Exclusive: Vic Mensa (The Chi) and Alycia Pascual-Peña have joined the Season 3 cast of Peacock’s Bel-Air in recurring roles. Mensa will play Quentin and Pascual-Peña will play Amira.
Set in modern-day Los Angeles, Bel-Air imagines The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air through a new, dramatic take on Will’s (Jabari Banks) complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. As these two worlds collide, Will 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.
Inspired by Morgan Cooper’s viral trailer that reimagined the ‘90s sitcom, Bel-Air takes a new approach to this world of swagger, style and aspiration, while exploring Will’s complex journey through a current lens.
In addition to Banks, the hit streaming series also stars Adrian Holmes,...
Set in modern-day Los Angeles, Bel-Air imagines The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air through a new, dramatic take on Will’s (Jabari Banks) complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. As these two worlds collide, Will 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.
Inspired by Morgan Cooper’s viral trailer that reimagined the ‘90s sitcom, Bel-Air takes a new approach to this world of swagger, style and aspiration, while exploring Will’s complex journey through a current lens.
In addition to Banks, the hit streaming series also stars Adrian Holmes,...
- 2/8/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
To celebrate the release of Bel-Air Season One coming to Blu-Ray and DVD on August 28th we have 2 Blu-Rays to give away!
Set in modern-day America, Bel-Air imagines the beloved sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air 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 two worlds collide, Will 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.
Cast: Jabari Banks, Cassandra Freeman, Jimmy Akingbola, Olly Sholotan, Coco Jones, Jordan L. Jones and Adrian Holmes.
A new, gritty version of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, executive produced by Will Smith, and inspired by Morgan Cooper’s viral trailer that reimagined the iconic, culture-defining ‘90s sitcom. Bel-Air takes a fresh and raw approach to this world of swagger,...
Set in modern-day America, Bel-Air imagines the beloved sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air 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 two worlds collide, Will 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.
Cast: Jabari Banks, Cassandra Freeman, Jimmy Akingbola, Olly Sholotan, Coco Jones, Jordan L. Jones and Adrian Holmes.
A new, gritty version of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, executive produced by Will Smith, and inspired by Morgan Cooper’s viral trailer that reimagined the iconic, culture-defining ‘90s sitcom. Bel-Air takes a fresh and raw approach to this world of swagger,...
- 8/22/2023
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
On Monday, May 22, 2023, a lively panel with the cast of “Bel-Air” was held at the NBCU FYC House in Los Angeles. Gold Derby associate editor Latasha Ford was on the red carpet to catch up with Jabari Banks, Bill Bellamy, Coco Jones, Cassandra Freeman, Olly Sholotan, Jimmy Akingbola and Adrian Holmes, as well as costume designer Queensylvia Akuchie. Watch the fun, enlightening chats above!
Set in modern-day Los Angeles, Peacock’s “Bel-Air” imagines the beloved sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” through a new, dramatic take on Will’s (Banks) complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air, California. As these two worlds collide, Will 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.
See ‘The Best Man: The Final Chapters’ FYC event: Exclusive red carpet interviews with Morris Chestnut,...
Set in modern-day Los Angeles, Peacock’s “Bel-Air” imagines the beloved sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” through a new, dramatic take on Will’s (Banks) complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air, California. As these two worlds collide, Will 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.
See ‘The Best Man: The Final Chapters’ FYC event: Exclusive red carpet interviews with Morris Chestnut,...
- 5/25/2023
- by Latasha Ford
- Gold Derby
The 2023 class of mentees for the Black Boy Writes & Black Girl Writes Mentorship Initiative was announced today. The mentees are presented by writer Mike Gauyo, in partnership with Stage 32, and with support from Culture Creative Entertainment, M88, and Final Draft.
The partnership with Stage 32 consisted of a global search for emerging Black writers, which resulted in a record number of applications from over a dozen countries. The outcome is a mentee class of 12 writers.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the latest group of mentees, who I’m sure will go on to do amazing things in and out of the program,” said Black Boy Write Media founder, Mike Gauyo. “I launched this initiative to create a space for Black writers to have access towards a career in writing, not just in hopes of combatting the lack of diversity in Hollywood, but to give these writers a chance at achieving dreams that,...
The partnership with Stage 32 consisted of a global search for emerging Black writers, which resulted in a record number of applications from over a dozen countries. The outcome is a mentee class of 12 writers.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the latest group of mentees, who I’m sure will go on to do amazing things in and out of the program,” said Black Boy Write Media founder, Mike Gauyo. “I launched this initiative to create a space for Black writers to have access towards a career in writing, not just in hopes of combatting the lack of diversity in Hollywood, but to give these writers a chance at achieving dreams that,...
- 4/12/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
In our Q&a series Popsugar Crush, we get to know some of our favorite celebs' more intimate details - from their perfect date night to their best love advice. This month, we're crushing on "Bel-Air" star Jordan L. Jones.
It's pretty rare for actors to have the opportunity to work with their parents on screen. But in "Bel-Air"'s episode four of season two, star Jordan L. Jones got to do exactly that. "I think the greatest part is that my mom actually auditioned for this," Jones tells Popsugar of having his mother, Ptosha Storey, as a scene partner. In fact, she didn't even tell him about it until after the fact. "I was like, 'What the f*ck?' You got to tell a brother."
"What I didn't want to do is be like, 'Yeah, so my mom is getting this audition. I would love for her to play my mom.
It's pretty rare for actors to have the opportunity to work with their parents on screen. But in "Bel-Air"'s episode four of season two, star Jordan L. Jones got to do exactly that. "I think the greatest part is that my mom actually auditioned for this," Jones tells Popsugar of having his mother, Ptosha Storey, as a scene partner. In fact, she didn't even tell him about it until after the fact. "I was like, 'What the f*ck?' You got to tell a brother."
"What I didn't want to do is be like, 'Yeah, so my mom is getting this audition. I would love for her to play my mom.
- 4/7/2023
- by Njera Perkins
- Popsugar.com
Bel-Air, starring Jabari Banks, is one of the strangest streaming TV flagships. The controversial prestige drama reboot of the beloved sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was initially ridiculed by many as an unnecessarily overwrought take on a simple sitcom.
But the final product ended up being much more interesting than the premise implied, earning it a second season on Peacock. One of the main reasons the series ended up clicking with viewers is Jabari Banks, who plays Will Smith in the dark reinterpretation of Smith’s now-legendary show.
It’s a role that Banks wasn’t necessarily seen as the obvious choice for — including to the 24-year-old actor himself.
‘Bel-Air’ was strong enough to earn a second season
Bel-Air isn’t a straightforwardly dark reboot of a sitcom. Yes, it does a lot of straight-faced adapting of plot lines from the original Fresh Prince. But the concept came out...
But the final product ended up being much more interesting than the premise implied, earning it a second season on Peacock. One of the main reasons the series ended up clicking with viewers is Jabari Banks, who plays Will Smith in the dark reinterpretation of Smith’s now-legendary show.
It’s a role that Banks wasn’t necessarily seen as the obvious choice for — including to the 24-year-old actor himself.
‘Bel-Air’ was strong enough to earn a second season
Bel-Air isn’t a straightforwardly dark reboot of a sitcom. Yes, it does a lot of straight-faced adapting of plot lines from the original Fresh Prince. But the concept came out...
- 3/25/2023
- by Agustin Mojica
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Jabari Banks as Will and Olly Sholotan as Carlton in ‘Bel-Air’ (Photo by: Casey Durkin/Peacock)
Peacock’s given their popular drama Bel-Air an early season three renewal. According to the streaming service, season two of the modern reimagining of Will Smith’s The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is Peacock’s most-watched original sophomore show.
Jabari Banks leads the cast as Will, with Adrian Holmes starring as Phillip Banks, Cassandra Freeman plays Vivian Banks, Olly Sholotan is Carlton Banks, and Coco Jones is Hilary Banks. Akira Akbar is Ashley Banks, Jimmy Akingbola is Geoffrey, Jordan L. Jones is Jazz, and Simone Joy Jones is Lisa.
