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According to this website from IMDB, the website gave the sitcom a 7.9/10 rating.

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The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (TV Series 1990-1996)

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Created by Andy Borowitz, Susan Borowitz. With Will Smith, James Avery, Alfonso Ribeiro, Tatyana Ali. A streetwise, poor young man from Philadelphia is sent by his mother to live with his aunt, uncle and cousins in their Bel-Air mansion.

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Maxwell Strachan wrote an article discussing how much of a complete sellout O.J. Simpson was to his own community and how the component of race played a huge role of his 1995 acquittal, but also life in America at large.

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In 1969, back when he was just a few months removed from going first overall in the NFL Draft to the Buffalo Bills, O.J. Simpson told then New York Times journalist Robert Lipsyte a story.

The two were with Howard Cosell at Joe Namath's bar, Bachelors III, in New York when a youthful Simpson started describing a recent wedding he had attended where he sat at a table of mostly black people.

"He overheard a white woman at the next table saying, 'Look, there's O.J. sitting with all those n****rs,'" Lipsyte told ESPN. "I remember in my naiveté, saying to O.J., 'Gee, wow, that must have been terrible for you.' And he said, 'No, it was great. Don't you understand? She knew that I wasn't black. She saw me as O.J.'"

"What are all these n****rs doing in Brentwood?" after his O.J.: Made In America," a five-part documentary on the rise and fall of Simpson that premiered Saturday on ABC and continues on ESPN throughout the week, is filled with anecdotes and sentiments similar to Lipsyte's ― stories and quotes that paint Simpson as a man who, at best, didn't want to be defined by factors beyond his control, and, at worst, was a black man who didn't empathize with less fortunate people who looked like him. We hear from former SWAT Officer Pete Weireter , who recalls Simpson asking, " "O.J. Simpson was the counter-revolutionary athlete" and "O.J. Simpson as civil rights victim? It was disgusting. It was appalling." famous car chase on June 17, 1994. We hear from O.J.'s former agent, Mike Gilbert, who said Simpson only started ingratiating himself with the black community after the white one turned its collective back on him. We hear quotes like,

To many people who knew Simpson, it was odd to watch a man who had so actively avoided political controversy transform into something of a civil rights icon in the mid-1990s while on trial for the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. Other prominent athletes of his day had refused to serve during the war in Vietnam (Muhammad Ali) and raised their fists in protest of racism at the Olympics (Tommie Smith, John Carlos). Simpson had done no such thing, instead preferring the comforts that came with the adoration of white America. Simpson was beautiful. He was beloved. He was the first black athlete to successfully transition into a corporate spokesman . But what Simpson seemed to most want was the one thing he would never quite obtain: racial transcendence, both on and off the field. To be seen not as black, but simply as O.J.

Instead, Simpson would become perhaps the single greatest symbol of racial division in America during the 20th century's final decade, largely as a result of a decision outside his power. Simpson's defense team, led by the charismatic Johnnie Cochran, famously put the LAPD on trial in place of their own client, wondering aloud whether the police force framed the former football star.

The narrative resonated with many people of color at the time, including those on the jury, and "O.J.: Made In America" makes it clear why. While most people know of the Watts riots and Rodney King, director Ezra Edelman highlights many other incidents that mattered dearly to the local community but received far less attention in the national media; incidents like the 1991 death of Latasha Harlins, whose killer received a $500 fine and probation despite the incident being caught on camera, or the humiliating destruction of two apartments at 39th Street and Dalton Avenue during a 1988 police drug raid, which uncovered just six ounces of marijuana and less than an ounce of cocaine.

While those incidents and many more unfolded on the south side of Los Angeles, Simpson was safely tucked away in the affluent and predominately white LA neighborhood of Brentwood. But that didn't matter to people who saw Simpson's case as a moment of potential payback, not just for the racial injustice in Los Angeles over the half-century prior, but the racial injustice across the country over the previous 400 years. Whether or not Simpson actually committed the crimes almost seemed secondary to what his acquittal would represent: a rare victory for black America over the criminal justice system.

On the day of Simpson's acquittal, one of the jurors, Lionel Cryer, raised his fist in solidarity. TV stations treated viewers to plentiful footage of horrified white people juxtaposed against jubilant black people. The racial divide was crude, and certainly played up by the media, but rooted in reality. In 1994, the year of the murders, 63 percent of white people believed Simpson was the killer, compared to 22 of black people. By 1997, the divide had grown even larger ― 82 percent of white people believing Simpson was responsible, compared to only 31 percent of the black community. Regardless of whether it was justifiable or not, what was undeniable was that the case became about much more than the murder of two people.

