Will Smith looking to produce new ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’

Could we be seeing someone doing the Carlton all over again on TV soon? This story certainly has us wondering this very thing.

As first reported by TVLine, Will Smith is looking to executive-produce at Overbrook Entertainment (his production banner) alongside James Lassiter, Caleeb Pinkett and Jada Pinkett-Smith a new version of the classic “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” sitcom, which aired for years on NBC and established him as one of the biggest names in show business. This is a series that is still popular in syndication, and is widely considered to be one of the defining shows of the ’90s.

There is no firm network attached to the project yet, and there’s also no word here on whether or not this would be some sort of spiritual successor to the original, or a full-on remake with more of a modern twist to it.

What we wonder right now is whether or not we actually need this new show, and we’re still torn on it. We feel like the format of the show is timeless, and there’s always fun to be had with the fish-out-of-water story. Much of it could depend on who they find for some of the leading roles, since Smith’s charisma is one of the real reasons the original turned out to be anything at all.

As for possible interest, we’re sure that there will be a great deal. This is one of those shows that really appeals to a broad audience, and it should also be noted that in between “Empire,” “Power,” and “black-ish,” shows featuring African-American casts have been incredibly successful in the ratings over the past year. With these factors plus the opportunity of a Smith cameo here or there, how could you not at least order a script / pilot for this?

Do you think we need a new “Fresh Prince” in our lives?

(Photo: Peacock)