This is a story all about how THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR is coming to Crave! The complete series – 148 episodes over six seasons –begins rolling out on Crave on Thursday, Nov. 19, it was announced today, with Crave becoming the exclusive Canadian streaming home of the series in January 2021. In line with the full library of the series dropping on Crave, the highly anticipated HBO Max Original, THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR REUNION SPECIAL also premieres November 19. Will Smith confirmed the premiere date and released the first trailer for the reunion special in an exclusive announcement on his social handles last Friday.
Considered by many as one of the most iconic sitcoms of the 1990s, THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR stars Will Smith as Will, a street-smart teenager from inner-city Philadelphia who, after getting into a fight, is sent to live with his wealthy uncle and aunt in their Bel-Air mansion. Will’s lifestyle often clashes with the upper-class world of the Banks family – his uncle Phil (James Avery, License to Drive) and aunt Vivian (Daphne Maxwell Reid, FRANK’S PLACE and Janet Hubert, Not Letting Go); and their children, Will’s cousins: Hilary (Karyn Parsons, Major Payne), Carlton (Alfonso Ribeiro, AMERICA’S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS), and Ashley (Tatyana Ali, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS).
Originally airing from 1990-1996, the series received critical acclaim for pushing the boundaries of storytelling and representation in television. It is well known for its memorable opening sequence, featuring the theme song performed by Smith and recurring guest star DJ Jazzy Jeff, and for its long list of celebrity guest appearances. The series had more than 40 celebrity guests including Tyra Banks, Oprah Winfrey, Queen Latifah, Chris Rock, Naomi Campbell, and even Donald Trump.
On September 10, 2020, the cast gathered on-set in the Banks’ home to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the series, and to tape a reunion special for HBO Max, which premieres in Canada on Thursday, Nov. 19, in-line with the U.S. premiere. Smith made waves on social media when he released two photos from the taping back in September. He was joined by series regulars Tatyana Ali, Karyn Parsons, Joseph Marcell, Daphne Maxwell Reid, and Alfonso Ribeiro, as well as recurring co-star DJ Jazzy Jeff, for a family reunion. Surprising the rest of the cast, Smith also revealed that he sat down with Janet Hubert, who originated the role of Aunt Viv, for the first time in 27 years for an emotional reunion and a candid conversation.
THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR joins Crave’s existing collection of Comfort TV content, including the complete libraries of SEINFELD, FRASIER, 30 ROCK, VERONICA MARS, and THE BIG BANG THEORY. THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR REUNION SPECIAL joins Crave’s existing offering of HBO Max Originals, including AN AMERICAN PICKLE, EXPECTING AMY, LOVE LIFE, and the upcoming THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT, premiering November 26.
