Bel-Airmade a good choice not bringing back the original theme song fromThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The reimagined version of the classic 90s sitcomBel-Airsports an entirely new cast, with Jabari Banks playing Will Smith, yetrevisits the same story asThe Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air. However,the Peacock show focuses more on the racial tensions and world of the black bourgeoisiein a dramatic retelling, offering a different take to the originally light-hearted show.Bel-Aircurrently hosts 3 seasons, but there is uncertainty if there will be a season 4, despite the show’s 85% Popcornmeter.
Season 3 ofBel-Airendedwith quite a few dramatic cliffhangers as Lamarcus passed out during his honeymoon following his hypertrophic cardiomyopathy diagnosis, Will is kidnapped, and Aunt Viv’s pregnancy was announced. Nonetheless, while the drama series differs greatly to the light-heated approach ofThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, it continues a musical tradition in its soundtrack.Bel-Air’s soundtrack guidesthe narrative and features many black artists, fitting with its themes, paying ode to the 1990s sitcom. However,one particular song is markedly absent from the show: the originalThe Fresh Prince Of Bel-Airtheme song by Will Smith.
Fresh Prince’s Theme Song Wouldn’t Have Fit Bel-Air’s Tone
“Déjà vu” Is A Much Better Theme Song
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’stheme song is missing fromBel-Airbecause it wouldn’t fit with the show’s tone.Bel-Airestablished itself as a grittier drama series from the beginningand has drastically deviated from the original show’s tone. Even though there are many plot references, Easter eggs, and even some ofThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’sactors have returned in the remake,Bel-Airis a completely different storyline. Having an upbeat rap would interruptBel-Air’sflow and wouldn’t set the right tone for the show, hence why Easy McCoy’s more mellow “Déjà vu” is used asBel-Air’stheme song.
Bel-Air Season 4 Chances Get Mixed Response From Creator
Bel-Air season 4 gets an uncertain response from showrunner and executive producer Carla Banks Waddles, after a finale filled with cliffhangers.
Furthermore, thereboot was set up byaFresh Prince of Bel-Airepisode featuring Will’s dad. The episode “Papa’s Got A Brand New Excuse” explored Will’s personality in a deeper way as Will’s dad returns and tries to reconcile with his son, leading to one of the rare emotional moments in the otherwise comedic sitcom. WithBel-Airaddressing Will’s dad’s storyline in a more serious way, it would take away from the emotionality of the issue andovershadow the new show with a reminder ofThe Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air’shumorous momentsif the original theme song was used.
Bel-Air Cleverly Referenced Fresh Prince’s Theme In The Pilot
Will Directly Quotes The Song’s Lyrics
WhileThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’soriginal theme song by Will Smith wasn’t used for the reboot’s theme,Bel-Airdid reference “Yo Home to Bel Air” in its pilot.The Fresh Prince’s theme song Easter egg is easy to miss inBel-Air, as it is not a particularly musical moment.When Will first arrives, he explains the situation to his Aunt Viv, saying that “I got in one little fight… and my mom got scared…” This is, of course, a reference to the memorable part inThe Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air’sfamous theme song, which contains that exact line.
The 1990s sitcom had the perfect potential to be a drama due to its compelling story, but the show’s comedic tone allowed it to gain mainstream success.
Arguably,The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’stheme song is made better byBel-Air’sstorybecause it adds a new layer to the famous track. The 1990s sitcom had the perfect potential to be a drama due to its compelling story, but the show’s comedic tone allowed it to gain mainstream success. WithBel-Airdelving deeper into the themes that Will Smith’s show briefly glossed over,the original theme song essentially comes to life through a dramatic retelling. Therefore, despiteBel-Airnot includingThe Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air’stheme in the show, it is still a vital part of its narrative.
Bel-Air
Cast
A gritty and more grounded reimagining of the ’90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Bel-Air stars Jabari Banks as Will Smith. After falling afoul of a drug lord and his gang in his native West Philadelphia, Will Smith moves to a gated community in Bel-Air with his wealthy Aunt Vivian (Cassandra Freeman) and Uncle Phil (Adrian Holmes). Not only must Will adjust to his new environment, but he’s also forced to deal with his past in order to embrace his future.
