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Setting the scene
In 1990 hip-hop was crossing into pop charts, and NBC wanted youth-oriented programming that could showcase music without a variety show format. Will Smith had hit singles as the Fresh Prince with DJ Jazzy Jeff but was nearly bankrupt after the IRS seized income. Producer Quincy Jones and Andy Borowitz packaged Smith as a streetwise teen sent to live with wealthy relatives in Bel-Air.
What happened
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air premiered on NBC on September 10, 1990, with Smith playing a fictionalized version of himself opposite James Avery as stern Uncle Phil and Alfonso Ribeiro as cousin Carlton. The pilot used Smith's real rap persona to explain the fish-out-of-water move from West Philadelphia to a mansion. Theme song lyrics written by Smith became one of television's most recognizable openers.
Why it still matters
The series ran six seasons, launched Smith's acting career toward blockbusters like Independence Day, and remained a syndication staple for generations. Carlton's dance to Tom Jones became a meme decades later. Memorable detail: Smith's audition tape reportedly impressed Jones so quickly that he signed the deal before other executives finished their meeting.
Background
Will Smith leapt from rapper to global TV and film star.