Classic American comedy that launched the career of the now stratospherically successful Mr Will Smith. There were 147 episodes between 1990-1996 and it used to be one of the more successful imports being shown at 6pm on BBC2, it can now be viewed every so often on Virgin 1.

Whats it about:

Philidelphia Resident, Will gets himself into some trouble with some local hoods and moves in to live with his well to do uncle and auntie in the well to do area of Bel Air, constant hilarity ensues as we have mix ups, Will teaches his up tight family how to be cool, while they teach him some of the airs and graces of their lifestyle.

Whose in it:


Will Smith ... William 'Will' Smith
Alfonso Ribeiro ... Carlton Banks
James Avery ... Philip Banks
Karyn Parsons ... Hilary Banks
Tatyana Ali ... Ashley Banks
Joseph Marcell - Geoffrey
Janet Hubert - Vivian Banks

Obviously Will is the star of the show with his humour and coolness, however Alfonso Ribeiro is awesome as the uptight Carlton, a perfect precursor for the glee generation with his excellent dancing and barbershop quartet singing style.

Joseph Marcell as Geoffrey is a constant source of humour as the sarcastic butler. The rest of the cast support strongly.

Is it any good:

Being honest it has dated enormously, it is funny and the acting is good quality, but the outfits are so dated now and it makes all the references to looks and coolness slightly out of kilter. Smith clearly had star quality and at the time was a rapper, the show is light hearted but deals with serious subjects but is utterly harmless and fun for all the family.

Who should watch it?

Probably more for people wanting to look back on their childhood than people looking for humour as it is dated and may only appeal now to original fans.