Smith caught wind of it at the time and called the idea and the video, written and directed by Cooper, “brilliant.” It has since racked up more than 6 million views.
The new series, like the video, is titled “Bel-Air,” for the posh Los Angeles neighborhood where it takes place.
“Set in modern-day America, BEL-AIR is a serialized one-hour dramatic analogue of the 90’s sitcom ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ that leans into the original premise: Will’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air,” according to a news release from Peacock.
“With a reimagined vision, BEL-AIR will dive deeper into the inherent conflicts, emotions and biases that were impossible to fully explore in a 30-minute sitcom format, while still delivering swagger and nods to the original show.”
Smith expressed his excitement about seeing his hit show showcasing a Black family given a modern twist.
“The Carlton character — a Black, young Republican, modern-day?” he said. “The heat that will be stirred up between these characters. It’s like, what’s the Hilary character in a world of Instagram and social media?”