How Well Do You Know Fresh Prince of Bel-Air?

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There are several toys, songs, and other products that are often referenced in lists specific to 90s kids, but the one show that every 90s kid seems to know quite well is "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." If you weren't staying up late to watch new episodes or rushing home from school to catch reruns, you truly missed out on the 90s experience. In a sense, the show embodied a lot of the emerging trends in the decade, whether it be through Will Smith's fashion sense, or the show's opening credits which included the now-iconic theme song "All about how my life got flipped turned upside down." Just try and find someone who doesn't know every lyric to the show's theme song. It's impossible.

Beyond launching the acting career of Will Smith, the show also included an incredibly-talented cast who were all great in their particular roles. Whether it's Will's insults to Uncle Phil, Hilary's dimwitted comments, or Geoffrey's dry-witted sarcasm, the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was one of the more quotable shows of its era. Unfortunately, it only lasted for six seasons, but it gave us plenty of great episodes and moments. How well can you remember each of them?

Question 1

On what network did Fresh Prince air?

Created by Andy and Susan Borowitz, the Fresh Prince of Bel Air made its network debut on September 10, 1990 and ran uninterrupted for six seasons until May 20, 1996. It was, however, briefly canceled following season four, but quickly brought back due to high ratings in syndication and a demand from fans of the show. The network first approached Will Smith, then a rapper not coincidentally named The Fresh Prince, in December of 1989 with the idea for the show and taping for the pilot began in May of 1990.

Question 2

Where was Will Smith raised before coming to Bel-Air?

If you know the theme song at all, this might be the easiest question of the quiz. In real life, Will Smith actually grew up in this city and, in addition to being part of the theme's opening, it's also heavily referenced in the series. His mom often visits Bel-Air from this city and, in one episode, he returns home to find out people have been criticizing him for "running away" from a bully who was giving him trouble. There was even a sandwich called the "Chicken Will" in his name at a local restaurant.

Question 3

True or False: Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was Will Smith's first major acting role?

As mentioned, Will Smith was a popular rapper named Fresh Prince prior to agreeing to star in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. He had numerous hit songs along with his partner in music, DJ Jazzy Jeff, who also appeared sporadically on the show. During the six seasons of filming Fresh Prince, he landed major roles in Six Degrees of Separation, Bad Boys, and Independence Day. He had also appeared in crossover episodes of Blossom, which also aired on NBC. To date, he has 45 acting credits on his IMDb page.

Question 4

Which high school did Will and Carlton attend?

Upon arriving from West Philadelphia, Will was thrust into a completely new environment not just in regard to his lavish new home in Bel-Air, but also at school, where he, along with his cousin Carlton, attended classes at the private, upscale high school with a strict suit jacket and pants dress code. In an act of defiance that everyone eventually seemed to be OK with, Will wore his jacket inside out, emphasizing his colorful personality as opposed to the vanilla rich, preppy kids attending the high school.

Question 5

Which university did Will and Carlton attend?

Carlton had always wanted to go to Princeton University, while Will was seemingly unsure if he could finish high school. He eventually did, though he had to perform a memorable rendition of "My Little Sunshine" with a group of 12 year old students. After graduating, both he and Carlton attended the same University, which allowed for some interesting storylines and kept the cousins together, which was a benefit for fans as they had great on-screen chemistry. In addition to attending classes, they both worked at the campus store.

Question 6

How many Emmy Awards was Will Smith nominated for?

It might have been hard to imagine Will Smith being nominated for any acting awards whatsoever when he first appeared on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Especially in the first season, he stands out like a sore thumb alongside seasoned actors such as James Avery and Janet Hubert. However, in later seasons, he not only finds a comedic comfort, he furthers his acting range by delving into dramatic scenes - "How come he don't want me, man?" might be one of the best-delivered and most heart-wrenching lines in the show's history.

Question 7

What was the name of Will's father in the show?

Speaking of the "How come he don't want me, man?" line. That was said by Will in season five when his father, who had been out of the picture the rest of the series, mysteriously shows up and spots Will working at the ULA campus store. Despite some initial reluctance from Will, the two quickly form a deep bond, following which Will's father asks him to go on a cross-country road trip with him. Uncle Phil warns Will not to get his hopes up and his warning proves correct when Will's father backs out. It's the last time we see him in the series.

Question 8

Which actress didn't play one of Will's girlfriends on the show?

"Mirror, mirror on the wall. Jean Claude Van Damn, I'm fine." Whether or not you agree with Will's own assessment of his looks, it's clear the women in the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air world certainly did, at least for the most part. Despite being ridiculed often for his big ears and goofy personality, Will had numerous girlfriends throughout the show's six seasons, several of which were played by high-profile actresses at the time. The 20-plus women to date Will on the show include Stacey Dash and Vivica A. Fox to name a few.

