Why didn't the Fresh Prince last more seasons than it did? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

tmacsrockets · 10-19-2010, 04:04 PM

Why didn't the Fresh Prince last more seasons than it did?

Did viewers leave because Will and Lisa didn't get married?

MrRetro_08 · 10-20-2010, 09:17 AM

Will Smith wanted to pursue his movie career, which has proved successful for him. To be honest I think the show had run its course anyway.

TV Knowledge Fan · 10-20-2010, 06:22 PM

....Will Smith would have been "persuaded" to return for another season of the series, with more "incentives" {bigger salary, part-ownership of the show, a firm commitment for his own production company to produce at least one pilot for consideration as a weekly series, etc.}...as the cast of "FRIENDS" were several years later, when the network was running out of "successful" series on its schedule- so that's why they were on for ten years. If Will hadn't turned to theatrical films, he would have made the same mistake the cast of "FRIENDS" did, and "overstayed his welcome" by about three or four additional seasons.

Big Dawg · 10-22-2010, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TV Knowledge Fan

....Will Smith would have been "persuaded" to return for another season of the series, with more "incentives" {bigger salary, part-ownership of the show, a firm commitment for his own production company to produce at least one pilot for consideration as a weekly series, etc.}...as the cast of "FRIENDS" were several years later, when the network was running out of "successful" series on its schedule- so that's why they were on for ten years. If Will hadn't turned to theatrical films, he would have made the same mistake the cast of "FRIENDS" did, and "overstayed his welcome" by about three or four additional seasons.

How do you know that?

TVFactFan · 10-30-2010, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TV Knowledge Fan

....Will Smith would have been "persuaded" to return for another season of the series, with more "incentives" {bigger salary, part-ownership of the show, a firm commitment for his own production company to produce at least one pilot for consideration as a weekly series, etc.}...as the cast of "FRIENDS" were several years later, when the network was running out of "successful" series on its schedule- so that's why they were on for ten years. If Will hadn't turned to theatrical films, he would have made the same mistake the cast of "FRIENDS" did, and "overstayed his welcome" by about three or four additional seasons.

NBC wasn't going to do all that when the show wasn't among the Top 30 for that season.

catlover79 · 10-30-2010, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrRetro_08

Will Smith wanted to pursue his movie career, which has proved successful for him. To be honest I think the show had run its course anyway.

I agree 100%, on both counts.

GSU2004 · 11-24-2010, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrRetro_08

Will Smith wanted to pursue his movie career, which has proved successful for him. To be honest I think the show had run its course anyway.

I remember reading that James Avery said the ratings in the last season warranted a renewal but Will was ready to move on. I have to see what interview that was and post it. I thought after season 4, the show got bland, especially how they handled the cliffhanger in the season finale in 1994. They shrugged it off and moved on. A major jump the shark moment. Then other shark biting moments came when Nicki was aged, the shotgun wedding in season five finale, the kitchen fire in season six and I could go on.

TVFactFan · 11-28-2010, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSU2004

I remember reading that James Avery said the ratings in the last season warranted a renewal but Will was ready to move on. I have to see what interview that was and post it. I thought after season 4, the show got bland, especially how they handled the cliffhanger in the season finale in 1994. They shrugged it off and moved on. A major jump the shark moment. Then other shark biting moments came when Nicki was aged, the shotgun wedding in season five finale, the kitchen fire in season six and I could go on.

I actually enjoyed the Kitchen Fire episode-lol

catlover79 · 11-28-2010, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

I actually enjoyed the Kitchen Fire episode-lol

I don't even remember that one.

waichingliu81 · 11-30-2010, 09:22 AM

i enjoyed the first 4 seasons but the last 2 were bland. didn't like the grown up nicky and the second vivian was in most cases, awful compared to the first one.

DSfan · 12-23-2010, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSU2004

I remember reading that James Avery said the ratings in the last season warranted a renewal but Will was ready to move on. I have to see what interview that was and post it. I thought after season 4, the show got bland, especially how they handled the cliffhanger in the season finale in 1994. They shrugged it off and moved on. A major jump the shark moment. Then other shark biting moments came when Nicki was aged, the shotgun wedding in season five finale, the kitchen fire in season six and I could go on.

Don't forget the episode with the clown lol and also the hypnotist (although I loved that one!)

Definitely had many jump the shark opportunities. Especially agreed with the cliffhanger in 1994: "The Fresh Prince of Philadelphia?" OMG

Furienna · 04-12-2011, 05:11 PM

As much as I like this show, it probably was best to end it when they did.

