The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Watch The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

  • TV-PG
  • 1990
  • 6 Seasons
  • 7.9  (138,929)

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is a classic American television sitcom that aired on NBC from 1990 to 1996. The show follows the story of a young man, Will Smith (played by Will Smith), who is sent from his tough Philadelphia neighborhood to live with his wealthy Aunt and Uncle in their luxurious Bel-Air mansion. The cultural divide between Will, who is street-wise and used to a less privileged life, and his refined and wealthy family creates plenty of comedic situations and social commentary. James Avery, who played Uncle Phil, was a central figure to the show, providing an authoritative and wise character to balance Will's antics. Janet Hubert played the original Aunt Vivian, while Daphne Maxwell Reid played the role from the fourth season onwards. Alfonso Ribeiro played Will's cousin Carlton, who often provided a counterpoint to Will's street-wise sensibilities. Karyn Parsons played Will's wealthy and privileged cousin, Hilary, while Joseph Marcell played the family's British butler, Geoffrey. Tatyana Ali played Will's younger cousin, Ashley, while Ross Bagley played Will's street-smart friend, Nicky. Aside from the cultural divide and social commentary, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air also explores topics such as family dynamics, loyalty, friendship, and growing up. The show also features memorable characters, such as Carlton's hilarious dance moves and Will's catchy phrases that have stood the test of time. The show was not only beloved by audiences but also helped launch the career of Will Smith, who had previously been known as a rapper. His transition to acting was seamless, and his charisma and humor helped make the show a hit. The show has remained popular over the years, with many regarding it as a classic example of 90s sitcoms. Overall, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is a timeless classic that is loved by generations. Its cultural commentary and exploration of family dynamics, as well as its humor and memorable characters, have cemented its place in popular culture. For those who haven't seen the show or want to relive the nostalgia, you can watch The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air online.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
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Seasons
I, Done, Pt. 2
24. I, Done, Pt. 2
May 20, 1996
With the Banks selling up and Will still no place to go, he attempts to send off all potential buyers. However, when this plan fails, Will must confess to Phil and Vivian that he has no place to go. Alas, the family moves on to their own separate lives, leaving the house behind for good.
I, Done, Pt. 1
23. I, Done, Pt. 1
May 20, 1996
When Carlton, Ashley, and Hilary all move onto bigger things, Will tells them he bought an apartment. Now he must find one when Uncle Phil puts the house for sale.
Eye, Tooth
22. Eye, Tooth
May 13, 1996
William Shatner guest stars in this episode on Hilary's talk show, which she says is moving to New York. Ashley also wants to go to New York for her future, but Phil is reluctant to let her go.
I, Stank Hole in One
21. I, Stank Hole in One
May 6, 1996
Hilary gets to sub in for Kathy Lee on Live with Regis and Kathy Lee, but they don't get along very well. In the meantime, Carlton takes his father for granted in a golf tournament, where Will subs in later. Will and Phil have a great time, making Carlton envious of Will, and wants to play with his father again.
I, Stank Horse
20. I, Stank Horse
April 22, 1996
Ashley gets an offer from and ad agency to appear in a bikini. Phil takes offense to this, and takes her out of it. What he doesn't know: this could be the beginning of Ashley's future.
I, Whoops, There It Is
19. I, Whoops, There It Is
April 15, 1996
Will Smith takes Dick Clark on a behind the scenes look at the show, including bloopers and outtakes.
Hare Today...
18. Hare Today...
April 8, 1996
Will catches the Church reverend making a pass at Vivian. In the meantime, Carlton and Ashley compete for the lead in the church choir.
The Butler's Son Did It
17. The Butler's Son Did It
March 18, 1996
Geoffrey's long lost son visits, but Will discovers his true intentions.
I, Bowl Buster
16. I, Bowl Buster
February 26, 1996
Carlton decides he wants to be a bowler instead of going to college.
Breaking Up is Hard to Do, Pt. 2
15. Breaking Up is Hard to Do, Pt. 2
February 19, 1996
The other members of the family feel that Phil and Vivian's breaking up will affect their lives negatively, so, Will, Carlton, and Helen try to bring them back together.
Breaking Up is Hard to Do, Pt. 1
14. Breaking Up is Hard to Do, Pt. 1
February 12, 1996
Philip gets involved with politics, and Vivian feels that this is affecting their personal lives, so she breaks up with him. In the meantime, Ashley gets a job offer from a modeling agency after being discovered at her job.
I, Clownius
13. I, Clownius
January 15, 1996
Will, Phil, and Carlton are trying to get to court for a trial, but get stopped by a clown who claims to have a bomb strapped to his waist.
Boxing Helena
12. Boxing Helena
January 8, 1996
Will is knocked out by a female boxer.
I, Ooh, Baby, Baby
11. I, Ooh, Baby, Baby
December 11, 1995
After witnessing a birth on her first national show, Hilary decides she wants to have a baby.
There's the Rub, Pt. 2
10. There's the Rub, Pt. 2
November 20, 1995
Will and Phil are arrested at a massage parlor while Hilary and Carlton learn lessons at a soup kitchen.
There's the Rub, Pt. 1
9. There's the Rub, Pt. 1
November 20, 1995
Carlton and Hilary volunteer in a soup kitchen on Thanksgiving, but for selfish reasons. Meanwhile, Will takes Uncle Phil to a massage parlor as the family prepares Thanksgiving dinner.
Viva Lost Wages
8. Viva Lost Wages
November 13, 1995
Will and Carlton go to Las Vegas to celebrate Carlton's 21st birthday, but soon Carlton gets a gambling problem, and loses all their money. Will and Carlton have to enter a dance contest to get the money to go back home.
Not With My Cousin You Don't
7. Not With My Cousin You Don't
November 6, 1995
Will and Carlton overhear Ashley's conversation about sex.
Not, I Barbecue
6. Not, I Barbecue
October 23, 1995
Carlton misses out on a date with the perfect woman for him, and ends up lonely again. Will decides to take him out on a double date with someone else and his date. That would have gone fine, before Mad Dog shows up.
The Script Formerly Known As
5. The Script Formerly Known As
October 16, 1995
For Hilary's show, Will decides to book a juror from Phil's big celebrity sex scandal case.
Bourgie Sings the Blues
4. Bourgie Sings the Blues
October 9, 1995
After being disappointed many times by grades, friends, etc., Carlton decides to run away prior to an interview with a representative from Princeton. It's up to Will to get him back, no matter what it takes, even if it means dressing up like him.
Stress Related
3. Stress Related
October 2, 1995
Hilary needs help, and Will wants to give it to her, but he also has an important meeting. In the meantime, it's career day at Ashley's school, but Phil can't make it. Carlton, thinking he's going to get a job offer, subs in for him, but at the last minute, he finds out he didn't get it, making matters tough for him.
Get a Job
2. Get a Job
September 25, 1995
To show Uncle Phil how mature he is, Will decides to take out the ugly sister of a comedian booked on Hilary's show.
Burnin' Down the House
1. Burnin' Down the House
September 18, 1995
Will starts a fire on the day an important judge is coming over for dinner. He and Geoffrey must put out the fire and save dinner. Meanwhile, Carlton goes to a republican summer camp.
Description

