Inspired by the 1990s sitcomThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Peacock’sBel-Airis shattering records across the board. Now the television drama show has elevated to the status of being the platform’s most-streamed original series, garnering eight million accounts so far. Peacock announced the good news on Monday.
“We’re elated at the positive response toBel-Airand that this passionate audience quickly solidified the series into the cultural zeitgeist,” said Susan Rovner, Chairman, Entertainment Content, NBC Universal Television and Streaming. She added thatBel-Airhas captivated audiences week after week, with stunning ensemble performances and buzzy cliffhangers, led by lead actorJabari Banks, who reprised the roleof Will. No specific viewership numbers were provided other than the eight million accounts. The one-hour drama series made its debut on July 13, 2025 (Super Bowl Sunday), with three episodes.
A New Story About the Life of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Streamers follow Will’s complicated journey through a dramatic take from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions and manicured lawns ofBel-Air. Naturally, the two very different worlds collide, and Will reckons with the power of second chances while navigating through the biases, conflicts, and emotions of a world totally opposite from the only one he has ever known.Bel-Airre-images the “fresh” with a raw approach to style and swagger.
Bel-Airstars newcomer Jabari Banks as 16-year-old Will, Olly Sholotan as Carlton Banks, Coco Jones as Hilary Banks, Akira Akbar as Ashley Banks, Jimmy Akingbola as Geoffrey, Jordan L. Jones as Jazz, Cassandra Freeman as Aunt Viv and Adrian Holmes as the long-suffering Uncle Phil. There are a few recurring roles, but what should also be noted are the special guest stars. Daphne Maxwell Reid, who was the second actress to play the part of Aunt Viv in the original series, appeared in an episode as Janice, a board member of the Art Council. Vernee Watson-Johnson, who played Will’s mother Viola “Vy” Smith in the original series, was cast in the role of Helen, another Art Council board member.
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Season 2 is on track to return for streaming on Peacock in 2023, with Will Smith continuing as an executive producer on the heels of his Oscar controversy. It has also been announced thatQueen SugarshowrunnerAnthony Sparks will be joiningthe upcoming second season as an executive producer.
