This Thanksgiving may not include a lot of typical family get togethers. But one of America’s most beloved TV families is gathering in their iconic living room for an official family reunion. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’s highly anticipated special is hitting HBO Max on November 19 and the recent trailer is full of nostalgia and joy. And perhaps the most joyful part for everyone is the inclusion of Janet Hubert, a.k.a. the original Aunt Viv. It’s a real deal reunion special now.
A photo of Will Smith and Janet Hubert made social media rounds back in September. It was obviously a shocking moment for all Fresh Prince fans considering the duo had a long-standing feud spanning back to Hubert leaving the show after its third season. The cast often came together for fun moments over the years, but Hubert was never included in them. At this point, it is certainly a healing moment that is beyond due for everyone.
The trailer seems at first like it might leave Hubert’s appearance out. We see the remainder of the cast—including Tatyana Ali, Karyn Parsons, Joseph Marcell, Daphne Maxwell Reid, Alfonzo Ribeiro, and DJ Jazzy Jeff—laughing, crying, and reflecting on decades of friendship.
HBO Max
There are tidbits of fun information, like Reid admitting she didn’t originally audition for the show because it was going to feature “some rapper.” The group also reflects on the life and legacy of James Avery, a.k.a. Uncle Phil, who died back in 2013.
But Smith threw an nice curveball at the end by saying it couldn’t be a real reunion without Hubert. She appears to step onto a soundstage as Parsons gasps in pure shock. We also see Ali turn and look over her shoulder.
HBO Max
It’s not clear if Hubert is actually going to join them in the living room for a chat, but it’s quite possible. It would be the ultimate moment to see the original Aunt Viv grab her TV children for a hug. (She is wearing a completely different outfit from her sit-down photo with Smith…)
This all seems to point at the Banks family truly coming back together again. It’s time to take things back to Bel-Air once again.
Featured Image: HBO Max
