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In the early nineties, the new 'Cosby Show' of family TV made it to the TV airwaves. Will Smith, having established a successful career, alongside Jazzy Jeff in the music industry, made his way to LA to see what options lay in his path. A chance meeting with Quincy Jones, meant that within weeks of arriving in LA, the pilot episode of Fresh Prince of Bel-air was produced. Snapped up by the networks, Fresh Prince went on to be one of the most successful and most loved 'Teen comedy sitcoms' of the 90s.

A fish out of water storyline, Fresh Prince sees Will sent to live with his Aunt and Uncle by his mother (just listen to the opening credits song to follow how and why he was actually sent there...ask any 90's kid they surely can sing it word for word). Here he's presented with a completely different society. Phil and Vivien, his aunt and uncle have fulfilled successful careers and live in rich luxury, whilst still holding on to family morals and ideals. Their children, Carlton, Hilary and Ashley all come with their own quirky characters, as does the english butler, Geoffrey.

Fresh Prince, gave chance for Will Smith to show off his comic talent, usually with the likes of Uncle Phil and Carlton as the butt of the jokes. As the show matured, and moved on from the early 80's (which in some respects were still influenced by 80's style) we saw a family continue to grow, and bond and deal with relatable issues. Regular appearances from Jazzy Jeff also proved a hit, his obsession with Hillary as well as the customary throwing out of the door by Uncle Phil became regular to his appearances when he per-chanced upon the Banks household.

The show proved that not only comedy could rule and push it to the forefront of 90's tv show. Serious issues were also covered intimately, from racism, to teenage sex. But perhaps the most touching episode, and one that showed the early talents of Will Smith as the Oscar nominated actor he would become, was in the episode where his estranged father makes an appearance. Will quickly becomes excited by the prospect of going on the road with his father, despite reservations about the prospect by Phil. From the outset, for the audience, it almost becomes too clear how the episode will pan out, yet like Will you hope in some way that the father will step up to the plate and be a father to his son. The final scene of the episode, is quite literally breathtaking and heartbreaking, and only pulled off by Smiths superb acting.

Despite a change of Vivien's between seasons, the show continued from strength to strength. Hillary remained the quirky 'bimbo', Ashley grew into a young woman along with all the pressures of becoming a young adult. Carlton continued to impress and amuse us with his quirky dancing and comic moments. Phil and Vivien continued to advise their brood and strove to keep them on the straight and narrow, (continually having to reign Will in), and Geoffrey never halted in his service to the Banks household whilst at the same time giving us comic insights into being a Butler to such a varied group of people.

Fresh Prince continues on in re-run heaven, still impressing audiences whether an episode has been seen once or a thousand times.

Learn more about this author, Sara Lou.
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