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is a classic American television sitcom that aired on NBC from 1990 to 1996. The show follows the story of a young man, Will Smith (played by Will Smith), who is sent from his tough Philadelphia neighborhood to live with his wealthy Aunt and Uncle in their luxurious Bel-Air mansion. The cultural divide between Will, who is street-wise and used to a less privileged life, and his refined and wealthy family creates plenty of comedic situations and social commentary.

James Avery, who played Uncle Phil, was a central figure to the show, providing an authoritative and wise character to balance Will's antics. Janet Hubert played the original Aunt Vivian, while Daphne Maxwell Reid played the role from the fourth season onwards. Alfonso Ribeiro played Will's cousin Carlton, who often provided a counterpoint to Will's street-wise sensibilities. Karyn Parsons played Will's wealthy and privileged cousin, Hilary, while Joseph Marcell played the family's British butler, Geoffrey. Tatyana Ali played Will's younger cousin, Ashley, while Ross Bagley played Will's street-smart friend, Nicky.

Aside from the cultural divide and social commentary, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air also explores topics such as family dynamics, loyalty, friendship, and growing up. The show also features memorable characters, such as Carlton's hilarious dance moves and Will's catchy phrases that have stood the test of time.

The show was not only beloved by audiences but also helped launch the career of Will Smith, who had previously been known as a rapper. His transition to acting was seamless, and his charisma and humor helped make the show a hit. The show has remained popular over the years, with many regarding it as a classic example of 90s sitcoms.

Overall, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is a timeless classic that is loved by generations. Its cultural commentary and exploration of family dynamics, as well as its humor and memorable characters, have cemented its place in popular culture. For those who haven't seen the show or want to relive the nostalgia, you can watch The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air online.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is a series that is currently running and has 6 seasons (153 episodes). The series first aired on September 10, 1990.

Where to Watch The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is available for streaming on the website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air on demand at Apple TV.

  • Premiere Date
    September 10, 1990
  • IMDB Rating
    7.9  (138,929)