Jabari Banks and Morgan Cooper came to Philly to spread the Love of Bel-Air

As soon as it was known that a drama adaptation of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was in the works, there was skepticism. For a while, some felt that their childhood favorites should remain unaltered. But once the show aired, they began to change their minds.

Will fans quickly grew to love this version of the Banks family, led by West Philadelphia's own Jabari Banks.

Banks, who has received glowing reviews, recently returned home to ring the Bell at the Sixers game and discussed what it meant to him to play this iconic role as well as the creative genius behind the drama conceptualization Morgan Cooper.

Banks was asked how he felt about the public reception of the series

"For me, I am fascinated about the fact that so many people are on Will's side when it comes to a lot of issues. I didn't think a lot of people wouldn't feel Tray. Carlton and Tray are the worst two characters. Tray was a very likable character in my eyes. I thought there would be more empathy that all these friends are tearing apart. "

Cooper added, "I agree with that. I didn't expect as much disappointment from the fans towards Tray, but I think it's good when you create art that creates a reaction."

They both feel that they weren't surprised by the reception of the new Geoffrey portrayed by Jimmy Akingbola.

Morgan shared, "the way the fans have taken to Geoffrey and how we reimagined him is unbelievable."

The discussion then shifted to why this representation of Black experiences is so important. Many African Americans continue to believe that a Black middle-class or wealthy family is an unrealistic representation of Black lives. Others, on the other hand, believe it is critical to demonstrate that the Black experience is not always rooted in poverty and struggle.

"I would say just through the Show we are showing that being Black isn't a monolith. I didn't grow up like Carlton; I grew up more like Will. I attended Black Schools, but I understand Carlton's perspective exists," were Jabari's thoughts.

Morgan added, "The thing about Carlton is that he didn't choose to be born in Bel-Air or that existence. That experience doesn't allow him to change his skin color. Also, it is important to see what being Black is like in that space and how it shapes your outlook and experience."

The city of Philadelphia is experiencing a vibrant artistic renaissance, and Bank is a part of that story.

So, it was put to Morgan how the artistic team worked to have Will maintain his Philadelphia Roots and, most importantly, West Philadelphia roots.

"That's a great question. When we started writing the pilot, I first called all my Philly friends and had conversations. Certain language in Kansas City is not a certain language in West Philly. Philly has such a specific culture and language. Just the swagger and energy of Philly is unique."

The Banks family will return to Peacock for season 2 because of the outstanding job the production team did. Banks' performance in the season finally has gotten him a lot of critical acclaim, and he's in Emmy consideration alongside the Show as the industry shifts to the Television Awards season. Is Geoffrey going to pick up the phone? Is Will returning to Philadelphia? When we see the Banks family again, those questions must be answered. Carlton did turn out to be the good guy.

You can stream season one of Bel-Air on Peacock now.