The phrase “May you live in interesting times” is said to be a translation of a Chinese curse. Though it sounds innocuous, the phrase actually implies that times of peace and tranquility are boring, while turbulent, troubled times are interesting. And though its origins may not be as believed, there certainly is some truth to it. We definitely are living in some interesting times, which is probably why Will Smith and Peacock have decided to turn the beloved Fresh Prince of Bel Air into a grim and gritty drama series.
As with the original Fresh Prince series, Bel Air will follow a fictionalized Will Smith (played here by newcomer Jabari Banks) as he moves in with his affluent family in California after getting into a fight back in Philly (you all know the song, I’m sure). Peacock gave Twitter the first look at the show in a three-minute trailer.
You know the Banks family, but not like this. From executive producer Will Smith and Westbrook – #BelAirPeacock is streaming February 13. 🚕 Let’s go home. pic.twitter.com/r6LD6y2yK3
— Peacock (@peacockTV) January 10, 2022
The entire Banks family is present in the drama: Uncle Phil and Aunt Viv, as well as Hilary, Carlton, and Ashley. Even Geoffrey the butler gets reimagined in the most ripped, Zaddy way possible by casting Jimmy Akingbola in the role.
The main difference between the two shows is that, unlike Fresh Prince, Bel Air won’t be a comedy series. The show will deal with themes like gun violence, inner-city violence, drug use, and racism. Though Fresh Prince is notable in that, even as a comedy, it touched on many of those themes, it didn’t rely on them for its conflict.
Though I’m not completely sold on the concept behind Bel Air, I am comforted by the fact that Will Smith (the non-fictional one) is executive producing the show. At least I know that it will be handled respectfully and with gravitas, and that’s the least I can ask for.
Bel Air will premiere on Peacock on February 13th. The show stars Jabari Banks, Adrian Holmes as Uncle Phil, Olly Sholotan as Carlton, and Cassandra Freeman as Aunt Viv.
