Original Aunt Viv Janet Hubert Returns for Bel-Air's Epic Final Season

Talk about a full-circle moment! Janet Hubert, the iconic first Aunt Viv from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, is officially joining the cast of Peacock's dramatic reboot, Bel-Air, for its highly anticipated fourth and final season. She won't be alone, either, as another familiar face, Caroline Chikezie, also steps into the Bel-Air universe!

TL;DR: The Scoop on Bel-Air's Final Season

• Janet Hubert, the original Aunt Viv, will guest-star in Bel-Air Season 4 as a "wise woman" who mentors Hilary.
• Caroline Chikezie (Power Book II: Ghost), real-life wife of Adrian Holmes (Uncle Phil), joins as Dominique Warren, leader of Geoffrey's former London gang.
• The fourth and final season of Bel-Air premieres on Monday, November 24, 2025, exclusively on Peacock.

A Legendary Return: Janet Hubert Joins the Banks Family Drama

Hold onto your hats, Fresh Prince fans! Janet Hubert, the actress who originated the role of Aunt Vivian Banks for the first three seasons of the beloved '90s sitcom, is making her debut in the gritty world of Bel-Air. This isn't just a cameo; Hubert is set to play a "wise woman" who crosses paths with Hilary (Coco Jones) and becomes "instrumental" to the entire Banks family. While she won't be reprising her role as Aunt Viv, her presence alone brings a powerful sense of history and legacy to the show.

For those who remember, Hubert's departure from the original Fresh Prince in 1993 was the stuff of Hollywood legend, leading to a decades-long, high-profile feud with star Will Smith. The two publicly reconciled during the HBO Max Fresh Prince 30th-anniversary reunion special in 2020, burying the hatchet in an emotional sit-down. Her appearance in Bel-Air now truly signifies a complete circle, bringing her immense talent and a rich personal history back to the franchise that made her a household name.

More Original Fresh Prince Stars Gracing Bel-Air with Their Presence

Hubert's guest spot makes her the sixth original Fresh Prince cast member to appear in Bel-Air. The reboot has a knack for honoring its roots while forging its own path, and these nods to the original series have been a treat for long-time fans.

Here's a quick look at other familiar faces who've popped up:

• Daphne Maxwell Reid (Aunt Viv #2 in Fresh Prince) appeared as Helen, an Art Council board member, in Bel-Air Season 1.
• Vernee Watson-Johnson (Will's mom Vy in Fresh Prince) played Janice, the executive director of the Art Council, also in Bel-Air Season 1.
• Tatyana Ali (Ashley Banks in Fresh Prince) guest-starred as English teacher Mrs. Hughes in Bel-Air Season 2.
• Joseph Marcell (Geoffrey in Fresh Prince) played a London gangster named Roman, someone from the current Geoffrey's past, in Bel-Air Season 3.
• Tyra Banks (Jackie Ames in Fresh Prince) is also set to debut in Season 4 as a new character — one of Vivian's former college classmates, who will reportedly clash with Viv.

These appearances aren't just fan service; they cleverly integrate the original show's talent into new, dramatic storylines, adding layers of depth and connection for viewers.

New Faces and Intriguing Storylines for Bel-Air's Farewell Run

Beyond the nostalgic returns, Season 4 is also introducing another compelling new character. Caroline Chikezie, known for her role in Power Book II: Ghost, is joining the cast as Dominique Warren. Dominique is described as the leader of Geoffrey's (Jimmy Akingbola) former London gang and is like a sister to him, promising to add significant intrigue to Geoffrey's already complex backstory. Fun fact: Chikezie is the real-life wife of Adrian Holmes, who plays Uncle Phil in Bel-Air, which should make for some interesting on-screen chemistry!

The final season promises to tie up loose ends and propel the Banks family into their next chapters. The official logline gives us a glimpse into the drama ahead:

• Will (Jabari Banks) will try to navigate the fun of senior year while facing the high expectations that brought him to Bel-Air.
• Carlton (Olly Sholotan) tests his own resolve as he grapples with the fallout of major decisions that could threaten his future.
• An unexpected power shift will challenge the brotherhood between Phil (Adrian Holmes) and Geoffrey (Jimmy Akingbola), testing their loyalties.
• Viv (Cassandra Freeman) works on reinventing herself as she prepares for motherhood—again.
• Ashley (Akira Akbar) enters a rebellious phase during her freshman year of high school, learning that the status quo might not serve her anymore.
• Hilary (Coco Jones) embarks on a journey of self-exploration following the tragic events of her wedding day.

It sounds like we're in for an emotional and action-packed finale that will truly explore the evolution of these characters.

Mark Your Calendars: When and Where to Watch Bel-Air Season 4

Get ready for the farewell run! Bel-air Season 4 premieres on Monday, November 24, 2025. You can catch all the drama exclusively on Peacock. If you're an Apple TV+ subscriber, you might also be able to access Bel-Air through a bundled subscription with Peacock, a partnership introduced in October 2025. Peacock hasn't confirmed yet if episodes will drop weekly or if it'll be a full binge-release, so stay tuned for those details!

The series, inspired by Morgan Cooper's viral trailer that reimagined the '90s sitcom, has consistently delivered a dramatic, raw, and modern take on Will's journey from West Philadelphia to the luxurious mansions of Bel-Air. With Carla Banks Waddles as showrunner and executive producer, alongside a stellar team including Will Smith and Quincy Jones, this final season is poised to be a powerful conclusion to a groundbreaking series.

FAQ: Your Bel-Air Season 4 Burning Questions Answered

When does Bel-Air Season 4 premiere? The fourth and final season of Bel-Air will premiere on Monday, November 24, 2025. Where can I watch Bel-Air Season 4? You can watch the final season exclusively on Peacock. Subscribers to the Apple TV+ and Peacock bundle may also have access. Is Janet Hubert playing Aunt Viv in Bel-Air Season 4? No, Janet Hubert will not be reprising her role as Aunt Viv. She will be playing a new character described as a "wise woman" who interacts with Hilary Banks and becomes instrumental to the family. How many episodes will be in Bel-Air Season 4? The fourth and final season is confirmed to consist of eight episodes. Sources

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• Adekaiyero, Ayomikun. "Original Aunt Viv Returning to ‘Bel-Air’ 32 Years Later." The Daily Beast. (Oct. 28, 2025)
• Cordero, Rosy. "Janet Hubert And Caroline Chikezie To Guest Star In ‘Bel-Air’ Season 4." Deadline. (Oct. 27, 2025)
• TMB. "Janet Hubert and Caroline Chikezie Return to Bel-Air for Exciting Season 4 Guest Appearances." TMB. (Oct. 28, 2025)
• Complex. "Janet Hubert Joins Final Season of ‘Bel-Air’ in Full-Circle Moment." Complex. (Oct. 28, 2025)
• Vibe. "Original Aunt Viv, Janet Hubert, to Star in ‘Bel-Air’ Fourth and Final Season." Vibe. (Oct. 28, 2025)
• ScreenRant. "Bel-Air Season 4 Brings Back The Original Aunt Viv Actor." ScreenRant. (Oct. 28, 2025)