Reunion specials seem to be the new fad in Hollywood, and the cast of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is gearing up to join the party. 30 years after the show originally premiered, the players who portrayed that rich but still lovable family will come together for an unscripted HBO Max special to pay tribute to the classic series.
It appears the whole remaining main cast will take part in the special, featuring Will Smith, Daphne Maxwell Reid (Vivian), Karyn Parsons (Hilary), Tatyana Ali (Ashley), Alfonso Ribeiro (Carlton), and Joseph Marcell (Geoffrey). DJ Jazzy Jeff (Jazz) who never misses a good time, will join the action as well. That leaves 3 remaining main cast members not taking part.
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James Avery (Uncle Phil) tragically passed away in 2013, so viewers can likely expect an homage to him during the special, especially considering how loved he was among the cast and fans. Meanwhile, Janet Hubert-Whitten, who played Vivian for the first 3 seasons also appears to be absent from the roster. This makes sense, given how her departure from the show was less than mutually decided. Finally, Ross Bagley (young Nicky for the final 2 seasons) has also received no mention in the returning cast list, though no reason has been given.
The special will film on September 10th, which is fittingly exactly 30 years since the show’s first episode aired on NBC. Set to release around Thanksgiving on HBO Max, the special promises a variety of fun segments, with lots of music and dancing and maybe a few unexpected cameos. Marcus Raboy, director of many stand-up specials (including Patton Oswalt’s 2020 release I Love Everything), will direct the event.
This news is rather timely in its announcement, as it comes on the heels of the other recent Fresh Prince-related announcement concerning an upcoming dramatic reboot of the series. With such a serious version of the story on the horizon, it’s rather fitting for the original cast to come together for one last hurrah, and perhaps a symbolic passing of the torch. Will Smith himself will produce the dramatic reboot along with Jada Pinkett Smith, so the two versions will always have a connection.
With shows like Parks & Recreation and 30 Rock recently filming reunion specials of their own, it’s no surprise to see Fresh Prince getting a piece of the action. This seems to be a year where a nice blast from the past is exactly what a lot of people need.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is currently available for streaming on HBO Max.
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Source: Deadline
