Bel-Air Shocker: Original Fresh Prince Star Returns After 32 Years
Tyra Banks is returning to the Fresh Prince universe, guest-starring in Bel-Air’s fourth and final season — playing a new role 32 years after her original sitcom debut.
Bel-Air is going out with a little full-circle flair: Tyra Banks is coming back to the Fresh Prince universe, just not as the character you remember.
Tyra Banks is guesting in Bel-Air season 4
Peacock confirmed Tyra will appear in the fourth and final season of Bel-Air, the dramatic reimagining of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. It has been 32 years since she first showed up on the original sitcom as Jackie Ames, Will’s ex from Philly. This time, she is not Jackie. In the new show, Banks plays a former college classmate with a big personality who reconnects with Viv (Cassandra Freeman).
Bit of inside baseball: Bel-Air has a habit of bringing back original Fresh Prince actors in brand-new roles. It is a smart way to honor the old show without just recreating it, and the Tyra booking fits that plan perfectly.
Other Fresh Prince alums who have popped up
- Daphne Maxwell Reid (the second Aunt Viv) showed up in season 1 as Helen.
- Vernee Watson-Johnson (Will’s mom, Vy) also appeared in season 1, playing Janice.
- Tatyana Ali (the original Ashley) joined season 2 as Mrs. Hughes, a teacher.
- Joseph Marcell (the original Geoffrey) turned up in season 3 as a figure from the new Geoffrey’s past.
For anyone keeping score, Fresh Prince was one of Tyra’s earliest acting gigs before the supermodel run and the America’s Next Top Model era. On the sitcom, she and Will Smith had that fun, sparring chemistry — lots of flirty clashes that fans still remember.
What season 4 is about
Senior year is here. Will (Jabari Banks) is trying to enjoy himself while living up to big expectations. Carlton (Olly Sholotan) is dealing with the fallout from his earlier choices. Phillip (Adrian Holmes) and Geoffrey (Jimmy Akingbola) hit a power shift that tests their loyalty to each other. Viv (Cassandra Freeman) is searching for a fresh take on motherhood. Hilary (Coco Jones) starts a self-discovery arc. And Ashley (Akira Akbar) enters high school and starts pushing back a bit. So, yes — everyone is juggling something.
When it drops
Bel-Air season 4 premieres November 24 on Peacock. The show’s final lap just got a little more nostalgic.