In the reboot of Bel-Air showcases all the beloved main characters essential to the plot of the show. These characters are iconic by themselves and this reboot reminds fans why the show was such a success in the '90s, though it does it with a totally different vibe.
Bel-Air has provided a young and modern-day spin on the legendary series with some inspirational, real, and funny quotes that make the show entertaining and relatable.
Black and Voting
“People Know When They’re Being Politicianed.”
People of color and the voting system have always had a tension-filled relationship of love/hate. Bel-Air does an amazing job of visualizing this and acknowledging the hesitancy of this demographic through this quote.
While Will and Carlton are out getting signatures for Uncle Phil’s campaign, Will schools Carlton on the fact that people are conscious and able to distinguish when someone is being genuine with them and when people are just telling them what they want to hear.
Making Sacrifices
“Nobody Gets Through Life Without Having To Compromise A Little.”
No truer quote than this, compromise is a part of life. A little compromise goes a long way when you want to achieve something, and go further in life. Uncle Phil is considered the greatest dad in the original sitcom, and in the Bel-Air reboot, the new version lives up to this observation. He educates Will on the fact that life isn’t all about fighting, and sometimes a person must understand that certain things can be handled without violence.
Will presents a hard and confident persona, with his upbringing in West Philly giving him the mindset that he must always fight every battle that is thrown his way. A person must compromise on some level that doesn’t necessarily go against who they are but realize that not every situation is a fight.
True Millennium
“I’m Sorry, I Don’t Feel Sorry.”
Like the original sitcom’s Hilary Banks, Bel-Air’s Hilary is fashionable and the outgoing one in the family. She is unapologetically herself and makes sure to stay true to herself. Hilary lives in a generation that doesn’t necessarily care about others' doubts because they will make things happen for themselves.
She is a character that doesn’t mind stepping on toes and closing a few doors, and this quote is evidence of this. When a magazine job wants her to tone down her “ethnic” food, Hilary turns down the job and blasts them on social media, not apologizing for standing her ground and protecting the brand she's built on her own.
Family Sticks Together
“This Is Our Campaign, We All Signed Up For This.”
Although there is debate on who was the best Aunt Viv from the original series, this doesn't take away from the fact that Aunt Viv is a mom and wife that loves her family and sacrifices for whatever they may need. With Phil’s rising career and subsequently running for office, she sacrifices her successful painting career to focus on her family and become a dutiful wife.
This quote acknowledges that Aunt Viv doesn't see Uncle Phil’s run for office as his alone, but as the family's run as well. They are one, and when one falls or missteps, they all fall and misstep.
Accepting Change
“You Want Me To Apologize For Being Successful.”
A man of success and class, Uncle Phil wasn’t always someone of this esteem. He managed to pull himself up from where he was as a lawyer to where he and his family is today through hard work. However, not everyone is understanding and welcoming of Uncle Phil’s change since his success and money, and this quote is Uncle Phil’s reaction to those around him that feel he’s not the person he used to be.
His success has brought about prosperity and good for his family, however, some feel he’s lost himself and who he was in the past as a result of his rise in high society.
Where You Came From
“I’d Happily Endorse Brother Yamacraw If He Was Running, Problem Is, I'm Stuck With Brother Bel-Air.”
The saying “never forget where you come from” is something so prevalent in this quote from one of Uncle Phil’s line brothers during a fundraiser. In this case, Uncle Phil is looking to gain and endorsement from this brother, however, he does not feel he knows Uncle Phil anymore and does not trust that an endorsement for him is the right thing to do.
In his line brother's eyes, Uncle Phil forgot where he came from and the people that were by his side from the beginning. Because of this drastic change, the brother feels that he doesn't know Uncle Phil enough in his new life to endorse him.
True Meaning Of Family
“Ya''ll Really Are Still Moving Mountains For Me.”
The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air is a Black TV show that defined the culture and gave fans a look into what a Black, successful, and healthy family looks like. In Bel-Air, Will is used to only having his mom standing by his side. He's used to fighting his battles by himself without anyone's help, no matter how large those battles may be. When he comes to live with his Aunt Viv and Uncle Phil, he faces even more obstacles and setbacks in this new and wealthy environment.
Even with these obstacles, Aunt Viv and Uncle Phil become his allies and ers in times of need. They choose to make it their mission to help him succeed, and Will is very appreciative of all they've done for him and all that they continue to do for him.
Knowing Your Worth
“Just Keep Searching For The People Who Are Going To Champion You Like You Deserve.”
Some of the best advice comes from family because they know and understand you the best sometimes. In this quote, Will speaks with Hilary about her struggle of finding the right people that share her interests and goals in boosting her brand. Will reminds Hilary that she is amazing and if she just keeps looking, she will find the right people that will and stand behind her, giving her all the aid she needs to succeed as she deserves.
The relationship between the two cousins is so genuine, with the two finding it easy to communicate with each other despite the age difference. This quote is something so relatable to many generations because many in the world today are still trying to find their system and the people that will believe in what they bring to the table.
Believe In One’s Self
“You Shined Bright In Philly, But You’ll Shine Just As Bright In Bel-Air.”
In some cases, a mother is her child's biggest er and Will’s mom proves this through this quote. Before the fallout of Will’s actions that get him sent to live with his aunt and uncle, Will’s mom was his biggest er. She knows that her son is meant for greatness, and makes sure that Will knows this as well.
When Will isn't keen on heading off to Bel-Air, his mom reminds him that his greatness isn't only reserved for the city of Philly and doesn't stop shining because of change but only shines brighter through greatness.
Always Consequences
“You Start A Fight, You Don’t Get To Complain On How It Ends.”
Aunt Viv on Bel-Air is all about holding her family able for their actions. She doesn't sugarcoat the truth when one does something wrong, and she lets them know that.
When Will and Carlton get into a fight, Carlton feels his mother is taking Will’s side even though he is the instigator of the fight. This quote is Aunt Viv letting Carlton know that he has no right to dictate the of who's right and wrong when something does not go his way, and in this case, that was the fight between the two boys.