Jamie in CA · 05-27-2011, 01:16 PM

Will Smith wanted to pursue a movie career. And even still, the show ran its course. It wasn't that funny anymore, the new Vivian was horrible, and it wasn't even a top show anymore. They said it probably would have continued for another 2-3 seasons if Will didn't want to move on, but had it ended in 1998/9 instead of 1996, it probably would have ruined Will's potential movie career.

WalrusIsPaul · 06-12-2011, 01:45 AM

It lasted its course. It was a good show and went off the air before your lasting impression was why is it still on. It's one of those you love and wish it was on longer than it was and if it was you would wish it wasn't

ThomasE · 08-03-2011, 01:34 AM

I was in high school during season five. My friend, an actor had a talk with Will and as told that season six would be the last season. So, it was decided that Will would do one more year and then call it quits. So, this was already being planned out. For what it's worth, I loved the second Vivian. I loved DM-R in the role. I'm disappointed that she was reduced to being set dressing and propping. She didn't complain it seems. I'm sure she was like "I already know what happened with Janet. My hubby is already making a killing doing "Sister, Sister". So just give me my paycheck so I can go home". LOL.

10-19-2010, 04:04 PM	#1
tmacsrockets Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Oct 15, 2010 Posts: 23	Why didn't the Fresh Prince last more seasons than it did? Why didn't the Fresh Prince last more seasons than it did? Did viewers leave because Will and Lisa didn't get married?

10-20-2010, 09:17 AM	#2
MrRetro_08 T'ank you veddy much! Forum Regular Join Date: Dec 19, 2007 Location: A Place Far Away Posts: 823	Will Smith wanted to pursue his movie career, which has proved successful for him. To be honest I think the show had run its course anyway.
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10-20-2010, 06:22 PM	#3
TV Knowledge Fan Member Senior Member Join Date: Mar 29, 2006 Location: Long Branch, N.J. Posts: 2,577	If NBC HAD been desperate enough in the 1995-'96 season... ....Will Smith would have been "persuaded" to return for another season of the series, with more "incentives" {bigger salary, part-ownership of the show, a firm commitment for his own production company to produce at least one pilot for consideration as a weekly series, etc.}...as the cast of "FRIENDS" were several years later, when the network was running out of "successful" series on its schedule- so that's why they were on for ten years. If Will hadn't turned to theatrical films, he would have made the same mistake the cast of "FRIENDS" did, and "overstayed his welcome" by about three or four additional seasons.

08-03-2011, 01:34 AM	#15
ThomasE Member Moderator Forum Fanatic Join Date: Apr 04, 2000 Location: New York, New York, U.S.A. Posts: 10,857	I was in high school during season five. My friend, an actor had a talk with Will and as told that season six would be the last season. So, it was decided that Will would do one more year and then call it quits. So, this was already being planned out. For what it's worth, I loved the second Vivian. I loved DM-R in the role. I'm disappointed that she was reduced to being set dressing and propping. She didn't complain it seems. I'm sure she was like "I already know what happened with Janet. My hubby is already making a killing doing "Sister, Sister". So just give me my paycheck so I can go home". LOL.
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11-30-2010, 09:22 AM	#10
waichingliu81 debbie allen Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 28, 2006 Location: london, england, UK Posts: 4,347	i enjoyed the first 4 seasons but the last 2 were bland. didn't like the grown up nicky and the second vivian was in most cases, awful compared to the first one.

04-12-2011, 05:11 PM	#12
Furienna Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Oct 22, 2006 Location: Örnsköldsvik, Sweden Posts: 6,280	As much as I like this show, it probably was best to end it when they did.

05-27-2011, 01:16 PM	#13
Jamie in CA Jamie as in James Occasional Poster Join Date: May 27, 2011 Location: Torrance, California Posts: 56	Will Smith wanted to pursue a movie career. And even still, the show ran its course. It wasn't that funny anymore, the new Vivian was horrible, and it wasn't even a top show anymore. They said it probably would have continued for another 2-3 seasons if Will didn't want to move on, but had it ended in 1998/9 instead of 1996, it probably would have ruined Will's potential movie career.

06-12-2011, 01:45 AM	#14
WalrusIsPaul Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Mar 04, 2001 Location: Pgh,Pa.US Posts: 264	It lasted its course. It was a good show and went off the air before your lasting impression was why is it still on. It's one of those you love and wish it was on longer than it was and if it was you would wish it wasn't