Bel-Air season 3 premieres on Peacock on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, with three episodes, followed by seven episodes per week. First premiered in March 2022, it's a contemporary retelling of the venerable 90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Exploring the life of Will, a young man from the streets of West Philadelphia, as he settles into his new life in the affluent area of Bel Air, this revised series addresses major issues like racial tension, cultural shock and the difficulties Black bourgeoisie experience, unlike its predecessor.
For viewers of character-driven stories, the series is a must-watch, as its dramatic intensity and nuanced characters are enthralling.
For fans of complex storylines, there are also other shows that have similar themes and emotions. These shows explore race, privilege and identity about wealthy Black families or adolescence in a racially charged environment.
Bel-Air fans should watch the following five shows. Each show sheds light on Black people and communities' struggles and successes. Like this one, these shows draw from real-life experiences to tell relatable, impactful stories.
Shows to watch if you like Bel-Air
1) The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996)
Beloved 90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air stars Will Smith as a fictionalized form of himself. The show tracks Will from West Philadelphia to the posh area of Bel-Air, where he negotiates the cultural and social differences between his old and new life.
The original series touches on racial and socio-economic concerns even if its tone is more lighthearted and humorous. The original series provides a nostalgic look at the narrative, like Bel-Air, for those who appreciate its dramatic flair.
Where to watch: Hulu
2) The Wonder Years (2021)
Another reinvention of a classic 90s series, The Wonder Years is set in late 1960s Montgomery, Alabama. The show is told from the viewpoint of Dean, a young Black lad growing up in a period of political and social transformation.
Like the Peacock series, The Wonder Years presents the complexity of adolescence — especially in a society split along racial lines. For those who value the ideas the series explores, the show offers a moving look at the difficulties of growing up as a Black in America.
Where to watch: Disney+
3) Our Kind of People (2021)
The drama Our Kind of People is set in Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard's affluent Black community. The show follows businesswoman Angela Vaughn, who discovers her mother's shocking secret.
The series follows wealthy Black families' struggles with identity, power and legacy, based on Lawrence Otis Graham's 1999 book. Our Kind of People shows Black excellence and its challenges. Canceled after one season, the show powerfully explores wealth and race.
Where to watch: Apple TV
4) Dear White People (2017-2021)
Set at an imaginary Ivy League university, Dear White People is a satirical drama where students of color negotiate a mostly white institution. Based on the 2014 film of the same name, the show looks at racial tensions, microaggressions and the idea of "post-racial" America.
Bel Air and Dear White People both address the widespread problem of racism in prestigious educational environments, so this series should interest fans of the Peacock's series. The show's sharp writing and sophisticated characters provide a provocative perspective on modern society's racial relations.
Where to watch: Netflix
5) Saved by the Bell (2020-2021)
The 2020 revival of Saved by the Bell offers a novel viewpoint on the venerable 90s sitcom. The new show centers on a group of working-class students moved to a famous university in a rich area.
Like Bel-Air, this reboot tackles social concerns pertinent to the audience of today, including income inequality and the difficulties minority students encounter in largely white colleges.
For those who value the mix of drama and humor, the program offers an interesting viewing, as it combines social commentary with fun.
Where to watch: Amazon and Apple TV
Bel-Air redefined reboots with drama, cultural commentary and rich storytelling. For those who liked Will's complicated journey, these five shows will too. These shows will keep you entertained, whether revisiting Fresh Prince or exploring Dear White People's modern struggles.