"The city of LA spent over $12 million just trying that motherfucker," comedian Dave Chapelle once joked. "And the look on white people's faces when he was acquitted: Priceless."

More than 20 years have passed since the murders. Today, more than half of black Americans believe Simpson killed Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. But even if there comes a day when the every single black man and woman in the country agrees Simpson did it, even if Simpson himself should admit it, it won't change the odd fact that for a few years in the 1990s, a black man who didn't want to known as black, who wanted to be known only as O.J., became a symbol for his people, and the injustice they continue to face to this day.
Part one of "O.J.: Made in America" aired Saturday, June 11. The rest of the series premieres on ESPN: Part two on Tuesday, June 14; part three on Wednesday, June 15; part four on Friday, June 17; and part five on Saturday, June 18.

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How O.J. Simpson Went From Avoiding Black America To Representing It

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In 1969, back when he was just a few months removed from going first overall in the NFL Draft to the Buffalo Bills, O.J. Simpson told then New York Times journalist Robert Lipsyte a story.

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Ricardo A. reyna article explains how "The Fresh Prince of Bel-air reached to a generation people from race, age, gender, and how it the show talks about very significant issues.

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The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, for those who don't know, was a sitcom staple throughout the 1990s, considered by some a "golden era" of black television. But more than any other show, Fresh Prince helped shape how black characters on film and screen are represented.

The sitcom helped create a new black sociocultural movement by allowing its characters to run against the grain of social and cultural prejudices African Americans had for so long been subjected to. It also showed me that there was more to life than what I saw around me. That lessons had to be learned everyday, sometimes the hard way.

Starring actor Will Smith, and loosely based on his own life, Fresh Prince revolved around a streetwise, fatherless teen from Philadelphia who moves in with relatives in the upscale California community of Bel-Air.

Will's uncle Phil and aunt Vivian, and their children, Hilary, Carlton and Ashley are a family of class and wealth. At a time when most black television characters were either poor, from the streets, considered ghetto, or painted as criminals, the show really broke away from these stereotypical images.

Will constantly questioned his relatives' lack of "street" cred, the show's way of subverting the typical way that African Americans had been portrayed in mass media. Fresh Prince gave audiences a glimpse of the change that the American black community was experiencing at this period.

The show ran for six seasons and, although a comedy sitcom, it delved into a lot of personal issues that black families throughout the United States were facing. Topics ranging from school, family values, divorce, police brutality, racism, murder and even rape. The show truly tried to reach out to a younger generation of adults and teenagers; teaching morals and ethics that some may have not been taught in their homes.

It also provided viewers with a strong set of parents: Uncle Phil, a judge, and Aunt Vivian, a college professor, who like all parents wanted more for their children than they had growing up.

Their children were just as dynamic. Hilary, a scatterbrained shopping addict; Carlton, a political-minded conservative teen who wears sports coats and listens to Tom Jones in his off time; and Ashley, a bright young girl who's just as curious about life as any young pre teen. Together they helped Will realize that life is much bigger than the urban parts of West Philadelphia where he was born and raised.

It's a lesson I think we all learn at some point in our lives.

Fresh Prince offered an entertaining and optimistic outlook on a lot of situations that occurred throughout the 1990s - many very laughable and joyful, but some very dark. From Will driving home drunk and having a dream where he learns his lesson via ghosts, to the famous line where Will's friend Jazz - who is being asked to place his hand on the bible in court but refuses to put his hands down - says "No way. Dude's got a gun, next thing you know I got six warning shots in my back."

The show, through both the seriousness and humor, inspired people like me to set out for more in life regardless of what label society put on us or what it said we should or shouldn't do.

Constantly clashing with his family about how he believed they should be reacting to situations, or carrying themselves because they were black, Will demonstrated the diversity between life in the ghetto and life in the suburbs. All while shifting the mindset about how black characters on television had to act or think.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air can never be duplicated. In fact, Will Smith has said that, despite the rumors, he does not plan to produce a remake.

Which makes sense. The show was a one-of-a-kind. It touched the hearts of many young people at a point in time when things like police brutality, racism and inequality were prevalent, but not as candidly discussed as they are today.

Fresh Prince showed a generation of young people like myself that, no matter where you come from, where you've been and who you grew up with or without, there is and always will be opportunity and joy in life if you just work hard, love your friends and family, and trust and believe in yourself.