Question 9

Which job didn't Hilary have?

Hilary Banks was never particularly known for her work ethic; in fact, in the first few seasons of the show she didn't nor attend classes and was eventually caught by Will, who found out she had dropped out of school. During those seasons, her catch phrase was, "Daddy, can I have..." followed up whatever it was she needed, whether it be Uncle Phil's credit card or $300 for a new pair of shoes. Yet, she did have sporadic jobs in those early seasons which she quickly realized she wasn't good at. She did, however, find her niche in later seasons.

Question 10

What was the name of Ashley Banks' breakthrough single?

Tatyana Ali, who played Ashley Banks, had a brief career as an R&B singer following The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which is no surprise to any fan of the show. She showcased her voice in several episodes of the show, including sharing the stage with Carlton during a performance of "This Little Light of Mine" during an Easter church service. She had a brief recording career after Will managed to get her single on the radio and she developed quite the ego, only to be brought back to earth when nobody showed up to sign copies of her CD.

Question 11

What was the name of Will's basketball rival in season two?

While Will attended Bel-Air Academy, he was naturally the school's best basketball player, as it was the 1990s and rich, white kids - and Carlton - couldn't shoot hoops. Will was so good that, in one episode, he led Bel-Air Academy to a state championship game against Malibu Prep, which had a player of equal talent compared to Will. A scout was going to be attending the game and the notion was the winning player would earn a scholarship or a shot at the NBA. Will learned that the rival player had a kid and purposely threw the game to allow Malibu Prep to win.

Question 12

To whom did Carlton lose his virginity?

It took three-plus seasons but Carlton Banks finally lost his virginity in the season four episode "It's Better to Have Loved and Lost It...," in which he meets an older woman he believes to be Miss Right, but she is anything but. After charming her for most of the night, Carlton brings her back to her hotel room and, after failing to take the hint that she wants him to stay the night, she hauls him into the room. He later finds out that she's married.

Question 13

What is the name of the youngest Banks child?

A young Ross Bagley played the Banks' new baby that was born in season three, yet somehow was at least four years old by season five. Vivian gets pregnant in the third season and the youngest Banks' child is a baby in season four, essentially off-screen for much of the season. However, to help add new storylines in the following season, the decision was made to bring in a child actor to play the role of the youngest Banks. At the beginning of season five, Jazz is the one to take notice of the child's accelerated growth, while Will breaks the fourth wall (as the show did often), looking toward the camera and shrugging his shoulders.

Question 14

Who played Will's fiancée Lisa?

Will's longest relationship was easily with Lisa Wilkes, who was played a prominent 90s actress. Lisa seemed to tame Will's womanizing ways early in season five and the two develop chemistry throughout the season, with Will eventually proposing. They attempt to elope to Las Vegas for a Shaft-themed wedding, but realize they weren't ready. Again, toward the end of the fifth season, Will confesses he has doubts about the marriage, but realizes she is the woman he wants to marry. Unfortunately, Lisa also reveals she has doubts and the couple decide not to marry.

Question 15

Which comedian didn't guest star on Fresh Prince?

If an episode didn't involve a romantic angle with a new guest star and Will, chances are, especially in the first few seasons, it involved one of Will's old friends from Philadelphia coming out to visit. One of the first friends to visit was Ice Tray, a no-cares jokester who watched over Will in Philly played by Don Cheadle. Looking back, numerous big-name actors and comedians have made cameos and guest appearances on the show, including three of the four below.

Question 16

What was Jay Leno actually doing pouring down a drain sewer when Will took photos of him?

In the 10th episode of the fifth season, Will becomes interested in journalism to prove himself to Lisa, who earlier described him as "goofy." He develops an idea for a photo book titled "Celebrities Houses... At Night," which is exactly what it sounds like - photos of celebrities houses at nighttime. The photos aren't all that attractive to the editor Will takes them to, except for one, which he is told will be published. The photo is of Jay Leno pouring a liquid down the sewer and the gossip magazine its published in says the liquid is oil. Leno sues Will for slander and Will eventually sneaks on to The Tonight Show to set the record straight.

Question 17

Who played Vivian Banks from season four to six?

One of the most notable aspects of the show is the fact it has two actresses play the character of Vivian Banks, both of which do so for three seasons. The first Vivian reportedly left the show due to some difficulties getting along with Will Smith, and apparently still holds enough of a grudge that she scoffed at the idea of a reunion. In finding her replacement, the producers didn't even attempt to hire someone who looks similar, nor did they even encourage the new Vivian to play the same character. The Vivian Banks from season one to three is a fiery, passionate woman, while the other seems to be more of a background character.