Fresh Prince‘s Tatyana Ali appears in a recurring role in season two.
The modern take on Fresh Prince was inspired by Morgan Cooper’s 2019 four-minute spec trailer. Cooper and Will Smith serve as executive producers along with writer and showrunner Carla Banks Waddles. Additional executive producers include Anthony Sparks,...
Peacock’s given their popular drama Bel-Air an early season three renewal. According to the streaming service, season two of the modern reimagining of Will Smith’s The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is Peacock’s most-watched original sophomore show.
Jabari Banks leads the cast as Will, with Adrian Holmes starring as Phillip Banks, Cassandra Freeman plays Vivian Banks, Olly Sholotan is Carlton Banks, and Coco Jones is Hilary Banks. Akira Akbar is Ashley Banks, Jimmy Akingbola is Geoffrey, Jordan L. Jones is Jazz, and Simone Joy Jones is Lisa.
Fresh Prince‘s Tatyana Ali appears in a recurring role in season two.
The modern take on Fresh Prince was inspired by Morgan Cooper’s 2019 four-minute spec trailer. Cooper and Will Smith serve as executive producers along with writer and showrunner Carla Banks Waddles. Additional executive producers include Anthony Sparks,...
- 3/17/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Bel-Air is sticking around at Peacock, and we couldn't be more excited,
Many great shows are being cut short on streaming services these days, but Bel-Air has officially been renewed for Season 3.
The news comes about halfway through Bel-Air Season 2, which airs Thursdays on Peacock and is set to conclude next month.
Inspired by Morgan Cooper's lauded short film, Bel-air is a modern-day reimagining of the iconic culture-defining '90s sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Following its launch on Peacock last year as the streamer's most-watched original premiere, Bel-Air is once again breaking records on the platform as Peacock's most-watched original sophomore series to date.
Bel-Air is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group and Westbrook Studios.
Carla Banks Waddles serves as showrunner, writer, and executive producer.
The cast of Bel-Air Season 2 includes Jabari Banks, Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, Olly Sholotan, Coco Jones, Akira Akbar,...
Many great shows are being cut short on streaming services these days, but Bel-Air has officially been renewed for Season 3.
The news comes about halfway through Bel-Air Season 2, which airs Thursdays on Peacock and is set to conclude next month.
Inspired by Morgan Cooper's lauded short film, Bel-air is a modern-day reimagining of the iconic culture-defining '90s sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Following its launch on Peacock last year as the streamer's most-watched original premiere, Bel-Air is once again breaking records on the platform as Peacock's most-watched original sophomore series to date.
Bel-Air is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group and Westbrook Studios.
Carla Banks Waddles serves as showrunner, writer, and executive producer.
The cast of Bel-Air Season 2 includes Jabari Banks, Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, Olly Sholotan, Coco Jones, Akira Akbar,...
- 3/17/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
“Bel-Air” has been renewed for a third season at Peacock, the streamer announced on Friday.
The series launched in February 2022 as the streamer’s most-watched original premiere, and remains Peacock’s most-watched original series to date.
The dramatic reimagining of the ‘90s Will Smith sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” was inspired by Morgan Cooper’s 2019 four-minute spec trailer, “Bel-Air,” which went viral on social media. Set in modern-day Los Angeles, Peacock’s one-hour drama series imagines the beloved sitcom with a new perspective on Will’s journey from West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. As his upbringing and his new environment collide, Will navigates the conflicts and biases of a world far different from the only one he’s ever known, while striving for a second chance at success.
Also Read:
‘Bel-Air’ Showrunner Says Writers Listened to Cast and Fans for Season 2 Storylines
Jabari Banks stars as main character Will.
The series launched in February 2022 as the streamer’s most-watched original premiere, and remains Peacock’s most-watched original series to date.
The dramatic reimagining of the ‘90s Will Smith sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” was inspired by Morgan Cooper’s 2019 four-minute spec trailer, “Bel-Air,” which went viral on social media. Set in modern-day Los Angeles, Peacock’s one-hour drama series imagines the beloved sitcom with a new perspective on Will’s journey from West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. As his upbringing and his new environment collide, Will navigates the conflicts and biases of a world far different from the only one he’s ever known, while striving for a second chance at success.
Also Read:
‘Bel-Air’ Showrunner Says Writers Listened to Cast and Fans for Season 2 Storylines
Jabari Banks stars as main character Will.
- 3/17/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
“Bel-Air” has been renewed for Season 3 at Peacock.
The dramatic reboot of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” is currently airing its second season on the streamer, with the season finale set to run on April 27. This marks the first official renewal for the show, as it was originally picked up for two seasons back in 2020.
Like the sitcom version, “Bel-Air” follows a teenager named Will (Jabari Banks), who moves from West Philadelphia to live with his auntie and uncle in the titular posh Los Angeles neighborhood.
Along with Banks, Season of the series also stars Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, Olly Sholotan, Coco Jones, Akira Akbar, Jimmy Akingbola, Jordan L. Jones and Simone Joy Jones. Tatyana Ali, who played the original Ashley Banks in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” appeared in Season 2 in a recurring guest role.
Universal Television produces with Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios.
Season 2 guest stars also included Karrueche Tran,...
The dramatic reboot of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” is currently airing its second season on the streamer, with the season finale set to run on April 27. This marks the first official renewal for the show, as it was originally picked up for two seasons back in 2020.
Like the sitcom version, “Bel-Air” follows a teenager named Will (Jabari Banks), who moves from West Philadelphia to live with his auntie and uncle in the titular posh Los Angeles neighborhood.
Along with Banks, Season of the series also stars Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, Olly Sholotan, Coco Jones, Akira Akbar, Jimmy Akingbola, Jordan L. Jones and Simone Joy Jones. Tatyana Ali, who played the original Ashley Banks in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” appeared in Season 2 in a recurring guest role.
Universal Television produces with Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios.
Season 2 guest stars also included Karrueche Tran,...
- 3/17/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Bel-Air is getting another go at Peacock.
The streamer announced Friday that the series has been renewed for Season 3. The second season is airing new episodes through April 27.
Related Story We’ll Be Back: Photo Gallery Of TV Series Renewed In 2023 Related Story 'The Tattooist of Auschwitz': Jonah Hauer-King, Anna Próchniak & Melanie Lynskey To Star In Peacock & Sky Drama Series Related Story 'Monk' Returns As Peacock Orders Reunion Movie Starring Tony Shalhoub & Original Series Cast
When it launched on Peacock last year, Bel-Air became the streamer’s most-watched original premiere. With the debut of Season 2, it has become Peacock’s most-watched original sophomore series to date.
Bel-Air is a reimagining of the ’90s Will Smith sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air that follows Will’s (Jabari Banks) complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. As these two worlds collide, Will reckons...
The streamer announced Friday that the series has been renewed for Season 3. The second season is airing new episodes through April 27.
Related Story We’ll Be Back: Photo Gallery Of TV Series Renewed In 2023 Related Story 'The Tattooist of Auschwitz': Jonah Hauer-King, Anna Próchniak & Melanie Lynskey To Star In Peacock & Sky Drama Series Related Story 'Monk' Returns As Peacock Orders Reunion Movie Starring Tony Shalhoub & Original Series Cast
When it launched on Peacock last year, Bel-Air became the streamer’s most-watched original premiere. With the debut of Season 2, it has become Peacock’s most-watched original sophomore series to date.
Bel-Air is a reimagining of the ’90s Will Smith sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air that follows Will’s (Jabari Banks) complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. As these two worlds collide, Will reckons...
- 3/17/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
Peacock’s Bel-Air is nearly matching the number of seasons with its showrunners.
The NBCUniversal-backed streamer has handed out a third-season renewal for its reimagining of Will Smith’s beloved The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The dramatic take on the former comedy series that is inspired by Morgan Cooper’s viral short was originally picked up at Peacock with a two-season order following a competitive bidding process with other streamers vying for the series.
