X
  • 1990
  • TV-14
  • NBC
  • 1990
  • TV-14
  • NBC
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Summary A wealthy family living in Bel-Air, California, receives a dubious gift from their poorer relations in Philadelphia when Grammy Award-winner Will Smith arrives as The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air. His mother wants him to learn some good old-fashioned values from his successful relatives. But Will shatters the sophisticated serenity of Bel-Air...

Created By: Andy Borowitz, Susan Borowitz

  • 1990
  • TV-14
  • NBC
  • 1990
  • TV-14
  • NBC

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

6 Seasons
Season 1 Premiere: Sep 10, 1990
Metascore Mixed or Average Based on 13 Critic Reviews
59
User Score Universal Acclaim Based on 146 User Ratings
8.1
My Score
Hover and click to give a rating Saved

Where to Watch

Summary A wealthy family living in Bel-Air, California, receives a dubious gift from their poorer relations in Philadelphia when Grammy Award-winner Will Smith arrives as The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air. His mother wants him to learn some good old-fashioned values from his successful relatives. But Will shatters the sophisticated serenity of Bel-Air...

Created By: Andy Borowitz, Susan Borowitz

Where to Watch

All Seasons

6 Seasons

Top Cast

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View All Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Mixed or Average Based on 13 Critic Reviews
59
54% Positive
7 Reviews
38% Mixed
5 Reviews
8% Negative
1 Review

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Mixed or Average Based on 13 Critic Reviews
59
54% Positive
7 Reviews
38% Mixed
5 Reviews
8% Negative
1 Review

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
90
Aug 16, 2013
For all of its frolic and delight, its social observations and conflict make it the television progeny of such substantive sitcoms as "All in the Family." [10 Sept 1990, p.1C]
By Rick Kogan FULL REVIEW
80
Aug 16, 2013
While Smith's act is G-rated enough to give rap a good name, the show offers a new and not-so-safe perspective of the so-called "black experience" in America. These are not the Jeffersons. These rich people have their pretentions, but they're no fools. [10 Sept 1990, p.C4]
FULL REVIEW
75
Jun 10, 2013
I'm convinced that one reason Fresh Prince's ratings have improved since its debut two years ago is that the series is one of the few on TV that consistently acknowledges a full range of African-American lives — all social and economic classes are represented, and they eye each other with both suspicion and sympathy.
By Ken Tucker FULL REVIEW
63
Aug 16, 2013
Until the confrontation scene, Fresh Prince coasts along on the considerable charm of Smith, who is making his acting debut at 21. Many shows before it have relied on their stars, but that last scene gives an intriguing insight into what Fresh Prince could be. [9 Sept 1990, p.H1]
By Hal Boedeker FULL REVIEW
50
Aug 16, 2013
Whether clinking crystal to a beat or jiving with the crusty butler, Smith is looked upon by even his detractors with condescending "isn't he something" adoration. Tiresome as that is, Smith's breezy and non-combative charm gives this the look of a winner. Even if, in concept, it's more nap time than rap time. [10 Sept 1990, p.3D]
By Matt Roush FULL REVIEW
40
Aug 16, 2013
Perhaps the writers, director Debbie Allen and executive producer Quincy Jones are afraid to show America how rich people in L.A. really live. As for the new arrival's "outrageous" behavior, that consists mainly of using slang expressions, playing a tune on the drinking glasses at the dinner table and wearing a funky tux to the party. Gracious goodness sakes alive, what next??? [10 Sept 1990, p.B1]
By Tom Shales FULL REVIEW
20
Jul 12, 2013
It's the old school of ridiculous sitcoms at its worst. [10 Sep 1990]
By Marvin Kitman FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Universal Acclaim Based on 146 User Ratings
8.1
86% Positive
126 Ratings
3% Mixed
5 Ratings
10% Negative
15 Ratings

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Universal Acclaim Based on 146 User Ratings
8.1
86% Positive
126 Ratings
3% Mixed
5 Ratings
10% Negative
15 Ratings

There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.

Details

 View All
Production Company:
  • NBC Productions
  • Quincy Jones Entertainment
  • Quincy Jones-David Salzman Entertainment
  • The Stuffed Dog Company
Initial Release Date: Sep 10, 1990
Number of seasons: 6 Seasons
Rating: TV-14
Genres:
All Details

Awards

Golden Globes, USA
• 2 Nominations
Image Awards (NAACP)
• 3 Wins & 12 Nominations
Young Artist Awards
• 4 Wins & 9 Nominations

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