The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Will, a street-smart teenager, moves from the tough streets of West Philly to posh Bel-Air to live with his Uncle Philip, Aunt Vivian, his cousins — spoiled Hilary, preppy Carlton and young Ashley — and their sophisticated British butler, Geoffrey. Though Will’s antics and upbringing contrast greatly with the upper-class lifestyle of his extended relatives, he soon finds himself right at home as a loved part of the family.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996) is a United States network sitcom created by Andy Borowitz and Susan Borowitz for NBC. Will Smith plays Will, a quick-tongued teenager from the tough streets of West Philadelphia who is sent to live with his wealthy uncle and aunt in Bel-Air. Philip Banks (James Avery) is the stern patriarch trying to keep order, while Vivian Banks keeps the household civil. Will's cousins Carlton (Alfonso Ribeiro), Hilary (Karyn Parsons) and Ashley (Tatyana Ali) each push against his arrival in different ways, and Geoffrey the British butler (Joseph Marcell) watches over the mansion with dry disdain. The engine of the series is the friction between Will's street instincts and the Banks family's privileged manners, playing out in everyday clashes over school, dating, money and rules. Across six seasons and 148 episodes, it runs as a case-of-the-week multi-camera comedy with a laugh track, bringing a 1990s hip hop energy to broadcast family television. Beneath the jokes it stays warm and sincere, touching on racial discrimination, gun violence and a father-son rift. Fans of Family Matters, Sister, Sister and The Cosby Show will find the same comforting, family-centered comedy with a sharp generational edge.

Viewers broadly regard the series as a warm, funny family sitcom that launched Will Smith's career and tackled serious issues with humor.

• Family Mattersfamily sitcom warmth, fish out of water culture clash, upbeat 1990s tone
• Sister, Sisterurban teen protagonist moved into affluent household, comedic family warmth, rap-infused 1990s sitcom
• The Cosby Showsingle-camera-free multi-camera sitcom, wealthy household comedy, family ensemble warmth
• Everybody Hates Chrisclass contrast comedy, cheeky teen narrator energy, family sitcom with heartfelt turns

Created by

Andy Borowitz, Susan Borowitz

Release Date

1990-09-10

Episode runtime

23 min

Rating

7.9 / 10 (2539)

What is The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air about?

A street-smart West Philly teen is sent to live with his wealthy relatives in Bel-Air and turns their stiff household upside down.

What is The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

What did critics think of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air?

Viewers broadly regard the series as a warm, funny family sitcom that launched Will Smith's career and tackled serious issues with humor.

Which shows are like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air?

Shows with a similar feel include Family Matters, Sister, Sister, The Cosby Show, and Everybody Hates Chris.

How long is The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air?

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: 6 seasons, 148 episodes.

Is The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air still running?

No, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air has ended.

Where can I watch The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air?

In United States, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air streams on Hulu.