Inside the ‘Bel-Air’ Screening Party in Los Angeles

Re-print By Kailyn Brown -February 11, 2022

Ahead of the Sunday premiere of Peacock’s new drama series Bel-Air—a modern-day reimagination of the beloved ‘90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air—the streaming service hosted an exclusive screening party on Thursday evening in Los Angeles.

Held at a stunning Bel-Air mansion, guests were transported into the Banks’ family home, which featured interactive art installations to resemble the bedrooms of the show’s characters, a wall of iconic sneakers courtesy of Nike, and an immersive AR throne experience powered by Verizon. Chef Alex Hill also held cooking demonstrations on how to make a proper Philly cheesesteak sandwich, while DJ Corey Townes—the son of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’s DJ Jazzy Jeff—provided the musical vibes before Grammy-nominated emcee, Jadakiss, wrapped up the event with an energetic performance.

In attendance at the star-studded gathering was Bel-Air’s creator, writer, and director, Morgan Cooper, who secured the T.V. deal after uploading a homegrown trailer—which quickly went viral—to showcase how he would rework the Will Smith-led sitcom for current times. The show’s cast, including leading man Jabari Banks (Will Smith), Adrian Holmes (Uncle Phillip Banks), Cassandra Freeman (Aunt Vivian Banks), Olly Sholotan (Carlton Banks), Coco Jones (Hilary Banks), Jimmy Akingbola (Geoffrey), and Jordan L. Jones (Jazz), were also at the event. Jazzy Jeff, who played Jazz in the original sitcom, made an appearance as well.

“My career started in the line of a Best Buy when I was 18 years old,” Cooper said Thursday after screening the pilot episode of the anticipated series. “I didn’t go to film school. I didn’t go to college. I bought a little Canon and built a career with it. So just know that it’s possible. You can do anything. Straight up.”

Step Show by Alpha Phi Alpha

Members of Alpha Phi Alpha perform during “Bel-Air” screening party (Photo courtesy of Peacock)