Bel-Air fans already ‘hooked’ by gripping storyline – but some ‘can’t stand’ Carlton’s ‘edgy’ persona

Will Smith’s Fresh Prince reboot titled Bel-Air finally made its debut on Super Bowl Sunday and, due to many holding the beloved 90s sitcom close to their hearts, a number of fans were pretty ‘surprised’ by the gritty revival.

The classic comedy told the story of a young Will teenager who moved to Bel-Air with his aunt and uncle, but this darker tale will explore the character’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to a wealthier life in California.

All eyes were on lead star Jabari Banks, who plays the titular protagonist, alongside Coco Jones (Hilary), Olly Sholotan (Carlton), Adrian Holmes (Phillip), Cassandra Freeman (Ashley), and Jimmy Akingbola (Geoffrey).

The majority weren’t convinced about how the dark drama would play out on screen following the trailer’s release last month, but it’s safe to say the controversial plotline has proved to be a worthy watch so far.

Following the release of the first three episodes, which Metro.co.uk rated three stars, viewers quickly took to Twitter where one impressed fan wrote: ‘So #BelAir has me hooked. Those first few episodes don’t quit.

‘They do a fantastic job of keeping true to the base story from #FreshPrince but this new spin is incredible. And don’t get me started on the casting. I couldn’t stop watching. Excited to see what comes next.’

One hesitant viewer added: ‘Took my chances and I actually liked it.’

‘Just got done watching #BelAir and I’m definitely loving the in depth dynamics of each character and their build up on the show,’ tweeted another.

However, to everyone’s shock, it was Carlton’s character that had everybody talking, and not in a good way.

One person tweeted: ‘Ok so to be clear we ALL hate Bel-Air’s Carlton right? Lol’

While another added: ‘Bel-Air: The Carlton Villain Origin Story.’

The I Am Legend megastar was heavily involved behind the scenes and worked alongside film director Morgan Cooper.

Susan Borowitz served as an executive producer, with Smith and OG executives Quincy Jones and Benny Medina.

Just like the sitcom, Will and Carlton didn’t see eye to eye (Picture: Peacock)

Peacock gave the show a two-season order back in September last year, and the streaming company also uploaded the moment Smith told an ecstatic Banks that his audition was successful.

More: US TV news

The series creators also stated that the show would be set in the modern-day and described it as a serialised one-hour ‘dramatic analogue’ to the half-hour sitcom of the original.

A UK release for Bel-Air has yet to be confirmed.

Episode four of Bel-Air drops on February 17 on Peacock.

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