Bel-Air Season 1 cast and characters: Here’s who brought the Peacock drama series to life

Bel-Air is a modern adaptation of the famous 1990s sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which was added to Peacock, the streaming platform, in 2022. The popular sitcom followed the story of Will Smith, at the time known as the Fresh Prince.

In this modern adaptation, the main character, Will Smith, is portrayed by Jabari Banks. Will is a 16-year-old boy who lives in West Philadelphia and moves in with his wealthy family members. Uncle Philip Banks, a father and lawyer, is portrayed by Adrian Holmes. Cassandra Freeman stars as the upmarket artistic aunt, Vivian Banks.

The other cast members are Olly Sholotan as Carlton Banks, Coco Jones as Hilary Banks, Akira Akbar as Ashley Banks, Jimmy Akingbola as Geoffrey Thompson, Jazz, played by Jordan L. Jones, and Lisa Wilkes, played by Simone Joy Jones.

Read more about the Bel-Air Season 1 cast and characters with stories.

How does Will arrive in Bel-Air?

Bel-Air Season 1 began with a gifted basketball player, Will Smith, whose home is in West Philadelphia. His scene started with a violent street fight that made him leave town. His mother, Vy, decided that he had to move to California to stay with his uncle Philip and aunt Vivian Banks in Bel-Air. Will's shift led to an affluent lifestyle, in contrast to his humble beginnings.

He encountered Jazz, a precarious cab driver, at LAX, and this is his most reliable confidant. More heartbreaking in the series is Will's culture shock upon entering the Banks' estate, and the problem of existing in high society while remaining himself.

Can Carlton & Will become brothers?

The first season is the story of the fluctuating relationships between Will Smith and his cousin, Carlton Banks. To start with, Carlton views Will as a threat to his privileged position within the Banks family. A sixteen-year-old lacrosse captain who is very athletic, Carlton is doing everything to keep his head in the upper circles of Bel-Air. The situation reaches its peak eventually when Carlton attempts to accuse Will of possessing some drugs by concealing them in his school bag.

As time progresses, animosity gives way to a softening when common struggles forge bonds between them. Ultimately, both boys learn they have equally difficult paths as teenagers without brothers. At the season finale, Carlton sees Will as his family, and this is a big turn around in their journey from rivalry to brotherhood.

Season 1 Ending Explained: What happens to Will's father, Lou?

Season 1 concludes with Will Smith realizing that his father, Lou, exists and that the truth had not been revealed to him in years. Will reaches out to the Banks family house manager, Geoffrey Thompson, to find Lou, but cringes from facing the details. Finally, the search results reach Lou, who unexpectedly appears in Bel-Air, sparking a dramatic and heartbreaking meeting.

The reunion forces Will to feel betrayed by his mother Vy, Uncle Phil, and Aunt Viv, who kept the secret of Lou's past. The season finishes with Will contemplating his identity and trying to understand where he truly belongs.

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