The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air - Review

“You also thought Tupac Shakur was a Jewish holiday” – A review of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air. 

There are some theme tunes that stay with you no matter how long it’s been since you last heard it, and to this day the second I hear “now this is a story, all about how…” I am ready to grab a mic. Starring Will Smith in his breakout role, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air is sharp, witty and full of both hilarious and devastatingly sad moments, allowing it to still resonate decades after its release.

The show follows Will, a teenager born and raised in West Philadelphia, who is sent to live with his rich relatives in Bel-Air, Los Angeles. The culture clash is immediately apparent; Wills upbringing has been nothing like the affluent lifestyle enjoyed by Uncle Phil’s family. Will is a complete fish out of water, but the show handles this with sensitivity and humour as it explores themes of belonging, family and the importance of identity.

I really love the dynamics between the cast members. Each character is so well fleshed out, from the strict but genuine Uncle Phil, kind and compassionate Aunt Vivian, precocious Ashleigh and the incredibly pompous but nonetheless hilarious Carton. The way they interact with each other is so natural that they feel like a real family, which truly anchors the series in realism which helps to make it both funny and relatable.

Sure, there is a lot of witty dialogue and slapstick humour, but what really resonates with audiences I think is the social commentary. Race, class, fatherhood and gun violence are all explored with sensitivity and emotion. A particular moment that stands out for me is Will’s conversation with Uncle Phil about his own father, which ends with Will crying “How come he don’t want me man”. No matter how many times I see this scene, it always brings me to tears.

The universal and timeless appeal of this series cannot be ignored. From the countless pop culture references that can be found in other sitcoms to its instantly recognisable and iconic opening theme, there are few who wouldn’t immediately know this show. It was also responsible for introducing Will Smith to the world, which helped to pave the way for his career in both music and film.

This is such a standout in 1990s TV. I was so young when it first aired, and yet I have core childhood memories of sitting in my living room laughing at it with my family. From its humour to its meaningful storytelling, there’s a reason that its legacy endures and it has had so many reruns. This is a show that is well worth a revisit, and if you’ve never seen it before, I cannot recommend it enough.

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

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