Dynamic duo Andy Borowitz and Susan Borowitz returned to their creative duties to create “Bel-Air,” the dramatization of the long-running sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” The series revolves around Will Smith (Jabari Banks plays the character), a rebellious streak, a late teenager from Philadelphia. When the weather seems to be getting worse, Will’s mother sends him to the titular estate of his wealthy lawyer uncle. The series presents the African-American experience while drawing on class conflict and the American Dream. If you liked the dramatic narrative, we have other shows you should add to your to-do list. You can find most of these shows similar to “Bel-Air” on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.
7. South Side (2019-)
“South Side” is a charming and enjoyable sitcom with Bashir Salahuddin and Diallo Riddle at the helm. The story follows two friends fresh out of community college, looking for business opportunities. In the meantime, they struggle with their day job at a rental store in suburban Chicago. The creators immerse us in a world populated by diverse characters, while their honest and grounded portrayals of the main characters add an earthy charm to the story. If you’re looking for a series with the exact nature of “Bel Air,” this show is where you should place your bet.
6. Blind Spot (2021-)
Created by Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs, the comedy-drama series “Blindspotting” is a spin-off of the widely acclaimed 2018 film of the same name. The story picks up six months after the film, telling the last part of Ashley’s life. After the death of her husband and the starring role in the film, Miles, Ashley and her son Sean move in with Miles’ mother and half-sister. Well, things don’t go well, giving way to existential fear and worried laughter. If you’re looking for another quirky family comedy with a regional twist after “Bel Air,” this series also pays homage to the Bay Area lifestyle.
5. Everybody Hates Chris (2005-2009)
The brainchild of Chris Rock and Ali LeRoi and based on Chris Rock’s teenage life experiences, the sitcom series “Everybody Hates Chris” is a hilarious, stereotype-defying exploration of its central character. Well, the premise is pretty much a giveaway – Chris has to take care of the house when his parents are away. Meanwhile, Chris’ siblings hate him like hell, as they feel Chris is unqualified for the housekeeping task. With a stable fanbase and multiple awards and accolades, this series is a rare sitcom that kids and their parents can enjoy simultaneously. If you have a thing for the willpower character in “Bel Air,” Chris will knock you off your feet.
4. Family Affairs (1989-1998)
Created by William Bickley and Michael Warren, a spinoff of the ABC sitcom “Perfect Strangers,” “Family Matters” is an animated family sitcom about a middle-class African-American family. The Winslow family lives peacefully in a Chicago suburb until mad inventor neighbor Steve Urkel disrupts their nightly slumber. The series’ journey is pretty much the journey of Steve Urkel, who starts his journey from a single character and becomes a mainstay. After winning three Young Artist Awards, the show’s popularity doesn’t need to be bolstered. If you’re looking for another mischievous family drama after “Bel Air,” this show should be your next destination.
3. The Wire (2002-2008)
In David Simon’s complex and dark political thriller series “The Wire”, the system seems to have broken down. Against the backdrop of a violent Baltimore, Detective James McNulty and his team attempt to unravel a mystery. The drug lords seem to have bought off law enforcement, and justice has shifted. This show wasn’t the first to suggest the demise of law and order – however, the show’s brilliance lies in presenting the finer details of the country’s crime-laden underbelly. It also chillingly depicts how social injustices leave their mark on a community, featuring a stellar ensemble cast. If after “Bel Air” you crave a series that captures the American dream with all its black spots, this classic series is sure to capture your imagination.
2.Atlanta (2016-)
Created by rapper-actor Donald Grover, better known by his stage name Childish Gambino, “Atlanta” is an unlikely comedy-drama television series. The story follows college dropout turned music manager Earnest “Earn” Marks, who tries to launch the career of his cousin Alfred Miles aka Paper Boi. With engaging characters and an electrifying score, the ambitious drama pushes the boundaries of the genre. Beautifully scripted and brilliantly acted, this is the series you should steer if you’re looking for a different kind of foray into an African American teenage experience.
1. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996)
Created by Andy and Susan Borowitz and loosely based on the life of Benny Medina, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” is a feel-good sitcom. In what many consider Will Smith’s vehicle to stardom, the series presents Smith as a fictionalized version of himself. A resourceful teenager, Will gets caught up in trouble in his Philadelphia and lands in Bel-Air, the titular estate of his wealthy uncle. The comedy stems from Will’s working-class ideas and their contrast to the upper-class lifestyle of his uncle’s family. After ‘Bel-Air’, we have to go back to our roots, with a catchy jingle and endearing characters.
Read more: Bel Air Episodes 1, 2 & 3 Recap & Ending, Explained
