The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

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NBC (ended 1996)
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Show Summary

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A wealthy family living in Bel-Air, California, receives a dubious gift from their poorer relations in Philadelphia when Grammy Award-winner Will Smith arrives as The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air. His mother wants him to learn some good old-fashioned values from his successful relatives. But Will shatters the sophisticated serenity of Bel-Air with his streetwise common sense, much to the dismay of his upper-crust uncle, Philip Banks (James Avery), Aunt Vivian (Janet Hubert-Whitten and Daphne Maxwell Reid) and three conceited cousins, Carlton (Alfonso Ribeiro), Hilary (Karyn Parsons) and Ashley (Tatyana Ali) - and even the butler, Geoffrey (Joseph Marcell). As the Banks family opens their home - and their checkbook - to their needy relative, Will adapts easily to their indulgent lifestyle. Yet, he reminds everyone that the simplest pleasures of family life can't be bought at any price.

Repeats can be seen on Nick at Nite, The N (Noggin's nightime program lineup), and weekday afternoons on TBS.

Nielsen Ratings (Top 20 or better)

Not in Top 20 in the 1990 - 1991 Season #18 in the 1991 - 1992 Season #14 in the 1992 - 1993 Season Not in Top 20 in the 1993 - 1994 Season Not in Top 20 in the 1994 - 1995 Season Not in Top 20 in the 1995 - 1996 Season

Theme Song: "Fresh Prince" Lyrics and music by Will Smith. Produced by Will Smith in association with "A Touch Of Jazz".

Now this is the story all about how My life got flipped, turned upside down And I'd like to take a minute, just sit right there I'll tell you how I became the prince of a town called Bel-Air In West Philadelphia born and raised On the playground where I spent most of my days Chilling out, maxing, relaxing all cool And shootin' some B-ball outside of the school When a couple of guys who were up to no good Started making trouble in my neighbourhood I got in one little fight and my mom got scared She said "you're moving with your auntie and uncle in Bel-Air" I whistled for a cab and when it came near the License plate said "Fresh" and had dice in the mirror If anything I could say that this cab was rare But I thought nah, forget it, yo homes to bel-air I pulled up to a house about seven or eight And I yelled to the cabbie 'Yo homes, smell you later Looked at my kingdom I was finally there To sit on my throne as the prince of Bel-Airmoreless
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Episode Guide

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S 6 :  Ep 24 Aired 5/20/96
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S 6 :  Ep 23 Aired 5/20/96
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S 6 :  Ep 22 Aired 5/13/96
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S 6 :  Ep 21 Aired 5/6/96
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S 6 :  Ep 20 Aired 4/22/96
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Fan Reviews (349)

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  • Good old sitcom

    7.5
    "Good"
    By Sheena-Lynn, May 12, 2012
    Not my favourite but a very enjoyable sitcom.
    Phillip or Geoffrey always make me laugh. And I always get so nostalgic about the nineties and the clothes...(althoug I wasn't born then).
    Most episodes were fun but some also critical and that's a good thing, I think.

  • Silly

    10
    "Perfect"
    By T_VFan, May 12, 2012
    This family has a lot of up and downs, a lot of comedy between Will and Carl, and takes you through a rollercoaster of events. From bad parenting to good parenting, to family setbacks, to independent growth, this is one show you have GOT to see and grow up with!

  • The Best Sitcoms Ever!!!

    9.0
    "Superb"
    By NineataGracia, Mar 12, 2012
    This is master of sitcoms can made you laugh and learn something,especially Will Smith,with fantastic performance He's amazing actor,'THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR' was funny from beginning to end.I love every character on this show, But Vivian Banks must be Janet Hubert !!!! She was perfect combination.is my favorite show though,

  • Perfection has never been so funny.

    10
    "Perfect"
    By JasminChang, Feb 13, 2012
    This show is absolutely perfect; Will Smith is an amazing actor, especially for his part in this show. I remember when I first watched him play Fr Elise by Beethoven on the piano at the end of the 1st episode and Uncle Phil's look when he heard and saw him do it. I remember when Carlton accidentally took the drugs in Will's locker; the look of pure anguish and sorry after the realization of what he had done to Carlton; and what could of had happened to him. When his father reentered his life, the joy he experienced wasn't acting, it was pure emotion. When he left, I cried for the first time during any motion picture or TV series, he was perfect. I remember it ending, I wanted more of it. The perfect ending to a perfect TV series. There will never be another like the Fresh Prince of Bel Air.moreless

  • One of the best shows ever.

    9.0
    "Superb"
    By Rei_Fire, Oct 21, 2011
    The only thing I didn't like about the show as everyone grew older was Ashley. They try to have her act like a little wh*re or some sort of diva instead of the sweet little Ashley we saw on the first episode. Sure kids grow up and mature, but they shouldn't mature in that way. They had the stupid "boyfriend-girlfriend plot" at times, but they made it funny.
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absent parent, celebrity life, for the nostalgic, growing up too fast, nerdy friend

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