The season three renewal marks its first vote of confidence beyond that initial order and follows a wave of showrunner changes as the drama struggled to find its creative voice. Carla Banks Waddles was recruited as showrunner at the start of season two. The Good Girls and The Soul Man alum was promoted from co-exec producer to showrunner and replaced T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson (Army Wives, Lie to Me) at the helm of Bel-Air.
The NBCUniversal-backed streamer has handed out a third-season renewal for its reimagining of Will Smith’s beloved The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The dramatic take on the former comedy series that is inspired by Morgan Cooper’s viral short was originally picked up at Peacock with a two-season order following a competitive bidding process with other streamers vying for the series.
The season three renewal marks its first vote of confidence beyond that initial order and follows a wave of showrunner changes as the drama struggled to find its creative voice. Carla Banks Waddles was recruited as showrunner at the start of season two. The Good Girls and The Soul Man alum was promoted from co-exec producer to showrunner and replaced T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson (Army Wives, Lie to Me) at the helm of Bel-Air.
- 3/17/2023
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Peacock’s record-breaking drama series Bel-air has been renewed for a third season. Inspired by Morgan Cooper’s lauded short film, Bel-air is a modern-day reimagining of the iconic culture-defining ‘90s sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Following its launch on Peacock last year as the streamer’s most-watched original premiere, Bel-Air is once again breaking records on the platform as Peacock’s most-watched original sophomore series to date. Bel-air is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group and Westbrook Studios. Carla Banks Waddles serves as showrunner, writer and executive producer. New episodes stream Thursdays through April 27. Season two stars Jabari Banks, Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, Olly Sholotan, Coco Jones, Akira Akbar, Jimmy Akingbola, Jordan L. Jones and Simone Joy Jones. Season two saw the return of Tatyana Ali, who played the original Ashley Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and makes a recurring guest star appearance.
- 3/17/2023
- by Thomas Miller
- Seat42F
Will Smith’s big break in acting was the sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The show capitalized on Smith’s natural charisma and humor and proved he was more than just a rapper. Creator Benny Medina and producer Quincy Jones took a chance on Smith that paid off. The show lasted six seasons before Smith became such a big movie star, it was time to end the show. All six seasons of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air are streaming on HBO Max. If you like Fresh Prince of Bel-Air here are five other shows you may like too.
L-r: Alfonso Ribeiro, Will Smith, and Karyn Parsons | Alice S. Hall/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images If you like ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ as a comedy, try ‘Bel-Air’ as a drama
The direct remake of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air changes the tone considerably. Bel-Air imagines Will (Jabari Banks) moving in...
L-r: Alfonso Ribeiro, Will Smith, and Karyn Parsons | Alice S. Hall/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images If you like ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ as a comedy, try ‘Bel-Air’ as a drama
The direct remake of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air changes the tone considerably. Bel-Air imagines Will (Jabari Banks) moving in...
- 3/16/2023
- by Fred Topel
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1990, an 11-year-old Tatyana Ali began portraying the role of Ashley Banks on the NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Now, over 30 years later, Ali is taking on a new role on the set of the new TV drama Bel-Air which is a reimagined reboot of the classic NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. While the experience has been a joy for Ali, it has also been quite emotional. Here’s a look at why Ali couldn’t stop crying once she got on the set of Bel-Air.
Tatyana Ali takes on a new role in the ‘Bel-Air’ universe Tatyana Ali attends a “Bel-Air” premiere party I Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Of course, fans will remember that Ali’s character, Ashley, is the youngest daughter of Vivian and Philip Banks and the younger cousin of the show’s protagonist Will Smith. Ali played the role of Ashley Banks...
Tatyana Ali takes on a new role in the ‘Bel-Air’ universe Tatyana Ali attends a “Bel-Air” premiere party I Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Of course, fans will remember that Ali’s character, Ashley, is the youngest daughter of Vivian and Philip Banks and the younger cousin of the show’s protagonist Will Smith. Ali played the role of Ashley Banks...
- 3/13/2023
- by Danielle Gibson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Exclusive: M88 has signed Netflix’s Ginny and Georgia writer Mike Gauyo.
Gauyo also wrote for the critically acclaimed series, Insecure (HBO), Netflix’s Ginny and Georgia, and is the founder of the Black Boy Writes and Black Girl Writes Mentorship initiative, which is a yearlong program that provides pre-wga Black writers with access towards becoming established screenwriters in entertainment. Of the mentorship initiative Mike says,
“I launched the program in hopes of creating a space for Black writers to have access towards a career in writing that otherwise may have felt out of their reach. I’m happy to sign with M88, who isn’t just dedicated to being stewards of my career, but is equally as invested in the success of my mentorship initiative and its goal of amplifying marginalized voices.”
Most recently, Gauyo co-created Send Help for AMC Network’s Allblk streaming platform and served as its co-showrunner and Executive Producer.
Gauyo also wrote for the critically acclaimed series, Insecure (HBO), Netflix’s Ginny and Georgia, and is the founder of the Black Boy Writes and Black Girl Writes Mentorship initiative, which is a yearlong program that provides pre-wga Black writers with access towards becoming established screenwriters in entertainment. Of the mentorship initiative Mike says,
“I launched the program in hopes of creating a space for Black writers to have access towards a career in writing that otherwise may have felt out of their reach. I’m happy to sign with M88, who isn’t just dedicated to being stewards of my career, but is equally as invested in the success of my mentorship initiative and its goal of amplifying marginalized voices.”
Most recently, Gauyo co-created Send Help for AMC Network’s Allblk streaming platform and served as its co-showrunner and Executive Producer.
- 3/6/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
The following contains spoilers for Thursday’s episode of Bel-Air. Proceed accordingly.
Bel-Air welcomed another Fresh Prince alum with Tatyana Ali’s arrival in the Season 2 premiere as Ashley’s teacher Mrs. Hughes.
More from TVLinePuss in Boots: The Last Wish -- How to Watch the Hit Shrek OffshootThe Traitors Players Clash in Reunion Teaser: 'You Got Outplayed' -- WatchBel-Air Season 2 Premiere Recap: Will's New Mentor Seems Shady -- Grade It!
Previously, Daphne Maxwell Reid and Vernee Watson-Johnson — who played Aunt Viv and Viola “Vy” Smith in the Og series, respectively — appeared in Season 1 as board members interviewing Vivian for a coveted art fellowship.
Bel-Air welcomed another Fresh Prince alum with Tatyana Ali’s arrival in the Season 2 premiere as Ashley’s teacher Mrs. Hughes.
More from TVLinePuss in Boots: The Last Wish -- How to Watch the Hit Shrek OffshootThe Traitors Players Clash in Reunion Teaser: 'You Got Outplayed' -- WatchBel-Air Season 2 Premiere Recap: Will's New Mentor Seems Shady -- Grade It!
Previously, Daphne Maxwell Reid and Vernee Watson-Johnson — who played Aunt Viv and Viola “Vy” Smith in the Og series, respectively — appeared in Season 1 as board members interviewing Vivian for a coveted art fellowship.
- 3/2/2023
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including red carpets for Daisy Jones and the Six, Cocaine Bear, Party Down and Bel-Air.
Cocaine Bear premiere
Elizabeth Banks debuted her latest project on Tuesday in L.A., alongside producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller and stars Keri Russell, Alden Ehrenreich, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Margo Martindale and Jesse Tyler Ferguson.
Aditya Sood, Elizabeth Banks, Christopher Miller and Phil Lord Keri Russell and Jesse Tyler Ferguson Alden Ehrenreich
Party Down premiere
Thirteen years after the workplace comedy came to a close, Ken Marino, Martin Starr, Jane Lynch, Megan Mullally and Ryan Hansen attended the premiere for the show’s third season in L.A. on Wednesday, with new castmembers Jennifer Garner, James Marsden, Zoë Chao and Tyrel Jackson Williams.