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How 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' Reached Out to a Generation In Need

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The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, for those who don't know, was a sitcom staple throughout the 1990s, considered by some a "golden era" of black television. But more than any other show, Fresh Prince helped shape how black characters on film and screen are represented.

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Season 4 Episode 8 "Blood Is Thicker Than Mud". This a short clip of Carlton being denied from entering a college fraternity primarily due to his background and affluence.

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Robert Greenne II's article or blog mentions how Banks, black family, living the American dream. Also discusses Philip Banks (portrayed by the late actor James Avery) being a Republican, climax of the show and other positions.

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On New Year's Day, many older fans of television were saddened to learn of the passing of James Avery. The African American actor was best known for his role as Philip Banks in the hit 1990s sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. With his passing, people all over the internet began to talk about their love for the television show, which became a vehicle for Will Smith in his pursuit of greater fame. However, many zeroed in on their respect and admiration for the character that Avery played in the series. Philip Banks was a tough, no-nonsense judge in California who, married to Vivian Banks and raising several children, was an example of an African American man who lived out his own version of the American Dream.[1] What I'd like to do in this short post is think about the ways in which The Fresh Prince portrayed the Banks family and their relationship to larger trends about Black politics and Black intellectual thought in the early 1990s.

An emphasis of the show was the fact that the Banks family (or at the very least Philip Banks and his son, Carlton) were Republicans. Looking back on the series, it was often Carlton who was the more partisan of the two, often emphasizing the importance of free market economics as an example of his conservative credentials. Philip Banks, on the other hand, only occasionally referred to himself as a Republican. When confronted with the issue of race early in the series (Will and Carlton are arrested for, essentially, driving a nice car) Philip Banks has to show his power as a judge to get the two out of jail. More importantly, however, the episode becomes a moment where Carlton is forced to confront the issue of race and the law in a visceral way.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air also fed into a larger television narrative of the early 1990s: the popular culture creation of memory of the 1960s. Shows like Family Ties already took on this narrative, with the political division in the Keaton family providing a place to showcase the national move from 60s liberalism to 80s conservatism. In one particular episode of Family Ties, the patriarch of the family Steven Keaton is confronted by an old friend of his who, unlike Keaton, is still living the 60s radical lifestyle. Likewise, Philip Banks is confronted by an old friend who is still a 60s-era Black radical activist (and, it's revealed in the episode, still on the run from the FBI). The episode, titled "Those Were the Days", highlights Philip and Vivian Banks own 1960s era activism. But, where their friends remain "in the struggle", Philip and Vivian have pursued their own path in making a difference for the fellow citizens.

The climax of the episode was a meditation on where African American activism and participation in the public sphere evolved after the end of the Civil Rights Movement and the collapse of Black Power radicalism. Philip told his friend that he was still the same Philip Banks, but pursuing equality for African Americans through the system, as opposed to trying to overturn it. In light of considerations of how national memory can be constructed via mass media, it's important to note this particular episode and the narrative it provided about the 1960s and Black America. Where once activism meant marching in the streets, and being "Black and proud" meant certain hairstyles and fashions, The Fresh Prince reminded viewers that many of those same activists, like their counterparts in the anti-war movement or amongst hippies, came to pursue "regular" lives safely within the mainstream.

Lastly, it's important to note that, while Philip identified as a Republican during the show, he ran as a Democrat in the one Superior Court judge race he participated in. Running against his mentor (portrayed by The Jeffersons star Sherman Hemsley), his choice to run as a Democrat is nothing more than political necessity. Still, the portrayal of an African American family, wealthy and well-off, as Republican in designation was an interesting commentary on discussions of race in America in the early 1990s. With Black conservatives such as Clarence Thomas and Shelby Steele coming to the fore during this era, the importance of having such an ideology portrayed on television was important. While the ideology was sometimes used more for comic relief (especially when it came to Carlton Banks), the continued importance of "up by your bootstraps" Black conservatism was an element in the makeup of the patriarch of the Banks family. Also, thinking about sitcoms in the early 1990s is an important window to how the intellectual debates about race, gender, and American memory were playing themselves out in the public sphere of television and comedy. There were a variety of television shows ( Cosby Show, A Different World come to mind) portraying African Americans in a variety of situations. While A Different World was far more explicitly political than The Cosby Show, they along with The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air are all interesting to think about in researching debates about Blackness and American intellectual thought during that era.

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"The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and 1990s Cultural Dialogue | Society for US Intellectual History

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On New Year's Day, many older fans of television were saddened to learn of the passing of James Avery. The African American actor was best known for his role as Philip Banks in the hit 1990s sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

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Name and location of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Mansion.

