Bel-Air, the dramatic reimagining of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, has officially wrapped its four-season run — and fittingly, it ended where it all began: with Will Smith.
In the show’s series finale, the Oscar-winning actor appeared in a surprise cameo, sharing heartfelt advice with the younger version of himself, played by Jabari Banks, as the character prepared to leave Bel-Air for college.
“Trust me, you’re going to mess some things up and do some dumb stuff,” Smith tells Banks’ Will in the scene. “But you’re human — you’ll learn, you’ll grow. Life goes by fast, man, try to enjoy the ride.”
The cameo, directed by series creator Morgan Cooper and written by showrunner Carla Banks Waddles, served as both a symbolic and emotional bookend for the series, which began with Cooper’s viral 2019 short film that reimagined the iconic ’90s sitcom as a grounded, modern drama.
A Vision Backed by Will Smith and Quincy Jones
The Bel-Air reboot — produced by Will Smith, Quincy Jones, and Universal Television — first premiered on Peacock in February 2022, coinciding with the Super Bowl. The series followed Banks’ portrayal of Will, a teen from West Philadelphia navigating a new life of privilege and pressure in Los Angeles.
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Cooper reflected on the show’s journey and Smith’s involvement from day one.
“Will is somebody who believed in this since the beginning,” Cooper said. “He reached out before we even had 10,000 views [on the short film]. He loved it then, and we got to see it through to the finish line. I’m so thankful.”
Cooper recalled meeting Quincy Jones, one of the original creators of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, in 2019 shortly after the reboot deal was made.
“He told me, ‘I’m passing you the baton,’” Cooper shared. “Will could have easily sued me [for the short film], but instead, he gave me the opportunity to turn it into something massive. That’s a lesson in opening doors — and how far those branches can reach.”
A Series Built on Family, Legacy, and Authenticity
The Bel-Air finale underscored the show’s themes of growth, community, and belonging. The younger Will wrestles with his identity and future as he prepares to leave for the University of Pennsylvania, fearing he might lose touch with who he truly is. Smith’s appearance bridges generations of storytelling, offering reassurance and a message of resilience.
“We’re going to be alright,” Smith says before the two share a fist bump overlooking Los Angeles — a symbolic moment connecting past and present.
Cooper said the ending was designed to “bring everything full circle.”
“From the start, I wanted this show to feel handcrafted — from how it’s lit and shot, to how it honors the essence of Fresh Prince while telling a story that’s forward-thinking,” he explained. “It’s about redefining success, emphasizing that strength comes from family and community.”
Behind the Scenes: Will Smith’s First Time Directed by Morgan Cooper
The finale also marked the first time Cooper directed Smith on set — an experience he described as surreal yet deeply rewarding.
“I’ve always handled pressure well,” he said. “When it’s high stakes, I focus on the work. When you’re prepared, that instills confidence. Working with Will was incredible. He’s a mentor and a friend.”
Expanding Representation and Reimagining Legacy Characters
Across its four seasons, Bel-Air reshaped the Fresh Prince legacy with layered portrayals of Black manhood and family dynamics. Characters like Uncle Phil (Adrian Holmes), Carlton (Olly Sholotan), and Geoffrey (Jimmy Akingbola) were reimagined with modern depth and nuance.
Cooper credited the writing team for building authentic narratives instead of “box-checking” representation.
“Shows can get stuck regurgitating old narratives,” he said. “We wanted to show Black men as complex — with joy, pain, ambition, and vulnerability. That honesty is what makes it resonate.”
A Legacy Honored, a New Generation Inspired
As Bel-Air closes its final chapter, its impact mirrors that of its predecessor: redefining what representation and storytelling can look like for a new generation.
“It’s such a blessing to end the series on a note of gratitude,” Cooper said. “I think about Jabari Banks and the entire cast — this show has opened doors for them just like Will and Quincy opened doors for me. Everything is connected.”
All four seasons of Bel-Air are now streaming on Peacock.
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