Bel-Air

In comparison to the original this show Bel Air adds the seriousness to the main stories that many fans of Fresh Prince of Bel Air didn't consider. This version isn't meant to be a comedy; it is more like a drama. Bel Air reminds me of All American on CW. It has funny points but the drama and consequences are heightened. I appreciated it for what it was. The best way to watch it is without all the memories of what the original was. My advice is to watch is as a completely new show with different characters.

Let the haters hate. This retelling of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was exceptional. The comedy told as a drama made the retelling that much more remarkable. I don't think Will Smith could have done a better job. And the actor chosen to be Will was the perfect choice. What more could I say except the proud producers should take a bow. Really enjoyed it.

There are several problems with this modern day retelling and we can't avoid the comparison with the old one. They should have made a completely new series instead.

I simply don't understand the reason of the creation of this show. Who needed it? Who wanted it to be a mediocre drama? Who is the target audience?

These new characters and their problems are so unrealistic... Mostly rich people problems. OMG I'm so good doing what I do that everybody wants me! OMG I go to this elite private school it is so stressful that I can't handle it! Pfft... The way these people look are so clean-cut like they came out of a magazine and they often move like robots. Their reactions feel forced by the script and not how a normal person would behave.

Smith's characters doesn't really develop although his life drastically changes. Jazz's character is one dimensional. Hilary is an empty shell. Ashley occasionally appears but doesn't do much. Carlton is just way off. Phil isn't a fatherly figure more like a player. They don't do too much with Vivien other than dressing her up in various clothing and hair-styles. Geoffrey is a gangster now :D

The music is absolute garbage. It is just noise.

Summary: they can't recreate the Fresh Prince and failed to create something good either.

Not even close to the warmth and charm of the original show

Regardless there are some good moments but too few of them .

I'd watch the original if you need a fix of this type of show ...

I can't believe how many reviews I have seen complaining that this isn't a comedy. If you want to laugh just go watch the original series. This is supposed to be a dramatic retelling, it's supposed to be serious and dark, and it's supposed to feel modern. However, it seems like everyone missed the memo. I haven't even watched the show which is why I didn't rate it, but I had to say something because these reviews are ridiculous. Once again, if you want a comedy just watch the original series, but if you want a darker more realistic approach than give it a shot. Don't give this a bad rating just because it isn't what you want or expected! Give it a proper rating for what it actually is and what it's trying to be.