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OnSet-Hollywood.Com | Famous Hollywood Filming Locations

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The Fresh Prince of Bell-Air: TV Series (1990 - 1996) Filming Locations

"The Fresh Prince of Bell-Air" was filmed in Hollywood and Brentwood, California
Location #1
"The Banks Residence"

Location #2
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Watch Now >Download 'The Fresh Prince of Bell Air' on iTunes Cast
Starring: Will Smith, James Avery, Alfonso Ribeiro

Directed By: Andy Borowitz, Susan Borowitz
Plot Summary: Casting Info: (a dd casting info) Production Co / Distributed By: Poster Download > Got a Tip?(add plot summary)
Original Release / Air Date: 09/10/ 1990

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Behind The Scenes | It Was Filmed Here | Where Was It Filmed?

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The Fresh Prince of Bell-Air: TV Series (1990 - 1996) Filming Locations | Hollywood Movie and TV Series Filming Locations - OnSet-Hollywood

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"The Fresh Prince of Bell-Air" was filmed in Hollywood and Brentwood, California Location #1 "The Banks Residence" google street view > 251 N Bristol Ave,Brentwood, CA 90049 Location #2 Got a Tip?

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Obi Anwanyu from "Complex" wrote an article describing some clothes Carlton Banks wore on set from the show.

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Carlton's 15 Best Looks on Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

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It's Alfonso Ribeiro's birthday, so we're taking a look at Carlton Banks' iconic style.

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During the last scene from the Series Finale of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" the video will show one last goodbye from the family as they move on to their new lives. One part from an emotional moment from Will, Uncle Phil, and Geoffrey

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From this website, it details certain types of sneakers that Will (Will Smith) wore while on set for "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

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Now this is a story all about how, the TV sneaker scene got flipped, turned upside down, and I'd like to take a minute, just sit right there, I'll tell you how Will Smith brought fresh kicks to a town called Bel-Air. SORRY! I couldn't help myself. With rumours circulating that an official Will Smith x Jordan Brand colab commemorating the Fresh Prince's epic on-screen sneaker collection is on the way, I subjected myself to an ungodly Netflix binge, screening all 148 episodes of the beloved sitcom back-to-back to scout the most memorable wears. From towering basketball behemoths to slick bubble-bound runners, these are our top picks for Will Smith's best footwear moments on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Enjoy!

Air Jordan 5 'Black/Metallic Silver' [S01E01, 'Pilot (The Fresh Prince Project)', 1990]
This is it: the very first pair of kicks the Fresh Prince ever stunted on our screens! Within seconds of the pilot episode's opening credits - before Smith could even begin rapping the infectious opening jingle - an extreme close-up of the 'Black/Metallic Silver' Air Jordan 5s flashed on our screens, instantly solidifying his claim to freshness. Smith would wear the legendary pair of Jays as he first set foot inside the Banks family's swanky digs - as well as numerous other first season episodes - but it is their appearance in the opening credits that is most memorable and long-lasting. The close-up would be chopped from later intros for brevity, but the kicks were still visible on foot in every intro throughout the series. Curiously, the signature Jumpman branding on the tongues appeared to be taped over in the intro sequence, but not in any of the episodes in which they appeared. Still, Jumpman or not, real heads know!

Air Jordan 5 'White/Black/Fire Red' [S01E01, 'Pilot (The Fresh Prince Project)', 1990]
The Fresh Prince wasn't playing in his TV debut. Smith spent the first episode stunting in, not one, but two different pairs of that year's brand new Air Jordan 5s. While the 'White/Black/Fire Red' AJ5s weren't the first to make it on screen, their inclusion in the pilot episode is arguably even more memorable than the Black Metallics. Smith would switch into the white 5s midway through the episode as he mixed up his own wardrobe with some Beverly Hills swank - pairing his Jays, tee and cap with a full black tie get up that perfectly captured his fish-out-of-water situation. For the epitome of DGAF cool, Smith rocked his Fire Reds without laces - a signature look that Jordan Brand reportedly pay tribute to with their upcoming colab. Smith also appears to wear the pair in the series' intro when 'shooting some b-ball outside of the school', but thanks to the grittiness of old SD TV recordings, we'll never know for sure.

Nike Air Ultra Force High [S01E11, 'Courting Disaster', 1990]
Whenever the Fresh Prince wore sneakers throughout the series' six-year run, they were almost always basketball designs, but it was rare that we would ever actually see him hit the court. One exception was in the season one episode 'Courting Disaster', when Will joined Bel-Air Academy's basketball team and quickly became the squad's star player. Smith laced up in Air Ultra Force High for the occasion: the pump-less and Visible Air-less counterpart to the colossal Air Command Force. Smith completely dominated on court (no stunt double required), leaving viewers to question: 'is it the shoes?'

