The third season of "Bel-Air" promises more suspense and drama on Peacock

The Real Perspectives
Aug 16, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Aug 17, 2024

August 16, 2024

Bel-Air is back for its third season on Peacock, bringing more sizzling drama for the summer with its premiere on August 15.

With its dramatization of the beloved sitcom "Fresh Prince of- Bel-Air" that aired from September 10, 1990, to May 20, 1996, starring Will Smith as a fictionalized version of himself, Will now played by Jabari Banks, is the street-smart teenager born and raised in Philadelphia who is sent to live with his wealthy uncle and aunt in Bel-Air, California. This time, instead of comedy, real social issues seep into cultural relevance with this series.

Bel-Air is the most-streamed original series on Peacock, which premiered with 3 episodes and will continue weekly on Thursdays for the rest of its 10-episode season. Season 3 follows Will, Carlton, and the rest of the Banks family with show runner Carla Banks promising "pools, beach parties, bonfires, fireworks, Juneteenth celebrations and lots of summer lovin'" for Will's first summer in Bel-Air. But it's not all fun and games for Will and our beloved characters as this season continues to explore the deeper issues that affect Will's world, including gentrification in South LA.

Courtesy: Peacock

Will's life is about to get more complicated with the return of his father, Lou (played by Marlon Wayans), and the possible love triangle with Lisa and Jackie. Carlton will have growing pains as he continues to be tested through rehab. Vivian and Phil face marital trouble, and Hilary and Jazz's relationship hits a rough patch when she's caught between Jazz and her old flame, Marcus. The trailer teased the nostalgic return of Fresh Prince Joseph Marcell (who played the original Geoffrey in the '90s sitcom) and is mysteriously connected to this Geoffrey (played by Jimmy Akingbola) and his mob ties.

Bel-Air is created by Andy and Susan Borowitz and developed by Morgan Cooper, and Malcolm Spellman. Executive producers are TJ Brady, Rasheed Newson and Carla Banks.

Courtesy: Peacock

The official synopsis of Bel-Air season 3 reads, Will "doing Bel-Air his way" while school is out for the summer. "Being a part of the Banks family has given him a new perspective — it isn't just about wealth, it means that Will now has options to lean into other things that excite him and has the privilege to dream bigger. As Will makes an exciting pivot, he finds a partner in Carlton, who desperately wants to leave his life of addiction behind and rebuild his damaged reputation. And while the dynamic duo has a lot of exciting wins, working together also reveals fundamental differences in their backgrounds and worldviews. Can a partnership of such extremes work? Pressure at work and home will also pose challenges for Viv and Phil. How does a couple hold strong when their lives are at sea? Hilary's romantic journey with LaMarcus will face some shocking hurdles, and Ashley's views on romance will start to blossom as she comes of age the summer before she starts high school, and Geoffrey's London past will come a little too close to home.