Executive vp of original programming at Starz Karen Bailey, Martin Starr, president...
Cocaine Bear premiere
Elizabeth Banks debuted her latest project on Tuesday in L.A., alongside producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller and stars Keri Russell, Alden Ehrenreich, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Margo Martindale and Jesse Tyler Ferguson.
Aditya Sood, Elizabeth Banks, Christopher Miller and Phil Lord Keri Russell and Jesse Tyler Ferguson Alden Ehrenreich
Party Down premiere
Thirteen years after the workplace comedy came to a close, Ken Marino, Martin Starr, Jane Lynch, Megan Mullally and Ryan Hansen attended the premiere for the show’s third season in L.A. on Wednesday, with new castmembers Jennifer Garner, James Marsden, Zoë Chao and Tyrel Jackson Williams.
Executive vp of original programming at Starz Karen Bailey, Martin Starr, president...
- 2/24/2023
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bel-Air creator Morgan Cooper and season two showrunner Carla Banks Waddles are defending executive producer Will Smith following criticisms of his character after he slapped Chris Rock onstage at the 2022 Oscars.
In a new interview published ahead of the second season debut of Bel-Air on Feb. 24, Cooper spoke to Yahoo! Entertainment about the support Smith has given the show and its creative team day in and day out. For the show’s writer and director, he’s “got nothing but good things to say about Will.”
“Will is a great guy, and he’s demonstrated that with his actions throughout the whole Bel-Air development process, back when this was just my short film,” Cooper explained. “I’ve seen the content of his character on a day-to-day basis with this crew, this cast, my producing partners, the network and the studio.”
Morgan added that when it came to Smith’s behavior...
In a new interview published ahead of the second season debut of Bel-Air on Feb. 24, Cooper spoke to Yahoo! Entertainment about the support Smith has given the show and its creative team day in and day out. For the show’s writer and director, he’s “got nothing but good things to say about Will.”
“Will is a great guy, and he’s demonstrated that with his actions throughout the whole Bel-Air development process, back when this was just my short film,” Cooper explained. “I’ve seen the content of his character on a day-to-day basis with this crew, this cast, my producing partners, the network and the studio.”
Morgan added that when it came to Smith’s behavior...
- 2/24/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Last year, “Bel-Air” caught everyone by surprise. Reboots don’t usually stand toe to toe with the original. And the smart thing about Peacock’s “Bel-Air” was it didn’t try to copy its classic and still highly syndicated inspiration, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” Instead, it recognized the times and did a deep dive into issues a Black cast comedy could only touch on over 30 years ago. So intra-racial class issues, mental health, jealousy and more became the primary topics in the drama format sparked by a viral video from Morgan Cooper who dared to reimagine the classic. Plus, “Bel-Air” wasn’t afraid to shake up the casting, favoring actors with darker complexions while still maintaining the spirit of the original. With that kind of success, of course the second season is highly anticipated and burdened with the question of “Will it be as good as the first?”
Sadly,...
Sadly,...
- 2/23/2023
- by Ronda Racha Penrice
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Peacock has rounded out the recurring cast for Season 2 of Bel-Air with newcomer Al-Shabazz Jabateh (Prime Day Show), Nicholas Duvernay (Purple Hearts), Diandra Lyle (Secrets of Sulphur Springs), Justin Cornwell (The Umbrella Academy) and Reno Wilson (Good Girls).
Bel-Air, based on Morgan Cooper’s popular fan film that reenvisions the 1990s Will Smith sitcom The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air as a drama, hails from Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Universal Television, part of Universal Studio Group. In its first season, it became Peacock’s most streamed original series.
Set in modern-day America, Bel-Air follows Will’s (Jabari Banks) complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. As these two worlds collide, Will 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.
Bel-Air, based on Morgan Cooper’s popular fan film that reenvisions the 1990s Will Smith sitcom The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air as a drama, hails from Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Universal Television, part of Universal Studio Group. In its first season, it became Peacock’s most streamed original series.
Set in modern-day America, Bel-Air follows Will’s (Jabari Banks) complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. As these two worlds collide, Will 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.
- 2/21/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Aside from taking inspiration from its predecessor, “How I Met Your Father” creators Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger drew from their own experience navigating adulthood in a messy yet endearing way for the show’s sophomore season — including being locked in the stairwell of a New York skyscraper on the first day of a new job.
“This whole series is very much based on that chapter of our lives where we were living in New York and hanging out with your friends all the time, and your friends are your second family,” Berger told TheWrap of the duo’s time in the East Village while attending New York University. “We are just constantly looking back at that time and channeling those feelings: when you’re still trying to meet your person and it feels like the end of the world if you haven’t met them yet, and you’re...
“This whole series is very much based on that chapter of our lives where we were living in New York and hanging out with your friends all the time, and your friends are your second family,” Berger told TheWrap of the duo’s time in the East Village while attending New York University. “We are just constantly looking back at that time and channeling those feelings: when you’re still trying to meet your person and it feels like the end of the world if you haven’t met them yet, and you’re...
- 2/21/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
“Bel-Air” creator Morgan Cooper said since day one of developing the reimagined version of “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” he and Will Smith found “organic ways” to include the original cast members.
From a viral reimagining to a meeting with Smith and onto Peacock screens, “Bel-Air” is now the streamer’s most-watched original series. While it is inspired by NBC’s original sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” Cooper told TheWrap that he was very intentional about the show having its own identity and even refused to watch “Fresh Prince” during “Bel-Air’s” early development.
“When I was making the short film we released in 2019, which got this started, it was really important to me throughout the whole process of creating it to not watch ‘Fresh Prince’ at all,” Cooper said, adding that the series won’t perfectly mirror the storylines from its predecessor. “We’re not going to extrapolate ideas from it,...
From a viral reimagining to a meeting with Smith and onto Peacock screens, “Bel-Air” is now the streamer’s most-watched original series. While it is inspired by NBC’s original sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” Cooper told TheWrap that he was very intentional about the show having its own identity and even refused to watch “Fresh Prince” during “Bel-Air’s” early development.
“When I was making the short film we released in 2019, which got this started, it was really important to me throughout the whole process of creating it to not watch ‘Fresh Prince’ at all,” Cooper said, adding that the series won’t perfectly mirror the storylines from its predecessor. “We’re not going to extrapolate ideas from it,...
- 2/21/2023
- by Raquel "Rocky" Harris
- The Wrap
Bel-air: Season 2 TV Show Trailer: Jabari Banks faces New Challenges with the Banks Family [Peacock]
Bel-Air Season 2 Trailer — Peacock‘s Bel-Air: Season 2 TV show trailer has been released. The Bel-Air: Season 2 trailer stars Jabari Banks, Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, Olly Sholotan, Coco Jones, Akira Akbar, Jimmy Akingbola, and Jordan L. Jones. Crew · Showrunner / Executive Producer / Writer: Carla Banks Waddles · Executive Producers: Morgan Cooper, [...]
Continue reading: Bel-air: Season 2 TV Show Trailer: Jabari Banks faces New Challenges with the Banks Family [Peacock]...
Continue reading: Bel-air: Season 2 TV Show Trailer: Jabari Banks faces New Challenges with the Banks Family [Peacock]...
- 1/20/2023
- by Rollo Tomasi
- Film-Book
Bel-air -abari Banks as Will, Olly Sholotan as Carlton (Photo by: Casey Durkin/Peacock) Set in modern-day Los Angeles, Peacock’s successful one-hour drama series Bel-Air imagines the beloved sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air 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 two worlds collide, Will 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 two of Bel-Air picks up with Will at a crossroads in his life as a new figure comes into his life who challenges what he’s learned in Bel-Air and competes for control of his influence. He juggles this while navigating his home life with the Banks family and trying to rebuild the trust that was broken at the end of last season.
