in Turkey and it was the same thing. I was in Romania and it was the same thing.
- 2/24/2014
- Digital Spy
TV Show Info: Writer: Wendy Aaron, Lisa A. Bannick, Kate Boutilier, Susan Borowitz Director: Matthew Diamond, Alan Berqmann, Kent Bateman, Debbie Allen, Peter Baldwin Cast: Michael J. Fox, Michael Gross, Tina Yothers, Meredith Baxter, Justine Bateman, Brian Bonsall, Marc Price, Scott Valentine Rating: Not Rated Studio: CBS/Paramount Release Info: Original Air Dates:1982-1989 Season Air Dates: 9/26/85 – 5/8/86 DVD Box Set Release Date: August [...]ShareThis...
- 8/7/2008
- by Ashtyn
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