Air Jordan 5 'Grape' [S01E11, 'Courting Disaster', 1990]
You didn't think the Fresh Prince would pass up the greatest of all Air Jordan 5 colourways did you? Smith would wear Grapes in numerous episodes - and almost always with a complete turquoise and purple fit to match. The shoes would make their most memorable appearance in 'Courting Disaster', when Will daydreams himself in a fake advertisement for 'Air Fresh', going one-on-one against former Pistons point guard - and NBA hall of famer - Isiah Thomas. Smith's love for the Grapes and dedication to matching fits obviously caught the attention of someone at Jordan Brand, with the make-up rumoured to form the basis of Smith's upcoming colab.

Nike Air Max 180 'Bright Ceramic' [S02E08, 'She Ain't Heavy', 1991]
While there was no shortage of basketball heat in the first season, it would take until the second season for the Fresh Prince to begin showcasing his impeccable taste in runners. Smith would break his b-ball obsession in the episode 'She Ain't Heavy', making an appearance in a pair of 'Bright Ceramic' Air Max 180s - potentially inspired by Michael Jordan's fondness for the silhouette. Smith would continue to flaunt his good taste in runners, sporting a pair of 'Scream Green' Air Huaraches in the episode 'Community Action' later in the same season.

Nike Air 180 Pump High [S02E15, 'My Brother's Keeper', 1992]
Reebok Pumps were all the rage in the early 90s and almost every child begged their parents to fork out for a pair of inflatable sneakers. Unfortunately for most of us, the staggering price tag was enough to keep them off the shopping list, and Nike's pump-equipped contenders weren't any better. Still, even the high price wasn't enough to keep Will from adding a pair of the extra exxy Air 180 Pump High to his collection and then flexing them on screen - perhaps with a little help from Uncle Phil's credit card? Sadly, like the shoes themselves, these were a flash in the pan and made it into only a couple episodes before disappearing completely.

Nike Air Speed Turf Max [S06E08, 'Viva Lost Wages', 1995]
To match changes in fashion trends, Smith's basketball sneakers would quieten down as the series progressed. The fluro and neon pops would disappear by the show's final season, replaced by clean-cut kicks like the 'Columbia' Air Jordan 11s. While the Fresh Prince's footwear was no longer so in your face, that didn't stop it from sharing the limelight in some of the show's most memorable moments.

One such moment came in the episode 'Viva Lost Wages', when Will and Carlton become stranded in Las Vegas after Carlton develops a crippling gambling addiction. Stuck with no money and no tickets home, the duo enter a talent contest in a last ditch effort to escape Sin City. The two take to the stage and give their all, busting out a dance routine to The Sugarhill Gang's 'Apache'. Smith wore the Air Speed Turf Max for the occasion and, although the two didn't take out first prize, we've never been able to hear the lyrics 'jump on it' without busting out our best impersonation of Carlton and the Fresh Prince. It was rare that we saw Smith rocking a sneaker designed to tackle turf, but when they look as good as the Air Speed Turf Max we can understand why he couldn't resist.

Nike Air Max Penny 1 [S06E24, 'I, Done' (Part 2), 1996]
One good dance deserves another, and Will and Carlton saved the best for last. In the series' final episode, as the Banks family pack up their belongings and prepare to leave the cushy comfort of Beverly Hills, Carlton and Will say their goodbyes. It's a sad moment that Smith quickly flips 180 by putting on Carlton's favourite song - Tom Jones's 'It's Not Unusual' - for 'one last time'. Carlton immediately busts out his iconic namesake dance moves and is joined by Will, who's wearing a pair of Air Max Penny 1s in Orlando Magic's signature colours. It's one of the final laughs the show would ever bring us, and it was the perfect way to end the ride.

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The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's Greatest Sneaker Moments - Sneaker Freaker

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Now this is a story all about how, the TV sneaker scene got flipped, turned upside down, and I'd like to take a minute, just sit right there, I'll tell you how Will Smith brought fresh kicks to a town called Bel-Air. SORRY! I couldn't help myself.

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In this clip, Will's father Lou (portrayed by Ben Vereen) announces to Will (Will Smith) that he's leaving to go on the road. At first, Lou tells Will that he can go on the road with him, however, his father has a change of plans and leaves him again.

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Fresh Prince of Bel-Air - Will's Father leaves