- 1/19/2023
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
The princess of “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” is coming back. Tatyana Ali, who played Ashley Banks in the original NBC sitcom, will guest star in Season 2 of the show’s dramatic re-interpretation “Bel-Air,” Peacock announced January 19.
Ali — whose other credits include the TV One original series “Love That Girl!” and a stint on CBS soap “The Young and the Restless” — will play Mrs. Hughes, an English literature teacher at a Bel-Air middle school. In a wink to the original series, her character will develop a mentorship role across the season with the new version of Ashley (played by Akira Akbar), a precocious 12-year-old.
In addition to announcing the casting, Peacock also released the official trailer for Season 2 of “Bel-Air,” which premieres February 23. The series was inspired by a 2019 viral parody film by Morgan Cooper, which took the basic premise of the original sitcom — a young man runs into trouble in...
Ali — whose other credits include the TV One original series “Love That Girl!” and a stint on CBS soap “The Young and the Restless” — will play Mrs. Hughes, an English literature teacher at a Bel-Air middle school. In a wink to the original series, her character will develop a mentorship role across the season with the new version of Ashley (played by Akira Akbar), a precocious 12-year-old.
In addition to announcing the casting, Peacock also released the official trailer for Season 2 of “Bel-Air,” which premieres February 23. The series was inspired by a 2019 viral parody film by Morgan Cooper, which took the basic premise of the original sitcom — a young man runs into trouble in...
- 1/19/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Tatyana Ali, who played Ashley Banks in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” from 1990 to 1996, has joined the cast of the Peacock reboot “Bel-Air.”
In the series’ upcoming second season, Ali will recur as Mrs. Hughes, the middle school English teacher who sees something special in Ashley (played by Akira Akbar in this version), often giving her books from her personal collection. See a first look at Ali as Mrs. Hughes in a new trailer for “Bel-Air” Season 2 below.
“Bel-Air” is a dramatic reimagining of the original comedy series that follows Will’s (Jabari Banks) complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. As these two worlds collide, Will 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 2 picks up with Will at a crossroads as...
In the series’ upcoming second season, Ali will recur as Mrs. Hughes, the middle school English teacher who sees something special in Ashley (played by Akira Akbar in this version), often giving her books from her personal collection. See a first look at Ali as Mrs. Hughes in a new trailer for “Bel-Air” Season 2 below.
“Bel-Air” is a dramatic reimagining of the original comedy series that follows Will’s (Jabari Banks) complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. As these two worlds collide, Will 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 2 picks up with Will at a crossroads as...
- 1/19/2023
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
When “Bel-Air” returns to Peacock for Season 2, it’s getting a huge dose of freshness courtesy of Tatyana Ali, the original Ashley Banks on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” who has joined the dramatic reimagining in a recurring role.
And in the official trailer for the series’ second season, you can catch a glimpse of Ali as new character Mrs. Hughes, an English Literature teacher at Bel-Air middle school who sees something unique in Ashley (Akira Akbar), and begins giving her books to read from her personal collection. Watch the clip now.
Of course the trailer for Peacock’s most-streamed original series also tells us what to expect from the Banks family and the Bel-Air High School students, including some tension between Uncle Phil and Aunt Viv, Will stepping back onto the basketball court and also into some trouble, as well as Carlton’s struggle with anxiety.
But you’re here for Ali,...
And in the official trailer for the series’ second season, you can catch a glimpse of Ali as new character Mrs. Hughes, an English Literature teacher at Bel-Air middle school who sees something unique in Ashley (Akira Akbar), and begins giving her books to read from her personal collection. Watch the clip now.
Of course the trailer for Peacock’s most-streamed original series also tells us what to expect from the Banks family and the Bel-Air High School students, including some tension between Uncle Phil and Aunt Viv, Will stepping back onto the basketball court and also into some trouble, as well as Carlton’s struggle with anxiety.
But you’re here for Ali,...
- 1/19/2023
- by Raquel "Rocky" Harris
- The Wrap
A familiar face is about to matriculate on Bel-Air: Tatyana Ali, who played Ashley Banks in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, is set to recur as an English literature teacher in the second season of the Peacock reboot.
Ali joins stars Jabari Banks (Will), Adrian Holmes (Philip Banks) and Cassandra Freeman (Vivian Banks) in the new, 10-episode season that kicks off Feb. 23 on Peacock. Ali will play Mrs. Hughes, a teacher at Bel-Air middle school who sees something special in Ashley Banks (Akira Akbar).
“In season two, the show will continue to find ways to push the envelope and feel refreshing and unique while also honoring the heart of the legacy series,” said Carla Banks Waddles, the new showrunner who took over for Tj Brady and Rasheed Newson in October. “Last season was very much about the introduction to the Banks family world, and this season we get...
Ali joins stars Jabari Banks (Will), Adrian Holmes (Philip Banks) and Cassandra Freeman (Vivian Banks) in the new, 10-episode season that kicks off Feb. 23 on Peacock. Ali will play Mrs. Hughes, a teacher at Bel-Air middle school who sees something special in Ashley Banks (Akira Akbar).
“In season two, the show will continue to find ways to push the envelope and feel refreshing and unique while also honoring the heart of the legacy series,” said Carla Banks Waddles, the new showrunner who took over for Tj Brady and Rasheed Newson in October. “Last season was very much about the introduction to the Banks family world, and this season we get...
- 1/19/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Rap star Saweetie is set to make a cameo in the Season 2 premiere of “Bel-Air” at Peacock, Variety has learned exclusively. In addition, three actors have been cast in the series in recurring roles.
Brooklyn McLinn, Jazlyn Martin, and Riele Downs will all appear in the new season of the drama series take on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
Saweetie will appear as herself in the show. It will not be her first time acting onscreen, as she previously appeared in multiple episodes of the “Black-ish” spinoff “Grown-ish” at Freeform during the show’s third season.
McLinn will play Doc Hightower, described as “a busy and driven basketball recruiter and Aau Coach who is impressed by Will’s game at Bel-Air Academy.” Martin will play Jackie. Of her character it is said, “Her South L.A. street smarts put Will’s Philly swagger to the test when they are introduced...
Brooklyn McLinn, Jazlyn Martin, and Riele Downs will all appear in the new season of the drama series take on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
Saweetie will appear as herself in the show. It will not be her first time acting onscreen, as she previously appeared in multiple episodes of the “Black-ish” spinoff “Grown-ish” at Freeform during the show’s third season.
McLinn will play Doc Hightower, described as “a busy and driven basketball recruiter and Aau Coach who is impressed by Will’s game at Bel-Air Academy.” Martin will play Jackie. Of her character it is said, “Her South L.A. street smarts put Will’s Philly swagger to the test when they are introduced...
- 1/12/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Eugene Cordero to Host 20th Unforgettable Gala in December; Top Honorees Announced (TV News Roundup)
Unforgettable Gala, which bills itself as the nation’s longest-running Asian Pacific Islander awards show, is set to celebrate its 20th annual ceremony with actor Eugene Cordero serving as host. Cordero’s hosting stint will be the first time a Filipino American has emceed the entertainment gala. The gala, with the theme “Illuminate,” will take place on Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Beverly Hilton.
Also set to appear are honorees Ke Huy Quan (actor in film) and Stephanie Hsu (breakout in film) of “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” The Breakout in TV Award will go to Minha Kim of “Pachinko,” with the hit series also receiving this year’s Vanguard Award. Bretman Rock will receive the digital influencer award, while Domee Shi and Julia Cho will receive the writer award for “Turning Red.” Awards selection committee co-chairs Daniel Dae Kim and Lisa Ling will deliver the gala’s keynote address.
“As...
Also set to appear are honorees Ke Huy Quan (actor in film) and Stephanie Hsu (breakout in film) of “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” The Breakout in TV Award will go to Minha Kim of “Pachinko,” with the hit series also receiving this year’s Vanguard Award. Bretman Rock will receive the digital influencer award, while Domee Shi and Julia Cho will receive the writer award for “Turning Red.” Awards selection committee co-chairs Daniel Dae Kim and Lisa Ling will deliver the gala’s keynote address.
