In full transparency, I’ve never seen a full episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990 – 1996) so going into Peacock’s dramatic take on the property I knew the theme song more effectively than anything about the actual show. So as a fan of Will Smith but not one of the 90s sitcom, I went in with minimal expectations that could take me in either direction. The premiere for me had some surefire misses but overall, it delivers a punch (literally) about a youth trying to start anew in a city he never intended to be a part of. While the premiere can take some melodramatic liberties to start some arguments just for the sake of politics – Jabari Banks’ mannerisms as this world’s young Smith makes for a captivating performance at the very least. It’s a show that I’ll stick with at least for the next few episodes and with a short season order of seven – depending on how it all goes it might be worth it in the end to stay with your auntie and uncle in Bel-Air.