American TV streaming service, Peacock has just released a new teaser from Bel Air, the Fresh Prince of Bel Air reboot. The dramatic remake of Will Smith’s 90s classic sitcom is set to arrive on the streaming service on Super Bowl Sunday (February 13th).
A far stretch from the innocence of the original show, Bel Air depicts the story in a more dramatic way. The new 45-second clip previews what is to come for the show as it focuses on the confrontation at a West Philadelphia pickup basketball game that leads to the character’s journey to Bel Air. While that incident in the original show’s opening credits is described in comedic effect, the dramatic reboot depicts the fight in true violence.
Cinematographer, Morgan Cooper inspired the creation of this reboot with a fake trailer in 2019. Cooper now serves as director and co-writer on Bel Air, turning the 90s sitcom into a “dramatic retelling.”
“With this dramatic reimagining, we wanted to create a show that stands on its own while honouring the spirit and innovation of the original series,” Cooper previously said in a statement. “Because Bel-Air is a drama, we’re able to really peel back the layers of these characters and themes in a way that you simply couldn’t do 30 years ago in the half-hour sitcom format. We’re able to go have tough conversations that challenge perspectives. At its core, Bel-Air is a celebration of the Black experience through the perspective of a family,” Cooper said in a statement. “My approach to the series started with a deep focus on tone and really being intentional with my creative choices… Everything can be inspiration, and having a two-season order gives us the opportunity to go infinitely deeper narratively, visually, and aesthetically. I think that with Bel-Air we have created something unique and honest.”
The first three of 10 hourlong episodes of Bel-Air will stream on Peacock February 13th, with new episodes to follow weekly. Check out the original spoof teaser below.