“As...
- 11/18/2022
- by EJ Panaligan
- Variety Film + TV
'90s kids remember the flashy fashion and hilarious hijinks of Will Smith on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," but the modern remake of the series, "Bel-Air," is not just a massive hit for Peacock, it's also a completely new take on the story of young Will Smith (Jabari Banks) as he adjusts from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of the Bel-Air neighborhood in Los Angeles. The series' humble beginnings are rooted in Morgan Cooper's fan-made fake trailer for a dramatic envisioning of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," but has since evolved into a legitimate hit for Peacock, with Cooper serving as co-writer, director, and executive producer.
The hit series has also breathed new life into the original show for a new generation. As one of /Film's resident writers who spends an embarrassing amount of time on TikTok, the existence of "Bel-Air" has definitely inspired...
The hit series has also breathed new life into the original show for a new generation. As one of /Film's resident writers who spends an embarrassing amount of time on TikTok, the existence of "Bel-Air" has definitely inspired...
- 11/17/2022
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
“Bel-Air,” the hit series that reimagines the 1990 sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” is coming back with its second season in February, and the characters have a slew of decisions to make according to the Season 2 teaser trailer.
“Life is a series of choices,” says character Will in the opening of the “Bel-Air” Season 2 trailer. The entire trailer is narrated by Will, who is played by Jabari Banks, as the video clip cuts to each of the show’s leads, with Will highlighting some of the challenges each character was faced with in the first season. “Push for what you want, or let people figure it out on their own,” says Will over a visual of Philip Banks, played Adrian Holmes.
You can watch the full teaser in the video above.
The one-hour drama series stars series regulars Banks, Holmes, Cassandra Freeman (Vivian Banks), Olly Sholotan (Carlton Banks), Coco Jones...
“Life is a series of choices,” says character Will in the opening of the “Bel-Air” Season 2 trailer. The entire trailer is narrated by Will, who is played by Jabari Banks, as the video clip cuts to each of the show’s leads, with Will highlighting some of the challenges each character was faced with in the first season. “Push for what you want, or let people figure it out on their own,” says Will over a visual of Philip Banks, played Adrian Holmes.
You can watch the full teaser in the video above.
The one-hour drama series stars series regulars Banks, Holmes, Cassandra Freeman (Vivian Banks), Olly Sholotan (Carlton Banks), Coco Jones...
- 11/17/2022
- by Raquel "Rocky" Harris
- The Wrap
“No one chooses for me,” Will Smith (played by Jabari Banks) declares in the first teaser for Bel-Air Season 2, which you can check out above.
Peacock also released new photos (below) from the upcoming season, which will premiere with the first three episodes on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023; new episodes will stream weekly.
More from TVLineDays of Our Lives' John Aniston Dies: Peacock Sets Release Date for His Final Episode as Victor KiriakisDays of Our Lives: Steve Burton to Reprise Role as Harris MichaelsAdam Devine Falls for Sarah Hyland (Again) in Peacock's Pitch Perfect Series -- Watch Bumper in Berlin Trailer
Bel-Air...
Peacock also released new photos (below) from the upcoming season, which will premiere with the first three episodes on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023; new episodes will stream weekly.
More from TVLineDays of Our Lives' John Aniston Dies: Peacock Sets Release Date for His Final Episode as Victor KiriakisDays of Our Lives: Steve Burton to Reprise Role as Harris MichaelsAdam Devine Falls for Sarah Hyland (Again) in Peacock's Pitch Perfect Series -- Watch Bumper in Berlin Trailer
Bel-Air...
- 11/17/2022
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
I’d like to take a minute, just sit right there, I’ll tell you when Season 2 of the “Fresh Prince” reboot is set to air. “Bel-Air” Season 2 will premiere on Peacock February 23, the streamer announced Thursday.
Based on the beloved ’90s sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” which helped launch a young Will Smith to fame, “Bel-Air” was inspired by a 2019 viral parody film by Morgan Cooper. Cooper’s short film took the basic premise of the sitcom — a young man runs into trouble in West Philadelphia and is forced to flee the city to live with his wealthy Los Angeles family — and reimagined it as a gritty drama. The short film caught the attention of Smith, who expressed interest in expanding the premise into a new series, and Cooper ultimately developed the show for Peacock with Malcolm Spellman, Tj Brady, and Rasheed Newson.
Season 1 of “Bel-Air” retold the...
Based on the beloved ’90s sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” which helped launch a young Will Smith to fame, “Bel-Air” was inspired by a 2019 viral parody film by Morgan Cooper. Cooper’s short film took the basic premise of the sitcom — a young man runs into trouble in West Philadelphia and is forced to flee the city to live with his wealthy Los Angeles family — and reimagined it as a gritty drama. The short film caught the attention of Smith, who expressed interest in expanding the premise into a new series, and Cooper ultimately developed the show for Peacock with Malcolm Spellman, Tj Brady, and Rasheed Newson.
Season 1 of “Bel-Air” retold the...
- 11/17/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Peacock will take viewers back to Bel-Air in early 2023.
The streaming service announced today that the hit drama's second season will premiere on Thursday, February 23.
Three episodes will be available on that date.
"Season two of Bel-Air picks up with Will at a crossroads as a new figure comes into his life who challenges what he’s learned in Bel-Air and competes for control of his influence," the streaming service says of the second season.
"He juggles this while navigating his home life with the Banks family and trying to rebuild the trust that was broken at the end of last season."
"We’ll see Will and Carlton’s brotherhood start to evolve as they grow closer, but still challenge each other about their differences."
"We’ll also see Hilary evolve as she becomes more of a boss in her influencer world and how that spills over into her relationship with Jazz,...
The streaming service announced today that the hit drama's second season will premiere on Thursday, February 23.
Three episodes will be available on that date.
"Season two of Bel-Air picks up with Will at a crossroads as a new figure comes into his life who challenges what he’s learned in Bel-Air and competes for control of his influence," the streaming service says of the second season.
"He juggles this while navigating his home life with the Banks family and trying to rebuild the trust that was broken at the end of last season."
"We’ll see Will and Carlton’s brotherhood start to evolve as they grow closer, but still challenge each other about their differences."
"We’ll also see Hilary evolve as she becomes more of a boss in her influencer world and how that spills over into her relationship with Jazz,...
- 11/17/2022
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Bel-Air is back, and Will (Jabari Banks) has some decisions to make.
In the teaser for Season 2, which was released Thursday, Banks narrates the 45-second clip, explaining that “life is a series of choices.”
“Set your own rules, or disturb the system,” he says, adding: “We all got choices to make, but this time, no one chooses for me.”
Watch the full trailer below. Bel-Air Season 2 premieres on Peacock February 23 with three episodes, followed by a new episode streaming Thursdays.
Bel-Air follows Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. As these two worlds collide, Will 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.
In Season 2, he is at a crossroads as a new figure comes into his life who challenges what he...
In the teaser for Season 2, which was released Thursday, Banks narrates the 45-second clip, explaining that “life is a series of choices.”
“Set your own rules, or disturb the system,” he says, adding: “We all got choices to make, but this time, no one chooses for me.”
Watch the full trailer below. Bel-Air Season 2 premieres on Peacock February 23 with three episodes, followed by a new episode streaming Thursdays.
Bel-Air follows Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. As these two worlds collide, Will 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.
In Season 2, he is at a crossroads as a new figure comes into his life who challenges what he...
- 11/17/2022
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
Mike Gauyo and co-showrunner of Allblk network series Send Help, with industry training platform Stage 32 open submissions for the third year of the Black Boy Writes & Black Girl Writes Mentorship Initiative under the Black Boy Writes Media banner.
The initiative, which launched at the start of 2021, focuses on supplying industry access and resources to preWGA Black screenwriters. In partnership with Stage 32, admissions for the 2023 class will open November 18 2022 and close December 18 2022.
