The Classic TV Database

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

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