It’s OK to admit it — you know all the words to the “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” theme song, rapped by show star Will Smith.
He experiences trouble in Philadelphia … one little fight, and his mom got scared. A trip to California ensues. A cab ride to forget. And then there’s Will Smith, standing on the mansion lawn, ready to bring some character to the West Coast.
The show experienced a successful run on TV from 1990 to 1996, and lives on in re-runs.
The show’s lasting impact emerged on Saturday’s episode of BBC One’s “The Graham Norton Show,” with Smith — there to promote “Men in Black III” — leading the show’s audience on a theme song sing-along.
Norton introduced the segment by discussing the show’s legacy, and Smith shared stories about his “Fresh Prince” days.
Co-star Alfonso Ribeiro (diminutive, dorky Carlton Banks on the show) offered advice that Will is glad he followed.
“We were trying to come up with names for the characters, and Alfonso pulled me aside, and said, ‘Man, whatever your character’s name is, people are going to call you that for the rest of your life. Make your character’s name Will Smith.’
“And he was so right. When we go out together, people are like, ‘Will, Will! Carlton!'”
Soon after, Norton uncovered a keyboard and handed it to another guest on the show, English musician Gary Barlow.
“Oh goodness,” Smith said.
The theme’s beat started playing over the speakers, Norton cued the audience and Will was off, performing his most popular song.
Audience members sang along and danced in their seats, reveling in their moment with the Fresh Prince.
“It is so funny that so many people recognize that theme song,” Smith told the crowd following the song. “Television really attaches you to people in a way that is extremely powerful, and it’s humbling. Thank you.”