‘Bel-Air’ Adds Original ‘Fresh Prince’ Star Tatyana Ali for Season 2 — Watch Trailer (VIDEO)
Bel-Air is getting a visit from another OG Fresh Prince star in Season 2, which premieres on Peacock on February 23.
Peacock has announced that Tatyana Ali, who played Ashley Banks in the original series, will be recurring in Bel-Air Season 2 — with a connection to her former character. She’ll play Mrs. Hughes, the English Literature teacher at Bel-Air middle school who sees something special in Ashley (Akira Akbar), often giving her books from her personal collection. The new trailer, which offers a look at Season 2, features a glimpse at Ali. Watch it above.
Bel-Air also stars Jabari Banks (Will), Adrian Holmes (Philip Banks), Cassandra Freeman (Vivian Banks), Olly Sholotan (Carlton Banks), Coco Jones (Hilary Banks), Jimmy Akingbola (Geoffrey), Jordan L. Jones (Jazz), and Simone Joy Jones (Lisa).
Season 2 sees Will challenged when a new figure comes into his life and competes for control of his influence, leading him to juggle that and his home life with the Banks family. Will and Carlton’s brotherhood will evolve, Hilary will become more of a boss in her influencer world, which spills over into her relationship with Jazz, and Viv and Phil balance marriage and family while forging their own career paths.
“Last season was very much about the introduction to the Banks family world, and this season we get to go deeper with some of the themes we touched on — what it truly means to be a family even when it’s challenging,” showrunner, executive producer, and writer Carla Banks Waddles said in a statement.
“How do you rebuild trust within a family? How do you find your own way, your individualism within a family? We’ll also explore Will’s character beyond feeling like a fish-out-of-water. He’s now struggling to find a balance of maintaining his independence and his West Philly identity while also being open to new opportunities for himself in Bel-Air. Viv and Phil are also trying to find a balance as they parent teenagers who think they have all the answers — allowing Will and their children the freedom to make their own decisions, while also guiding with a gentle, and sometimes firm hand.”
Added executive producer Morgan Cooper, “EVERYONE is ready to level up in this new chapter, especially Will, who’s determined to become his own man after the fallout with Lou and the Banks family in the season one finale. The themes of trust, pride and ambition are at the forefront, and all our characters find themselves at unique crossroads that will be life changing.”
Also serving as executive producers are Anthony Sparks, Malcolm Spellman, Will Smith, Terence Carter, James Lassiter, Miguel Melendez, Benny Medina, Quincy Jones, Andy and Susan Borowitz, TJ Brady, and Rasheed Newson.
Scroll down to check out the new photos and key art.
Bel-Air, Season 2 Premiere, Thursday, February 23, Peacock
Ivy (Karrueche Tran)
Mrs. Hughes (Tatyana Ali)
Will (Jabari Banks) and Carlton (Olly Sholotan)
Will, Phil (Adrian Holmes), Viv (Cassandra Freeman), Carlton, Hilary (Coco Jones), and Ashley (Akira Akbar)
Will
Ashley and Lisa (Simone Joy Jones)
Carlton, Will, Viv, Phil, and Ashle
Geoffrey (Jimmy Akingbola)
Phil and Viv
Hilary and Jazz (Jordan L. Jones)
