Will Smith Announces "Bel-Air" Drama Will Air On Peacock As Hourlong Series

BY Erika Marie 3.3K Views
Link Copied to Clipboard!
Kevin Winter / Staff / Getty Images
Will Smith, Fresh PRince of Bel-Air, Bel-Air Drama, Peacock, Morgan Cooper
The series will be based on Morgan Cooper's fan-favorite film that dramatizes "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."

The Bel-Air drama has landed a home, and a new generation of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air will make its way to airwaves. Last month, there were rumors that the Bel-Air drama that reimagines the popular comedic serious with a more solemn approach was in talks to becoming a full-length series. It all turned out to be true, and the series, based on Morgan Cooper's famed fan film, has been dubbed as a "reinterpretation" of the 1990s sitcom where viewers will explore deeper interpersonal relationships and conflicts with the characters.

Will Smith, the Fresh Prince himself, announced that Peacock has acquired the hourlong series for two seasons. Bel-Air will be produced by Will and wife Jada Pinkett Smith's Westbrook Studios along with Universal Television. Will shared the good news with Morgan Cooper in a video he posted to social media.

“We have just officially closed the deal with Peacock with an unprecedented two-season-order from a pitch,” Smith said. “I’ve been in this business for thirty years and that does not happen. They ordered two full seasons of Bel-Air based on the quality of the pitch and the work that you guys have done. So I want to say congratulations. I am hyped.”

In the caption to his video over on Instagram, Smith praised Cooper's original film. "Everybody sent it to me. It was outstanding. I had NEVER envisioned revisiting the Banks family in this way." Check out his post below and let us know if you're excited to see the upcoming Bel-Air drama.

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.