The first round of the application will require a bio, 1-hour or half-hour original script (of any genre), and a short essay. Those chosen to move to the third round will interview with Mike and the initiatives Chief of Programming, Ashley Aronson, before 10 to 12 participants are selected. Links to submit applications are http://www.blackboywrites.com or http://www.stage32.com.
Past participants of the program include 2021 alum Joshua L. Myers, who received representation with Culture Creative,...
The initiative, which launched at the start of 2021, focuses on supplying industry access and resources to preWGA Black screenwriters. In partnership with Stage 32, admissions for the 2023 class will open November 18 2022 and close December 18 2022.
The first round of the application will require a bio, 1-hour or half-hour original script (of any genre), and a short essay. Those chosen to move to the third round will interview with Mike and the initiatives Chief of Programming, Ashley Aronson, before 10 to 12 participants are selected. Links to submit applications are http://www.blackboywrites.com or http://www.stage32.com.
Past participants of the program include 2021 alum Joshua L. Myers, who received representation with Culture Creative,...
- 11/15/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
It wouldn't be the first time the life of "Bel-Air" gets flipped turned upside down. The series, which is a dramatic adaptation of the 1990s comedy "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," once again changes showrunners ahead of its second season.
Carla Banks Waddles, who previously served as a writer and co-executive producer on the first season, will now take over as showrunner from Tj Brady and Rasheed Newson, who departed the series over creative differences, according to a source who spoke with Variety. They will still be credited as executive producers going forward, and Waddles will also receive an executive producer credit. The new showrunner is currently under an overall deal with Universal Television, which produces the series.
Brady and Newson themselves were not the first showrunners on this series. They were named co-showrunners on season 1 after Diane Houston left the show. She took over the helm after the original showrunner,...
Carla Banks Waddles, who previously served as a writer and co-executive producer on the first season, will now take over as showrunner from Tj Brady and Rasheed Newson, who departed the series over creative differences, according to a source who spoke with Variety. They will still be credited as executive producers going forward, and Waddles will also receive an executive producer credit. The new showrunner is currently under an overall deal with Universal Television, which produces the series.
Brady and Newson themselves were not the first showrunners on this series. They were named co-showrunners on season 1 after Diane Houston left the show. She took over the helm after the original showrunner,...
- 10/14/2022
- by Lex Briscuso
- Slash Film
“Bel-Air,” Peacock’s dramatic reimagining of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” began production on its upcoming Season 2 last month. But the show is already being forced to take a hiatus, as showrunners Tj Brady and Rasheed Newson have exited the series due to creative differences, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Carla Banks Waddles, who previously served as a co-executive producer on the show and an executive producer of “Good Girls” on NBC, has been promoted to showrunner and will also serve as an executive producer for Season 2. Banks Waddles has an overall deal with Universal Television, which produces “Bel-Air.”
“Bel-Air” is the brainchild of Morgan Cooper, whose viral fan film imagined the multi-camera comedy as a contemporary drama that digs into the racial and class-based issues that would inevitably arise from a character moving from West Philadelphia to the ultra-wealthy Los Angeles suburb. The three-minute film...
“Bel-Air” is the brainchild of Morgan Cooper, whose viral fan film imagined the multi-camera comedy as a contemporary drama that digs into the racial and class-based issues that would inevitably arise from a character moving from West Philadelphia to the ultra-wealthy Los Angeles suburb. The three-minute film...
- 10/13/2022
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Peacock’s breakout hit Bel-Air is making a change at the helm for Season 2, which is currently in production. Carla Banks Waddles has been promoted to showrunner. She takes over for Tj Brady and Rasheed Newson who have stepped down from the role over creative differences. The duo remain executive producers on the series, from Westbrrok Studios and Universal Television. The series is taking a brief hiatus as the showrunner transition is taking place.
Former Good Girls EP Banks Waddles, who is under an overall deal at Universal Television, was a co-executive producer on Season 1 of Bel-Air. She is being elevated to executive producer, along with taking over showrunner duties for Season 2.
Bel-Air, based on Morgan Cooper’s popular fan film that reenvisions the 1990s Will Smith sitcom The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air as a drama, hails from Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Universal Television,...
Former Good Girls EP Banks Waddles, who is under an overall deal at Universal Television, was a co-executive producer on Season 1 of Bel-Air. She is being elevated to executive producer, along with taking over showrunner duties for Season 2.
Bel-Air, based on Morgan Cooper’s popular fan film that reenvisions the 1990s Will Smith sitcom The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air as a drama, hails from Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Universal Television,...
- 10/13/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
“Bel-Air” is getting a new showrunner — again.
The Peacock drama series is undergoing a change at the top behind the scenes for the third time as it prepares its second season at the NBCUniversal streamer.
Carla Banks Waddles, who previously served as a writer and co-executive producer on Season 1, will now take over as showrunner and executive producer. She takes over from Tj Brady and Rasheed Newson, who have departed the series over creative differences, an individual with knowledge of the situation says. They will still be credited as executive producers going forward.
Waddles is currently under an overall deal with Universal Television, which produces the series. Brady and Newson themselves were named co-showrunners on Season 1 following the departure of Diane Houston. Houston had taken over from the show’s original showrunner, Chris Collins, who departed the show long before Season 1 had aired.
“Bel Air,” a dramatic reboot of the...
The Peacock drama series is undergoing a change at the top behind the scenes for the third time as it prepares its second season at the NBCUniversal streamer.
Carla Banks Waddles, who previously served as a writer and co-executive producer on Season 1, will now take over as showrunner and executive producer. She takes over from Tj Brady and Rasheed Newson, who have departed the series over creative differences, an individual with knowledge of the situation says. They will still be credited as executive producers going forward.
Waddles is currently under an overall deal with Universal Television, which produces the series. Brady and Newson themselves were named co-showrunners on Season 1 following the departure of Diane Houston. Houston had taken over from the show’s original showrunner, Chris Collins, who departed the show long before Season 1 had aired.
“Bel Air,” a dramatic reboot of the...
- 10/13/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Now this is a story all about how Peacock’s Bel-Air continues to experience growing pains.
The dramatic update of Will Smith’s beloved Fresh Prince of Bel-Air has changed showrunners again. This time, Carla Banks-Waddles has been promoted from co-exec producer to exec producer and showrunner for Bel-Air’s second season as part of her overall deal with studio Universal Television. She replaces T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson (Army Wives, Lie to Me) at the helm of Bel-Air, which counts Smith and original series creators Andy and Susan Borowitz among its exec producers. Brady and Newson left following creative differences with Peacock and producers Universal Television.
Banks-Waddles, who penned episode seven, becomes Bel-Air’s fourth — you read that right — showrunner. The series, which landed at Peacock with a two-season, straight-to-series order following a multiple-outlet bidding war, originally was picked up with Chris Collins (The Wire,...
Now this is a story all about how Peacock’s Bel-Air continues to experience growing pains.
The dramatic update of Will Smith’s beloved Fresh Prince of Bel-Air has changed showrunners again. This time, Carla Banks-Waddles has been promoted from co-exec producer to exec producer and showrunner for Bel-Air’s second season as part of her overall deal with studio Universal Television. She replaces T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson (Army Wives, Lie to Me) at the helm of Bel-Air, which counts Smith and original series creators Andy and Susan Borowitz among its exec producers. Brady and Newson left following creative differences with Peacock and producers Universal Television.
Banks-Waddles, who penned episode seven, becomes Bel-Air’s fourth — you read that right — showrunner. The series, which landed at Peacock with a two-season, straight-to-series order following a multiple-outlet bidding war, originally was picked up with Chris Collins (The Wire,...
- 10/13/2022
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Peabody Award-winning showrunner, producer and writer Gary Lennon (Power Book IV: Force) has signed with M88.