Question 18

What is the name of the book of girls' phone numbers Will gives Carlton?

As Will decides he wants to be with Lisa and only Lisa, he's encouraged by Geoffrey to give up his personal phone book of women's numbers he has accumulated over the years. Thus, in the scene that follows, he hands it over to Carlton in what appears to be a holy ceremony. "I accept this gift and all the responsibilities it carries ... I will never reveal the secrets of which it contains," Carlton repeats after Will, holding out his hands to accept the prized possession. Upon receiving it, the phone book - and Carlton - illuminates. "I can feel the power," he screams.

Question 19

What was Geoffrey's last name?

Geoffrey, or "G" as Will referred to him, is the Banks' butler and the source of comedic relief within the household. He's cynical, sarcastic, and often downright rude, but he is tremendously loyal to the Banks' and has a fondness for the children, especially Ashley and Will, who he calls Master William at every occasion except for the last scene, in which he finally calls him Will. We learn many things about Geoffrey throughout the years, including that he cheated his way to a gold medal in the 1976 Summer Olympics and that his middle name is Barbara.

Question 20

What was the name of Jazz's wife?

Jazz wasn't often the center of any episodes, but he did lead a storyline in one particular episode, in which he finds the woman of his dream on an episode of COPS. He meets her at the local jail and awaits her release before introducing her to Will and the Banks family. The couple quickly marry, despite the woman jumping into Will's arms and attempting to kiss him on their wedding day. They also later attempt to have a child and are unsuccessful at first, which leads them to ask Will to donate his sperm. Jazz eventually divorces his wife after discovering her real name was Hortense and that she cheated on him multiple times.

Question 21

What was the name Grandma Banks called Uncle Phil as a child?

In the fourth episode of season one, it is revealed that Uncle Phil is the recipient of the Urban Spirit Award, which prompts his parents to visit from North Carolina. This is the episode we're first introduced to Grandma Banks, who gets along wonderfully with Will and tells him all about Uncle Phil's childhood, including the fact his best friend growing up was a pig named Melvin. Will tells this story to a reporter who was doing a story on Uncle Phil.

Question 22

What is Uncle Phil's profession?

The Banks' weren't always so well off. In one episode, the family is shown years ago living in a tiny apartment struggling to make ends meet. At the time, Uncle Phil was a much slimmer man, while Carlton was around six or seven years old. Even then, Phil worked hard for his family, going as far as to tell Carlton he could become the first black president of the United States, to which Carlton replied, "I'm black?" His hard work did pay off as he eventually moved up in his profession and was able to buy the mansion the family lives in throughout the series.

Question 23

What name does Jazz's friends in Compton give Carlton in the 72 Hours episode?

While Carlton has often been portrayed as a bookworm who frightens easy - his high-pitched shriek is prevalent in several episodes - that wasn't the case in the season one episode, "72 Hours," in which Will challenges Carlton that he can't spent the weekend in Jazz's neighborhood, Compton. Will expects Carlton to come running home within a few hours, but upon visiting the next day he finds Carlton is not only fitting in, but has become one of the gang. Carlton begins sporting a gold chain and bandana and is given a nickname by the crew.

Question 24

How did Hilary's fiancée Trevor die?

One of Hilary's first jobs was as a weather girl, which she landed somewhat opportunistically and, despite being quite poor at the job, kept it for some time due in part due to her eventual relationship with one of the news anchors, Trevor Collins. The two spend many nights together in the pool house and eventually develop a serious relationship, which leads to the question of marriage. Never one for subtlety, Hilary wants a dramatic, memorable proposal and Trevor is determined to do so. Unfortunately, it leads to his death.

Question 25

Whose tooth did Will and Carlton crack while working on Hilary's show?

After working as a weather girl, Hilary's dumb luck eventually lands her a job as the star of her own talk show, which, after a period of low ratings, ends up becoming a successful hit. The show lands a big-time guest in one episode, with both Will and Carlton competing to take him out on the town and keep him entertained until the show begins shooting. While playing pool, Will and Carlton fight over a pool stick, which eventually hits the actor in the mouth and chips his tooth. They take him to the dentist, which results in the three of them breathing in laughing gas with hilarious results.

Question 26

What was the name of the whale Will fights backstage at a live show for children?

