Peacock Developing ‘Bel-Air’ Spinoff ‘Hilary’ Starring Coco Jones

Peacock is developing a new television series titled "Hilary," which will serve as a spinoff of its existing drama "Bel-Air." The project is set to star Coco Jones in the titular role. Tracy Oliver, known for her work as a co-writer on films such as "Girls Trip" and "Little," is attached to write and produce the series. This development marks a significant step for "Bel-Air," potentially making it Peacock's first scripted original series to spawn a direct offshoot.

"Bel-Air," which premiered in February 2022, is a dramatic reimagining of the beloved 1990s sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." The series offers a more grounded and dramatic portrayal of Will Smith's journey from West Philadelphia to the affluent Bel-Air neighborhood of Los Angeles. The original sitcom starred Will Smith as the titular character, with Alfonso Ribeiro, Karyn Parsons, Tatyana Ali, and James Avery in supporting roles. The reimagined series features a new cast, including Jabari Banks as Will, Adrian Holmes as Uncle Phil, Cassandra Freeman as Aunt Viv, Olly Sholotan as Carlton, and Akira Akbar as Ashley.

The proposed "Hilary" spinoff is expected to focus on the character of Hilary Banks, a role originally played by Karyn Parsons in the 1990s sitcom and portrayed by Coco Jones in the "Bel-Air" series. In "Bel-Air," Hilary is depicted as an aspiring influencer and fashion designer struggling to find her footing and independence while navigating the expectations of her wealthy family. The character's journey in the original series involved her pursuing her passions and eventually finding success in her chosen career path. The spinoff will likely explore Hilary's life and career in greater detail, potentially delving into her entrepreneurial endeavors and personal relationships.

The development of "Hilary" underscores Peacock's strategy of leveraging established intellectual property and popular characters to attract and retain viewers. "Bel-Air" itself has been a critical and commercial success for the streamer, demonstrating an appetite for fresh takes on classic narratives. The involvement of Tracy Oliver as writer and producer brings a proven track record in creating successful and culturally relevant content, further bolstering the project's potential. The series is currently in the development phase, meaning it has not yet been officially greenlit for production, but its progression indicates strong interest from Peacock executives.