Before he became a mega-movie star, hip hop artist Will Smith starred in this quintessential '90s sitcom. Will Smith plays a street-smart teenager who grew up on the mean streets of West Philadelphia. After he gets into some trouble, his mother sends him to Bel-Air to live with Will's rich uncle. Will's foils included his stern Uncle Philip, preppy Carlton, and airhead Hilary. Though Smith's rapid-fire wisecracks were the show's main attraction, Will's new family sometimes got the last laugh.
Cast and Characters
Will Smith as Will Smith
James Avery as Philip Banks
Janet Hubert-Whitten as Vivian Banks (1990-1993)
Daphne Maxwell Reid as Vivian Banks (1993-1996)
Alfonso Ribeiro as Carlton Banks
Joseph Marcell as Geoffrey
Tatyana Ali as Ashley Banks
Karyn Parsons as Hilary Banks
Ross Bagley as Nicky Banks (1994-1996)
Jeffrey A. Townes (D.J. Jazzy Jeff) as Jazz
Broadcast History First Telecast: September 10, 1990 Last Telecast: May 20, 1996 Number of Episodes: 148
Number of Seasons: 6
Original Network: NBC
September 1990- May 1996, NBC, Monday 8:00-8:30pm
Theme Song Lyrics and Opening Credits
Theme by Will Smith. Composed by Quincy Jones.
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 was where I spent most of my days
Chillin' out maxin' relaxin' all cool
And all shootin some b-ball outside of school
When a couple of guys
Who were up to no good
Startin making trouble in my neighborhood
I got in one little fight and my mom got scared
She said 'You're movin' with your auntie and uncle in Bel Air'
I whistled for a cab and when it came near
The license plate said fresh and it had dice in the mirror
If anything I can say is that this cab was rare
But I thought 'Nah forget it' - 'Yo homes to Bel Air'
I pulled up to the house about seven or eight
And I yelled to the cabbie 'Yo homes smell ya later'
I looked at my kingdom
I was finally there
To sit on my throne as the Prince of Bel Air
Before he became a mega-movie star, hip hop artist Will Smith starred in this quintessential '90s sitcom. Will Smith plays a street-smart teenager who grew up on the mean streets of West Philadelphia. After he gets into some trouble, his mother sends him to Bel-Air to live with Will's rich uncle. Will's foils included his stern Uncle Philip, preppy Carlton, and airhead Hilary. Though Smith's rapid-fire wisecracks were the show's main attraction, Will's new family sometimes got the last laugh.
