The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

The guess is that it will have staying power, primarily because of the presence of Will Smith, a rapper who does, indeed, go by the name of "Fresh Prince." Smith, half of the rap duo of D.J. Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, is a natural, so likable and charismatic that he already has drawn parallels to Eddie Murphy from NBC's Brandon Tartikoff. [10 Sept 1990, p.C-1]

While Smith's act is G-rated enough to give rap a good name, the show offers a new and not-so-safe perspective of the so-called "black experience" in America. These are not the Jeffersons. These rich people have their pretentions, but they're no fools. [10 Sept 1990, p.C4]

The most interesting feature of the program is how it stays specific to Smith's underclass style while fashioning a story that the whitest of white people can easily relate to. That's achieved, in part, by making Smith's relatives unbelievably broad. You've never met Boston Brahmins as preppy as these people. It's the weakest part of the program, but it allows Smith to have a great time playing Groucho Marx to his family's Margaret Dumont. [10 Sept 1990, p.35]

The punch lines are predictable, but the kid and his stern uncle generate a great deal of comic energy.

Until the confrontation scene, Fresh Prince coasts along on the considerable charm of Smith, who is making his acting debut at 21. Many shows before it have relied on their stars, but that last scene gives an intriguing insight into what Fresh Prince could be. [9 Sept 1990, p.H1]

But the writers blow it; they don't keep Fresh Prince in character. When he arrives at the Bel Air mansion and the black butler opens the door, Fresh Prince mistakes him for a relative - a believable lapse for an inner-city kid. But the next thing you know, he's doing a dead-on impression of an English butler...Fresh Prince shows up for a formal dinner in his gaudy street threads and doesn't know which fork to use, yet he's an accomplished classical pianist. None of this adds up, and it drains away most of the fish-out-of-water tension that could have produced a terrific comedy. [10 Sept 1990, p.C1]

Whether clinking crystal to a beat or jiving with the crusty butler, Smith is looked upon by even his detractors with condescending "isn't he something" adoration. Tiresome as that is, Smith's breezy and non-combative charm gives this the look of a winner. Even if, in concept, it's more nap time than rap time. [10 Sept 1990, p.3D]

The cultural clash contains a wealth of comic possibilities and kids may well take to the show although I found it rather predictable. [10 Sept 1990]

Perhaps the writers, director Debbie Allen and executive producer Quincy Jones are afraid to show America how rich people in L.A. really live. As for the new arrival's "outrageous" behavior, that consists mainly of using slang expressions, playing a tune on the drinking glasses at the dinner table and wearing a funky tux to the party. Gracious goodness sakes alive, what next??? [10 Sept 1990, p.B1]

Fresh Prince of Bel Air is being touted as a sure hit. If it becomes one, it will be because of the raw likability of its star, rapper Will Smith, not because of his acting skills or even anything that's been written for him in this NBC comedy. [10 Sept 1990, p.F9]