The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990): episodes, history and where to watch

AT A GLANCE

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air first went out in September 1990 on NBC (BBC Two in the UK). It ran until 1996, with 6 series and 148 episodes so far. Where it streams changes often, so check the official services before paying for one.

comedy
sitcom
american
More from the 1990s

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Why it is worth your time

Will Smith is sent from West Philadelphia to live with his rich relatives in Bel-Air. The theme tune is word-perfect in a generation of British heads thanks to BBC Two teatime repeats.

The details

First broadcast: 10 September 1990
Originally on: NBC (BBC Two in the UK)
On air: 1990–1996
Series: 6
Episodes: 148
Typical length: 30 minutes
Genres: Comedy, Family
First episode: “The Fresh Prince Project”

Watching it the official way

Older programmes move between broadcasters, streaming services and DVD releases as rights are sold and resold. Paying the rights holder keeps archives alive and pays the people who made them.

The BritCast TV library changes with sources and rights, so we never promise a title before checking. Ask us and we will look, or try a day free and search for yourself.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: quick answers

When did The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air start?

On 10 September 1990, on NBC (BBC Two in the UK).

How many episodes of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air are there?

148 had been broadcast by 14 October 2026, across 6 series. The last aired in 1996.

Where can I watch The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air now?

Rights to older programmes move between services and channels; check BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and the main streaming services, or buy it on DVD or digitally.

Dates and episode counts from TVmaze (2026-10-14), CC BY-SA 4.0. Artwork © its owners, shown only to identify the programme.