Random Fan Theories That Will Change How You Remember 'The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air' (8 items)

(#8) DJ Jazzy Jeff Thinks It's Far-Fetched

The man behind the character DJ Jazzy Jeff, Jeffrey Townes, talked to The Huffington Post about this fan theory in 2015.

He said: "It’s just, that’s so far-fetched you just laugh... To see someone take all of that stuff and almost create a whole world around it, you’re kind of like, ‘Wow, it wasn't that deep, but that’s amazing that their brain took it there.'"

He's obviously a little skeptical about the theory that the show is a big metaphor for heaven, but maybe that's because his character was constantly being kicked out.
(#4) This Is Also Why We Rarely See Will's Parents

Appearances by Will's parents are few and far between throughout the series. Some fans think that because Will is in heaven, the only time his parents show up to the mansion is when they're actually visiting his grave. In the episode "Papa's Got a Brand New Excuse," Will's dad Lou shows up after a 14-year absence.

Perhaps it took Lou so long because word of Will's demise only reached his estranged father when it was time for the funeral.
(#6) There Are Clues In The Lyrics

Some of the lyrics in the full-length version of the show's theme could be interpreted as supporting this theory. If you assume that Will was hospitalized during his "one little fight," then you can also assume he had to be put in a coma.

Maybe his mother is coming to terms with pulling the plug. Consider that scenario with these lyrics:

I begged and pleaded with her day after day
But she packed my suitcase and sent me on my way
She gave me a kiss and then she gave me my ticket
Put my Walkman on and said I might as well kick it

It may be a reach, but one could read that as the mother sending Will to heaven. Now check out the next verse:

First class yo this is bad
Drinkin' orange juice out of a champagne glass
Is this what the people of Bel-Air live like
Hmmm this might be all right
But wait I hear they're prissy, bourgeois, and all that
Is this the type of place that they just send this cool cat?
I don't think so I'll see when I get there
I hope they're prepared for the prince of Bel-Air

These lyrics could definitely be read as Will's internal conflict about whether he's worthy of admittance to heaven. He might not be sure that he'll fit in with all the fancy-pants folks. Regardless, he makes it to the cab.
(#1) Will Didn't Actually Survive His 'One Little Fight'

What if the "one little fight" that Will gets himself into in West Philadelphia - the one that scares his mother so much she sends him to Bel-Air - is so bad that Will doesn't make it out alive? What if he is shot or stabbed instead of being picked up and indelicately spun around?

This fight then becomes the inciting incident for Will's trip to the afterlife.
(#7) Boyz II Men Are Truly Angelic

In one of the show's Christmas episodes, "'Twas the Night Before Christening," Will promises the family he can get Boyz II Men to perform at Nicky's christening. When Will is finally about to admit defeat, the popular R&B group miraculously waltzes through the church doors perfectly harmonizing "Silent Night."

It always seems a bit far-fetched when this sort of thing occurs in other sitcoms, but if the "Will is actually in heaven" theory is to be believed, then Boyz II Men would be an appropriate choir of angels, lending some credence to this ridiculous, albeit fun, sitcom trope.
(#3) Bel-Air Is Heaven

What's a better setting for heaven than a huge Bel-Air mansion? Though Will gets shot in one episode (some fans think that this represents Will's coming to terms with his passing), and he and Carlton experience racism from police in another, Will lives in the lap of luxury and he rarely has to deal with anything other than contrived sitcom inconveniences.

The greatest support for this theory is the house's white aesthetic - it could easily be described as heavenly.