Lennon currently serves as showrunner and executive producer of Starz’s Power spin-off Power Book IV: Force, which boasts the most-watched series premiere in the history of the premium cabler, with 3.3 million multiplatform views in the U.S. alone. The crime drama, renewed for a second season in March, now also has the record for most-watched day on the Starz app and on linear as the highest-rated premiere.
Under his deal with Starz, Lennon also exec produces the Cape Cod opioid crisis-based crime drama Hightown, which was renewed for a third season earlier this year. He at the same time serves as an executive producer on HBO’s hugely popular teen drama series Euphoria starring Zendaya, which recently garnered 16 Emmy nominations including Best Drama Series.
Lennon previously served as co-showrunner, writer and executive producer on Power,...
Lennon currently serves as showrunner and executive producer of Starz’s Power spin-off Power Book IV: Force, which boasts the most-watched series premiere in the history of the premium cabler, with 3.3 million multiplatform views in the U.S. alone. The crime drama, renewed for a second season in March, now also has the record for most-watched day on the Starz app and on linear as the highest-rated premiere.
Under his deal with Starz, Lennon also exec produces the Cape Cod opioid crisis-based crime drama Hightown, which was renewed for a third season earlier this year. He at the same time serves as an executive producer on HBO’s hugely popular teen drama series Euphoria starring Zendaya, which recently garnered 16 Emmy nominations including Best Drama Series.
Lennon previously served as co-showrunner, writer and executive producer on Power,...
- 7/15/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Nearly a quarter century after NBC sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” ended its six-season run, filmmaker Morgan Cooper uploaded a mock trailer for a dramatic reimagining of the series to YouTube, where it has since gained over seven million views. The video’s popularity soon led to the reboot idea becoming a reality in the form of Peacock series “Bel-Air,” which premiered this February. Cooper (who produces the show and directed and wrote part of its first season) recently participated in a 2022 Emmys FYC panel along with showrunners/executive producers T.J. Brady and Rasheed Newson and actors Akira Akbar, Jimmy Akingbola, Jabari Banks, Cassandra Freeman, Adrian Holmes and Coco Jones, moderated by Justin Sylvester from E! News. Watch the video Q&a above.
Brady and Newson, who have produced seven shows together beginning with “Army Wives” in 2012, both admitted they were unsure about how this particular venture would play out,...
Brady and Newson, who have produced seven shows together beginning with “Army Wives” in 2012, both admitted they were unsure about how this particular venture would play out,...
- 6/25/2022
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Black Reel Awards annually recognize the excellence of African Americans, as well as the cinematic achievements of the African diaspora, in the global film and television industry. This year there are a lot of nominees and a few new categories.
The comedy series Atlanta edges out all the competition with 11 nominations. Quinta Brunson and Abbott Elementary come in second with nine.
Walter Moseley garners four nominations for writing two episodes of the Apple TV+ series The Last Days of Ptolemy Gray and FX’s Snowfall. Donald Glover snags four nominations, for acting and writing one episode each and directing two episodes of the front-running Atlanta.
HBO (and HBO Max) dominates the competition this year by receiving a whopping 42 nominations. More than double the next nearest competitor, ABC with nineteen nominations. Netflix comes in third with 18 nominations. A grand total of seventeen different networks receive nominations this year, up four from last year.
The comedy series Atlanta edges out all the competition with 11 nominations. Quinta Brunson and Abbott Elementary come in second with nine.
Walter Moseley garners four nominations for writing two episodes of the Apple TV+ series The Last Days of Ptolemy Gray and FX’s Snowfall. Donald Glover snags four nominations, for acting and writing one episode each and directing two episodes of the front-running Atlanta.
HBO (and HBO Max) dominates the competition this year by receiving a whopping 42 nominations. More than double the next nearest competitor, ABC with nineteen nominations. Netflix comes in third with 18 nominations. A grand total of seventeen different networks receive nominations this year, up four from last year.
- 6/16/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Inspiration can come from the most unanticipated places, like walking the dog in the park or buying a soft pretzel at the mall. For Morgan Cooper, it came in 2019 while driving down Route 71 in Kansas City, Missouri. Heading home after shooting a low-budget beauty commercial, Cooper concocted a plan to turn ’90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air into a gritty short film, with Will Smith’s iconic character reimagined as an unlucky Philly teen who gets caught with a gun during a playground brawl. Rather than face a certain future behind bars, his Uncle Phil works some attorney magic and arranges for Will to start over in the wealthy Southern California neighborhood where he would attend an elite private school.
Filmed in eight days with hometown actors and locations in Kansas City and Burbank, the three-and-a-half-minute potboiler was never meant to serve as a grassroots resume for a gig...
Filmed in eight days with hometown actors and locations in Kansas City and Burbank, the three-and-a-half-minute potboiler was never meant to serve as a grassroots resume for a gig...
- 5/25/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
In the new Peacock series “Bel-Air,” Cassandra Freeman becomes the third actress to take on the role of Aunt Viv. The series reimagines the classic ’90s sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” where Janet Hubert originated the role followed by Daphne Maxwell Reid, and it would be daunting for any actress to step into their shoes. Luckily, “Bel-Air” creator Morgan Cooper and showrunner Rasheed Newson assured her, “Don’t worry about those shoes,” recalls Freeman in an exclusive new webchat for Gold Derby. “‘You’re here to create your own shoes, so what would that look like?’ And that really freed me up.” Watch the video interview above.
The “Bel-Air” version of Vivian Banks is an artist who has put her dreams on the back burner to support her husband’s ambitions of becoming the next District Attorney. At the beginning of the series, we see a woman who enjoys...
The “Bel-Air” version of Vivian Banks is an artist who has put her dreams on the back burner to support her husband’s ambitions of becoming the next District Attorney. At the beginning of the series, we see a woman who enjoys...
- 5/20/2022
- by Kevin Jacobsen
- Gold Derby
Adrian Holmes had big shoes to fill in his role as Uncle Phil in the new Peacock series “Bel-Air.” The role was originated by James Avery in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and it was important for Holmes to not try and replicate the specifics of his predecessor’s performance, despite the series being a dramatic variation of the iconic ’90s sitcom. “What the show runners and [creator] Morgan Cooper wanted us to do was to not feel that we had to reenact or do what they did,” says Holmes in an exclusive new interview for Gold Derby. “They wanted us to take the reins and have fun and create these characters as authentic as we could for this generation.”
SEEour exclusive interview with ‘Bel-Air’ showrunner Morgan Cooper
While Holmes did try to emulate the leader qualities that Avery brought to Uncle Phil, he drew more of his inspiration from a...
SEEour exclusive interview with ‘Bel-Air’ showrunner Morgan Cooper
While Holmes did try to emulate the leader qualities that Avery brought to Uncle Phil, he drew more of his inspiration from a...
- 5/16/2022
- by Kevin Jacobsen
- Gold Derby
Adrian Holmes (‘Bel-Air’) on modeling his Uncle Phil off of Barack Obama [Exclusive Video Interview]
Adrian Holmes had big shoes to fill in his role as Uncle Phil in the new Peacock series “Bel-Air.” The role was originated by James Avery in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and it was important for Holmes to not try and replicate the specifics of his predecessor’s performance, despite the series being a dramatic reimagining of the iconic ’90s sitcom. “What the show runners and [creator] Morgan Cooper wanted us to do was to not feel that we had to reenact or do what they did,” says Holmes in an exclusive new interview for Gold Derby. “They wanted us to take the reins and have fun and create these characters as authentic as we could for this generation.”
SEEour exclusive interview with ‘Bel-Air’ showrunner Morgan Cooper
While Holmes did try to emulate the leader qualities that Avery brought to Uncle Phil, he drew more of his inspiration from a...
SEEour exclusive interview with ‘Bel-Air’ showrunner Morgan Cooper
While Holmes did try to emulate the leader qualities that Avery brought to Uncle Phil, he drew more of his inspiration from a...
- 5/16/2022
- by Kevin Jacobsen
- Gold Derby
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