In the earliest season five episodes involving Nicky, he appeared to look up to and want to be just like Will - the two often did the handshake Will and Jazz would perform. However, in one episode, instead of going to the beach with Will, Nicky wants to go see his favorite talking whale at a mall appearance with Carlton. Feeling left out, Will eventually decides to cave and take Nicky - and Carlton - to see the whale, who isn't exactly in the best of spirits. As a result, Will and the guy under the whale head get into a backstage spat, causing the curtains to come down, revealing Will whaling on the character in front of dozens of children.

Question 27

What was the name of Uncle Phil's pool stick?

One of the best episodes in the first season of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is Banks Shot, in which Will goes against Uncle Phil's wishes and visits the local pool hall, where he is eventually hustled out of hundreds of dollars, not to mention the car he borrowed from Uncle Phil. In heroic fashion, Uncle Phil himself hustles the hustlers, losing one game by acting as though he's never played pool before, only to ask Geoffrey to "break out (name)" when the stakes are raised for another game.

Question 28

What was the name of Geoffrey's son?

In one of the last episodes of the series, "The Butler's Son Did It," a man visits the Banks' residence claiming to be Geoffrey's son. After some initial shock, Geoffrey and the rest of the Banks family - especially Carlton, who tries to be just like him - accept this fact. Will, however, is suspicious of the man and his suspicion grows further when he notices Geoffrey's son steal money from his secret stash. It's later revealed that, while he is Geoffrey's son, he just came to scam money that he felt he had been owed.

Question 29

Which class did Will drop at ULA and then want to re-join?

Upon joining ULA in season four, Will signs up for classes that are, for the most part, easy electives. There is one, however, that seems a little too difficult, and he quickly drops the course, only to discover later that the professor teaching the course is an eccentric, engaging personality who encourages stimulating discussions. He tries to get back into the course but is denied entry as the class is full. He does, however, rejoin the course, but isn't given credit for completing it.

Question 30

From which school did Uncle Phil graduate?

It wasn't just Uncle Phil's hard work and dedication that helped him rise through the legal field. Despite struggling to make ends meet while he and Vivian started a family, it's not as though he wasn't educated. In fact, he actually attended a fairly prolific school, one in which is referenced prominently throughout the series. It's also the school Carlton dreams of going to in order to follow in his father's foot steps and, on multiple occasions, he has interviews with representatives from this school.

Question 31

What was the name of ULA's football team?

"We're marching down the field. We refuse to yield. We are rougher, and we are tougher, we are the (name) of ULA." If you've seen the episode, chances are you've recited that marching song on multiple occasions. That is the actual lyrics to the chant; Will, on the other hand, dressed in the mascot uniform as Carlton is essentially kidnapped by a fan of the opposing team, sings a much different tune and accompanying dance. Fortunately, Carlton escapes from the cage which he was trapped in and delivers the team chant at half time.

Question 32

What was the name of Will's poet alter ego in Def Poet's Society?

As if Will needed help picking up girls, he joined an after-school poetry club in the seventh episode of the first season. When he's asked to recite one of his favorite poems, he makes up a poem and credits it to a "street poet" he also created on the spot. The poem itself is actually a work of art: "Tic-tock clock//The clock is ticking for you//Cause the love you said you'd give//Came up way past due//So dance to the clock-rock//Stay on the floor//Cause when the ticks, turn to tocks//I'll be knocking at your door."

Question 33

Who eventually portrays the poet?

The problem with Will's plan is that, while attracting the attention of a young lady named Christina Johnson, she and the poetry classmates want to meet Raphael Delaghetto. Will reluctantly tells Christina he can bring Raphael in for a reading and he eventually finds someone to dress up and deliver the following poem: "Listen to the street beat//Hear the sound pound//Plug yo' ears, mask yo' fears//Something weird's goin' down//So listen to the street beat//Listen... Or I'll kill ya!" Needless to say, it doesn't go over well.

Question 34

On which talk show did the Banks' appear in season three?

In season three, the Banks family appears on a popular talk show with some help from Hilary's boyfriend, news anchor Trevor Collins. The family is excited to go on the show and things appear to be going well until Will, who was not invited to be on the show and is sitting in the audience, asks a question and is brought up on stage by the host. Things go awry for the family, which is potentially devastating to Uncle Phil, who is running for state judge against Judge Carl Robertson.

Question 35

Where did Uncle Phil propose to Vivian?

As a judge, Uncle Phil is a fairly reserved and serious individual, but there are times throughout the series that we learn he had a rather wild side earlier in his life. In a season five episode, Aunt Viv sits the family down to detail to them how Uncle Phil proposed, which surprised everyone, especially Will, who made sure to get his jokes in on his uncle. Following Phil's heartwarming proposal, the couple danced to Tammi Terrell and Marvin Gaye's "You're All I need to Get By."

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