Genre: Drama
Created by Andy Borowitz & Susan Borowitz
Developed by Morgan Cooper & Malcolm Spellman & TJ Brady & Rasheed Newson
Based on a Story by Andy Borowitz & Susan Borowitz, On a Format by Benny Medina & Jeff Pollack.
Starring: Jabari Banks, Cassandra Freeman, Jimmy Akingbola, Olly Sholotan, Coco Jones, Akira Akbar, Simone Joy Jones, Jordan L. Jones & Adrian Holmes. Music by: Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper
Executive Producers: TJ Brady & Rasheed Newson, Morgan Cooper, Will Smith, Terence Carter, James Lassiter, Miguel Melendez, Malcolm Spellman, Benny Medina, Quincy Jones, Andy Borowitz & Susan Borowitz.
Producers: Debra Lovatelli, Jeff Rafner, Jason B. Harkins
Production locations: West Philadelphia.
Cinematography: James Hawkinson, Christopher Soos
Editors: Jennifer Barbot, Christopher S. Capp, Angela Latimer, Shoshanah Tanzer, Mark Heiliger
Production Companies: Arbolada Roads; Ra Shines Inc. Cooper Films; The 51; Westbrook Studios; Universal Television
Distributor: Peacock
Plot: A re-imagination of the beloved sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” set in modern-day America through a new, dramatic take on Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel Air. As these worlds collide, he reckons with the power of second chances while navigating the conflicts, emotions and biases of a world far different from the only one he’s ever known.
Season 1 of Bel Air was Very Good.
Pros: This show is a good example of how to take an existing franchise and do something new with it. All of the characters acted like a real family and their performances were very believable. You feel the heartfelt drama in this show & the ending left you interested to see what’s going to happen in season 2.
Cons: None.
Cast & Characters:
Main:
- Jabari Banks as Will Smith, a 16-year-old from West Philadelphia who is sent to live with his Aunt and Uncle in Bel-Air by his mother, Vy
- Cassandra Freeman as Vivian Banks, Will’s Aunt, wife of Philip, mother of Hilary, Carlton and Ashley and sister of Vy
- Jimmy Akingbola as Geoffrey Thompson, the House Manager of the Bankses, originally from Jamaica before moving to London as a child
- Olly Sholotan as Carlton Banks, the lacrosse-playing middle child of Viv and Phil and Will’s cousin and adversary
- Coco Jones as Hilary Banks, a social media influencer, excellent chef and eldest child of Viv and Phil and Will’s cousin
- Akira Akbar as Ashley Banks, the 12-year-old youngest child of Viv and Phil and Will’s cousin
- Simone Joy Jones as Lisa Wilkes, a potential love interest of Will, and Carlton’s ex. She is also on the swim team.
- Jordan L. Jones as Jazz, a taxi driver Will met and bonded with when he arrived at LAX. He also owns a record store and has a crush on Hilary.
- Adrian Holmes as Philip Banks, Will’s lawyer uncle, husband of Viv and father of Hilary, Carlton and Ashley
Recurring:
- April Parker Jones as Viola ‘Vy’ Smith, Will’s mother
- SteVonté Hart as Tray Melbert, Will’s former best friend in Philadelphia
- Tyler Barnhardt as Connor Satterfield, Carlton’s best friend
- Joe Holt as Fred Wilkes, Lisa’s father who is a police officer
- Charlie Hall as Tyler Laramy, Will’s friend and basketball teammate at Bel-Air Academy
- Jon Beavers as Kylo
- Michael Ealy as Reed Broderick
- Duane Martin as Steven Lewis, Phillip’s campaign manager
Special guest stars:
- Daphne Maxwell Reid as Janice, a board member of the Art Council. Reid previously was the second actress to portray Vivian Banks in the original series.
- Vernee Watson-Johnson as Helen, another board member of the Art Council. Watson-Johnson previously portrayed Viola ‘Vy’ Smith in the original series.
- Marlon Wayans as Lou, Will’s father whom he thought to abandon his mother and him. The character was previously portrayed by Ben Vereen in the original series.
I recommend watching this season to anyone who owns a sky box.
Rating: 9 out of 10 Stars
Ryan Balkwill:
Resident TV reviewer,
Level Best Art Cafe.